Top 5 best compact CUVs to buy in the Philippines in 2021 (2024)

Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs) have been roaming the Philippines roads for decades since the mid-90s. Its fame has been genuinely accepted by car enthusiasts even though in its truest sense, it is not constructed on a body-on-frame chassis like what a real SUV is.

Backed by the fame of the latter and a more affordable approach in its production, compact crossovers gained a huge attraction that made a lot of Filipinos overlook its unibody construction. With this type of configuration, compact crossovers offer a comfortable riding experience like a sedan and an interior space almost like an SUV – a perfect recipe for discerning car buyers.

To help you get more insights regarding the available compact crossovers in the local market, we have listed down five models that you should consider in 2021 with their complete pricing.

1. Ford Territory (Php 1,199,000 – Php 1,299,000)

In 2020, the Blue Oval Companystepped up its 5-seater SUV lineup in the Philippines with the addition of the Territory. With its introduction in the local market, the compact crossover now joins the Ford EcoSport subcompact crossover as the only crossovers offered by the American car brand.

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Ford Philippines'latest addition to its lineup

The exterior design of the compact crossover comes with striking details that demand presence on the road. Starting from the sleek grille and LED headlamps upfront to the distinctive rear end complemented by the full-width chrome trim that connects both the LED taillights.

One of its most notable characteristics is its wide array of features. Inside, this model is installed with a 10-inch infotainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Bluetooth. The top-of-the-line Titanium+ variant uses an eight-speaker system, while the base Trend variant comes with six speakers.

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Under the hood, the Ford Territory is powered by a 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline-4 gasoline engine capable of generating 141 hp and 225 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which generally provides a better fuel economy as compared to using a geared transmission.

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2. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (Php 1,198,000)

Chery Auto Philippines launched the all-new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro last January 2021. Just 30 days after its introduction, the Chinese car brand managed to sell the model’s first batch. This signifies that the model has the potential to be the top compact SUV in the Philippines.

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The Chinese car brand has stepped up its game with the Tiggo 7 Pro

There are many factors that we can look at to determine why this model sells. One of which is its styling highlighted by its large distinct grille framed with its sleek LED headlamps. It also comes with a floating roof effect thanks to the black trims on the pillars that create the compact crossover’s premium look.

Going to the interior of the Tiggo 7 Pro, the driver and front passenger are greeted by its 10.25-infotainment screen that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which provides entertainment on the road. Some of its safety features include an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP), and a traction control system (TCS).

2021 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Quick Look Review: Getting better and better

The Chinese compact crossover uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine which is also used by its midsize crossover sibling, the Chery Tiggo 8. The engine can put up 145 hp and 210 Nm of torque, and is coupled to a CVT available on its sole variant.

3. Toyota Corolla Cross (Php 1,285,000 – Php 1,650,000)

Perhaps one of the most unheard models from the leading automotive brand in the country, which is Toyota, is the new Toyota Corolla Cross. It was introduced last 2020 to shape up the 5-seater SUV category in the Philippinesas it was designed with a hybrid powertrain.

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Expanding the brand's versatility in the automotive market

The base G variant is powered by a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE 4-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 138 hp and 172 Nm of torque, while the top-of-the-line V Hybrid variant uses a 1.8-liter gasoline hybrid engine that generates 97 hp and 142 Nm of torque. Both the variants are installed with a CVT.

What makes the Corolla Cross V Hybrid variant special is its three driving modes which include Eco, Power, and EV. With this variant-exclusive feature, it maximizes the performance capabilities of the compact crossover depending on the driver’s mobility needs.

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Philippines: Swipe left or swipe right?

In 2020, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMP), the official business unit of Toyota in the country, managed to sell 598 units of the compact crossover in the local market. In consideration of the sales figure, one can say that it is one of the most underrated vehicles of the same year.

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4. MG RX5 (Php 1,058,888 – Php 1,298,888)

The most affordable compact crossover off this list is the MG RX5 with a starting price of Php 1,058,888 for the base Core variant. It is the more spacious and larger alternative to the British-bred car brand’s best-selling 5-seater compact SUV in the Philippines, the MG ZS.

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The compact crossover entry from the British-bred car brand

As for the design, this compact crossover comes with stylish character lines that give the model its aerodynamic-looking body. The front fascia is installed with halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that blend well with its horizontal chrome grille.

When considering the MG RX5’s styling and affordable pricing, it is ideal to be owned by young individuals who have an active lifestyle or those who are just starting with their careers. It also comes with a panoramic sunroof that provides a more premium feel for drivers and passengers.

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A premium finish at an affordable price

Powering this British-bred compact crossover is a 1.5-liter 15E4E inline-four turbocharged gasoline engine capable of generating 166 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The base Core variant utilizes a manual gearbox, while the Style and Alpha variants use a 7-speed double-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

5. Honda CR-V (Php 1,678,000 – Php 2,158,000)

Last but certainly not least, the Honda CR-V compact crossover. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), the official business unit of Honda in the country, introduced the facelifted version of its fifth-generation model last 2020 in the local market alongside the new fifth-generation of Honda City subcompact sedan.

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Facelifted version of the fifth-gen model

Design-wise, the Japanese compact crossovernow comes with a more appealing exterior look thanks to its LED headlamps, LED foglamps, black-colored claddings, and chrome trims throughout the vehicle. Inside, this vehicle can come with either a 5-seating or 7-seating configuration, depending on the chosen variant.

Under the hood, the Honda CR-V comes with two engine options, namely the 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine and a 2.0-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine. The diesel powertrain can make 118 hp and 300 Nm of torque, while the gasoline powertrain can make 152 hp and 189, and is only available on the base S variant.

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As for pricing, the Honda CR-V is indeed a relatively expensive compact crossover even when compared to other top compact SUVs in the Philippines. The price tag starts at Php 1,678,000 for the base S 2.0 CVT variant and goes up to Php 2,158,000 for the top-of-the-line SX 1.6 AWD AT Diesel variant.

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Top 5 best compact CUVs to buy in the Philippines in 2021 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best selling SUV in the Philippines? ›

Embodying top-notch qualities and delivering a next-level driving experience, the Toyota Fortuner has earned kingship within its category. The Fortuner never missed the list of the country's top selling 7-seater SUVs every year.

Which compact SUV has the least problems? ›

Most reliable small SUVs
  • Suzuki Ignis (2016-present) Reliability rating 99.4% ...
  • Mazda CX-3 (2016-2023) Reliability rating 98.3% ...
  • Hyundai Kona (2017-2023) Reliability rating 98.2% ...
  • Audi Q2 (2016-present) ...
  • Toyota Yaris Cross (2021-present) ...
  • Mini Countryman (2017-present) ...
  • Honda HR-V (2015-2022) ...
  • Volkswagen T-Cross (2019-present)
Mar 16, 2024

What is the best mid size SUV in Philippines? ›

What are the best SUVs in the Philippines
  • Toyota Fortuner. The Toyota Fortuner is one of the most popular SUVs in the Philippines and is often considered the benchmark in the midsized segment. ...
  • Mitsubishi Montero Sport. ...
  • Ford Everest. ...
  • Nissan Terra. ...
  • Isuzu mu-X.

Why are SUVs so popular in the Philippines? ›

Key Takeaway

The reasons why crossovers are popular in the Philippines can be attributed to their versatility, spaciousness, efficient engine performance, fuel economy, and great value for money.

What is the most bought car in the Philippines? ›

Toyota Vios is still the undisputed best-selling car in the Philippines in 2023, by far. The Philippine auto industry performed beyond expectations in 2023 and is well on its way toward the goal of 500,000 units with 441,408 vehicles sold by nearly 50 global automotive brands.

What is the number one car brand in the Philippines? ›

In 2023, Toyota held about 45 percent of the total automotive sales in the Philippines, followed by Mitsubishi with 17.83 percent. In that year, over 441 thousand automotive vehicles were sold in the country.

What is the best selling SUV in the Philippines in 2024? ›

The Toyota Fortuner, specifically the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G Diesel 4×2, along with the Kia Sorento, is expected to continue its popularity as top SUV cars in the Philippines in 2024.

What brand is the best SUV? ›

Top-rated compact SUVs include perennial favorites such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. In the luxury class, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is a top-rated midsize SUV, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS competes with the Lincoln Navigator for top honors in the full-size SUV segment.

What mid-size SUV has the highest resale value? ›

What is the midsize SUV with the best resale value? The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has the best resale value among midsize SUVs. The Wrangler Unlimited retains 76.3 percent of its value after 5 years, with an average price of $32,915 for 5-year-old models.

Why is Toyota popular in the Philippines? ›

One of the first things that we're frightfully aware of in the Philippines is that Filipinos love the Toyota brand. Not only is it one of the pillars of the auto industry, but it also stands for quality, longevity, reliability, and more.

Why vehicles are expensive in Philippines? ›

Since almost all cars here are being imported from other countries (those that are completely built-up units or CBUs), you have to pay extra for importation duty taxes and another 12% value-added tax on top of the original price of the vehicle.

Why are white SUVs so popular? ›

Some reasons for its popularity include the fact that white is associated with modern and progressive themes due to its connection to technology products such as the Apple iPhone. It's also one of the lowest maintenance car colors to keep looking clean due to its unique ability to hide dirt compared to many colors.

What's the highest selling SUV? ›

Top 20 Best-Selling SUVs Of All Sizes in 2023
  • Toyota RAV4. 434,943. 19%
  • Honda CR-V. 361,457. 52%
  • Nissan Rogue. 271,458. 46%
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee. 244,597. 10%
  • Chevrolet Equinox. 212,701. 0.3%
  • Hyundai Tucson. 209,624. 20%
  • Ford Explorer. 186,769. 10%
  • Toyota Highlander. 171,289. 23%
Jan 15, 2024

Which is the No 1 SUV in the world? ›

World Best Selling SUV 2024. Toyota RAV4 Takes Leadership

The best-selling SUV in Q1 2024 becomes the Toyota RAV4, leading with 241,549 sales (+30.0%). The Toyota icon was leader uninterruptedly from 2016 to 2022. The second best-selling SUV is the last year's leader the Tesla Model Y, with 193,962 sales (-26.9%).

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