Top 5 easy-to-drive crossovers

Updated: June 26, 2024

There is no denying that cars are getting larger and larger. There is also no denying that cars are much easier to drive now more than ever. Crossovers are also popular, and people have been buying new models left and right. The segment is just rife with great options that are great to drive to begin with. 

Because of that, we decided to put together a list of the top 5 easiest-to-drive crossovers available in the Philippines. Some of the criteria that we used in determining whether a car was easy to drive included easy-to-manage dimensions, good tech features, and of course, an automatic transmission.

The next-generation 2023 Ford Territory has grown in size, but it's still quite easy to drive with a peppy 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a much more responsive seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which is a huge upgrade over the former model's DCT. You still get a suite of tech features such as a 360-degree camera for easy parking and of course Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy connectivity.

Next on our list is among MG’s lineup, it's the MG ZS. MG Philippines recently updated its lineup with the addition of the MG ZS MCE alongside the pre-facelift ZS. Regardless of what version you choose though, the ZS promises to provide an easy driving experience with its compact size and capable engine. 

The ZS is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine that puts out 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque and is available with, a five-speed manual transmission, a four-speed automatic transmission, or in the case of the more recent ZS MCE, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). 

In terms of safety features, the automatic transmission variants of the ZS come with electronic stability control, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, and rear parking sensors as standard. These features can greatly aid first-time drivers in getting to grips with driving, allowing them to develop their skills safely.

Launched in 2024, the Kia Sonet entered the market as the South Korean brand’s subcompact crossover offering for the Philippines. Competitively priced and equipped with a host of modern features, the Sonet serves to rival the Japanese Toyota Raize.

Thanks to its compact size, tall ride height, and wide footprint, the Sonet is easy to maneuver around tight city streets. In addition, the Sonet’s 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-pot gasoline engine provides impressive power figures delivering 113 hp and 144 Nm of torque.

In terms of safety, the Sonet also impresses with the inclusion of advanced driver aids (ADAS) in its range-topping SX variant. The Sonet SX’s ADAS suite consists of Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Downhill Brake Control, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. With all these traits and features combined, the Sonet is a crossover that will keep you safe and lessen driving stress.

The smallest crossover in Chevrolet’s lineup in the Philippines is up next. The Tracker fits in the subcompact crossover category, measuring 4,270 mm long, 1,791 mm wide, 1,627 mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. Thanks to its small size, the Tracker makes navigating tight roads a breeze. In addition, it has one of the more aggressive and exciting designs in its segment, sporting sleek headlights, a wide grille, and lots of curves and cuts in the right places. 

Complementing the striking front end is a peppy 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine that puts out 116 hp and 175 Nm. This engine is paired with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, giving the Tracker a good balance between snappy responsiveness and smooth cruising characteristics.

The Toyota Raize is the brand’s entry into the subcompact crossover segment. It is made available in three different variants with two engine options also being available. The range-topper model comes with a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine while the rest of the model range gets a 1.2-liter motor which is also a 3-cylinder. It also brings to the table a host of great technology options such as Apple Carplay and Android Auto with varying screen sizes throughout, a comfortable cabin, and great seats. Visibility is good inside the vehicle thanks to its large windows. It also helps that the Raize also comes with a reverse camera to further aid you when reversing or parking your car. Parking sensors are also available for the higher model with them being positioned at the back and at the front. As a bit of a cool feature, the Toyota crossover will even show you the direction where your wheels are pointing when reversing. It's a beginner-friendly car thanks to its size and thanks to its great feature set. 

If you're thinking about buying a new crossover from our list or any car, check out the AutoDeal Car Guide. You can search for your next vehicle from the comfort of your home. Once you've found the one you want, just click the "Get Quote" button to connect with a sales agent easily.