Here are the SUVs we want to see in PH this 2025

Traditional sports utility vehicle (SUV) models that use a body-on-frame chassis have remained steadfast in the Philippine market. 

If you’re in doubt of the aforementioned, the proof is on the road. Just take a peek outside your nearest thoroughfare, and you will immediately see examples of the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, and many other nameplates. And, of course, sprinkled among the mid-size rides are the monolithic full-size models like the Toyota Land Cruiser. 

So, yes. Filipinos remain madly in love with the traditional SUV. As such, let us look into several examples that we wish would be brought into the Philippine market in 2025. 

To note, the list below isn’t definite proof of their local arrival. Instead, think of it as a wishlist of SUV nameplates we simply want to see in the Philippines in 2025. 

Toyota Fortuner Hybrid

The current generation of the Toyota Fortuner has been around since 2015. Regardless, the nine-year-old AN second-gen version is still going strong and has remained a top seller for Toyota Motor Philippines. 

In South Africa, however, Toyota has decided to introduce a mild-hybrid version of the veritable nameplate. Sure, it carried over the same 2.8-liter turbodiesel mill from a non-electrified version, but it is touted by the brand as more efficient in terms of fuel consumption. 

Specifically, the Aichi-based car company shared that its 48-volt hybrid system helps the SUV to become 10 percent more fuel-efficient compared to the diesel-only version. And for many car buyers, a fuel-sipping but powerful three-row SUV is an attractive prospect. 

So, what is the South Africa-spec Fortuner hybrid offering, other than better fuel mileage? Well, the electrified model’s overall output still clocks in at 201 horsepower (hp) and 500 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. However, the hybrid’s electric motor adds a further 16 hp and 65 Nm of torque to the mix. 

Other notable new features found on the South African Fortuner hybrid include a regenerative braking system and an engine start-stop system. And, of course, it also boasts a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) badge on its tailgate.

For reference, here’s a table showing the specifications of the South African Fortuner hybrid, specifically the 2.8 GD-6 4x4 48V variant: 

Model	Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 48V
Engine	2.8-liter inline-4 turbodiesel
Fuel	Diesel
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain	4x4
Horsepower	201
Torque	500 Nm
Front suspension	Double wishbone
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Hybrid system	48-volt lithium-ion battery, electric motor

Updated Isuzu mu-X

As it is right now, the next-gen Isuzu mu-X is already a contender in the mid-size SUV segment. It makes decent power, and it has a comfy interior filled with a lot of creature comforts. 

In Thailand, however, the current generation of the mu-X was recently given a facelift, which provided it with a more dynamic look. 

Up front, it wears a pair of sharper-looking headlamp clusters, a more prominent grille, a revamped front fog lamp housing, and a more angular-looking front bumper. The Thai-spec RS variant, in particular, likewise received a black-colored roof and roof rails. 

Features-wise, the updated mid-size SUV also received a lot of improvements. It was kitted out with a new instrument panel, a more stylish door card, and a new pattern for its leather-wrapped seats. 

Furthermore, the updated Isuzu also boasts new advanced driver-assist systems, such as the ability to detect pedestrians when entering an intersection. It also has a new automatic braking system to avoid rear collisions. Added visibility and safety are also provided by its new heated windshield to stave off fogging. 

At the moment, Isuzu Philippines has yet to announce its plans to bring in the updated mu-X. However, Isuzu Philippines Incorporated Assistant Division Head for Sales Robert Carlos has already told Zigwheels Philippines that it is currently conducting a feasibility study to find out if the refreshed ride will become a good fit for local buyers. 

For now, here’s a table showing the mechanical specifications for the Thai-spec Isuzu mu-X RS: 

Model	Isuzu mu-X RS
Engine	3.0-liter inline-4 turbodiesel
Fuel	Diesel
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain	4x4
Horsepower	187
Torque	450 Nm
Front suspension	Double wishbone
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Interestingly, the updated mu-X sold in the Land of Smiles also received a new 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine option. 

Dubbed the “MaxForce,” it is sold in Thailand on the model’s lower-spec trims, and it can churn out 160 hp and 400 Nm of torque. 

BYD Yangwang U8

Last year, BYD Cars Philippines dazzled the local market with several car launches. In 2024, the brand introduced the very fuel-efficient Sealion 6 DM-i, the stylishly youthful Seagull, the luxurious but quick Seal, and the practical but peppy Seal 5 DM-i. 

So, with its lineup right now, the Chinese electrification expert’s local arm now has an entry for the smallest hatch, compact crossovers, up to the full-size sedan segment. It is, however, missing a true body-on-frame SUV, which, as mentioned above, is a popular segment in the local setting. 

Luckily, the Chinese marque does have an offering that fits the bill. It is called the U8, and it is produced under its Yangwang luxury-focused subsidiary. 

For the unaware, the BYD Yangwang U8 is an electric range extended vehicle (EREV) equipped with a gasoline-powered range extender. As a result, the EREV model boasts a notable range of 1,000 kilometers, as indicated by the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle. 

The main propulsion unit of the U8, meanwhile, is its quad-motor setup, which delivers power to all four of its wheels. At maximum, it can output a total of 1,180 hp and 1,280 Nm of torque. 

Apart from its on-road cruising capability, the U8 was likewise equipped for off-roading. It comes with front and rear locking differentials, a tank turn feature, and of course, a body-on-frame chassis. 

Notably, the BYD-made beast also received a plush interior. It boasts Nappa leather upholstery, a 12.8-inch OLED curved center display, two 23.6-inch longitudinal screens for the driver and front passenger, a 22-piece Dynaudio Evidence audio system, and three wireless charging pads - among others. 

Here’s a rundown of the BYD Yangwang U8’s mechanical specifications:

Model	BYD Yangwang U8
Motors	Quad motor
Battery	50 kilowatt-hour battery
Range	1,000 km
Drivetrain	4x4
Horsepower	1,180
Torque	1,280 Nm
Front suspension	Air suspension
Rear suspension
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Range extender	2.0-liter Inline-4 turbo

Next-gen Nissan Patrol

The sixth-generation Nissan Patrol is currently sold in the Philippine market with a starting price of P4.758 million. Under its hood is a V8 engine capable of producing up to 403 hp and 560 Nm of torque. 

However, the Japanese marque has already introduced the seventh-generation version in markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern territories. As such, local fans of the large SUV might want to see it sold in the Philippines as well. 

After all, it does come with notable improvements. First, it is propelled by a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Although the aforementioned mill initially sounds like a downgrade, it is more powerful than the old V8, with an output of 426 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Additionally, it was fitted with a new nine-speed transmission and adaptive air suspension.

Here is a table summarizing the specifications of the next-gen Nissan Patrol:

Model	Next-gen Nissan Patrol
Engine	3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
Fuel	Gasoline
Transmission	Nine-speed automatic
Drivetrain	4x4
Horsepower	426
Torque	700 Nm
Front suspension	Air suspension
Rear suspension
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Lexus LX Hybrid

The Lexus LX is already sold in the Philippines as the brand’s flagship model. However, in other countries, the LX nameplate, apart from its V6-only version, also received a hybrid version a few days ago. 

Based on the current fourth-gen LX model, the hybrid version (LX 700h) received a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery. It also uses a 10-speed automatic gearbox, and it has a maximum output of 457 hp and 654 Nm of torque. 

The aforementioned engine output is vastly peppier compared to the standard LX model’s 409 hp and 650 Nm of torque. 

On top of the significant power gain, the LX700h also gained a rugged, off-road capable trim called the “Overtrail.” It was provided with 33-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, front and rear locking differentials, and a center-locking differential - among others. 

Of course, the hybrid and the Overtrail trim come with all the opulence available to the internal combustion-only variant. All trims boast a plush cabin with luxurious leather upholstery and the Lexus version of Toyota’s suite of advanced driver-assist systems. 

Here are the mechanical specifications of the Lexus LX700h Overtrail:

Model	Lexus LX700h Overtrail
Engine	3.4-liter twin-turbo V6
Fuel	Gasoline
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Drivetrain	4x4
Horsepower	457
Torque	654 Nm
Front suspension	Double wishbone
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Hybrid system	Electric motor, nickel-metal hydride battery

Denza N9

Another model we wish to see a Philippine launch is the Denza N9. This full-size luxury SUV was first unveiled by the company in November 2024. 

The N9 is propelled by a hybrid system consisting of a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged gasoline engine and two electric motors. Together, these can generate up to 308 hp. The vehicle also boasts a pure electric range of 165 km and a top speed of 230 kilometers per hour. 

The N9 has a large but slick exterior, though the marque did not share details about its interior and its other mechanical specifications. Being a luxury ride, however, it promises plenty of creature comforts. 

Notably, the Denza brand is another subsidiary of BYD. As shared by BYD General Manager for Sales Asia Pacific Division Liu Xieliang, the luxury automaker will be entering the local market in 2025. 

Final thoughts

So, there you have it folks - the SUV models that we would love to see in the Philippines in 2025. 

As mentioned above, however, there is no certainty as to which of the aforementioned rides will see an actual local launch. Companies, after all, need to be careful when introducing new models, especially in such a competitive segment as SUV. 

Regardless, we remain optimistic, and many car buyers will no doubt pay attention to these rides if they do indeed reach the Philippine market. 

Also read: 

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