Zigwheels PH Top 5 most searched models for 2024

Every car buyer has a preference, their own cup of tea — or coffee — depending on who you’re asking. Some may want a low-riding sedan that can go fast and smoothly attack corners, while others may favor a beefier vehicle with a higher ground clearance and can haul more cargo. 

To give you — our readers — a glimpse of what models were popular among website visitors, here is a quick look at the most searched models in Zigwheels Philippines this year.

Interested to know if your favorite nameplate made the list? Stick around to find out. 

Jeep Wrangler 

It’s not surprising to see many Filipinos search for Jeep Wranglers on our website. This year, we have been constantly battered by a handful of typhoons, and a dependable, go-anywhere sport utility vehicle (SUV) would be the ride you would want to have in these situations. 

Currently, Jeep — distributed by Inchcape Philippines — is offering the Wrangler nameplate in two trims: Sahara and Rubicon. 

Our publication’s Managing Editor Ruben Manahan IV was able to try out the latest iteration of the latter and here is what he has to say: “While keeping the nameplate’s potent formulation, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon — offered in two- and four-door versions — sports modernized aesthetics, bigger tires, enhanced off-road features, premium seats, new infotainment system, and updated safety features.” 

Under the hood of the Jeep Wrangler is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that generates up to 268 horsepower (hp) and 400 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Facilitating smooth gear shifts is an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Backing up its capable powertrain is a four-wheel drivetrain with features, which we have listed below: 

• 4:1 Rock-Trac HD full-time four-wheel drive system
• Increased Dana floating axles for the front and rear (with e-lockers)
• Front disconnecting stabilizer bar
• Performance suspension system
• High-clearance fender flares
• Rock protection sill rails
• Skid plates
• Integrated off-road camera
• Front and rear tow hooks

Customers itching to know their prices can see them in the table here: 

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4-door	P5.78 million
2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2-door	P5.59 million

 

As for the Jeep Wrangler Sahara, it is listed on our website with a sticker price of P5.29 million. 

Ford Territory 

Up next is the Ford Territory. The Blue Oval brand introduced the nameplate four years ago and has since become a staple in the country’s SUV segment. 

Its somewhat sleeker and more elegant design makes it an appealing vehicle to drive in the city, whether as a daily commuter or a family ferry. Ford Philippines is offering the Territory in three variants: Sport, Titanium X, and Titanium. 

Our Managing Editor also happened to have reviewed the SUV’s Titanium X trim, calling its cabin “cavernous.” Standing a little over six feet, he complimented its interior having sufficient knee and headroom for a person of his build and stature. 

He even pointed out that the second-row seats appear to have more headroom than the Ford Everest, attributing the advantage to the Territory’s unibody frame. 

Under the hood of the Ford Territory is the brand’s updated 1.5-liter Ecoboost engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The setup delivers some 158 hp and 248 Nm of pulling power. 

Driving the Ford Territory Titanium X, our Managing Editor praised its capabilities to do “short overtakes,” thanks to its peppy powertrain. 

Marketed to “young affluents and small active families,” the Ford Territory packs a slew of comfort and convenience features: 

• 12-inch digital cluster
• 12-inch colored infotainment system (with Apple Carplay, Android Auto)
• Charing ports and power outlets
• Electronic parking brake
• Rotary e-shifter
• Keyless entry
• 360-degree camera

The prices for the three variants of the Ford Territory are listed here: 

Ford Territory Sport	P1.625 million
Ford Territory Titanium X	P1.599 million
Ford Territory Titanium	P1.335 million

Suzuki Jimny 

The Suzuki Jimny is the third most-searched vehicle on our website, and for a good reason. It combines the ruggedness and capabilities of the aforementioned Jeep Wrangler but delivers this off-roading package in a small and compact form factor, making it a viable city car, like the previously mentioned Ford Territory. 

Making the model more appealing to Filipino car buyers, Suzuki has released a five-door version of the iconic small, go-anywhere vehicle earlier this year — and the author was able to put it through its paces in a two-day trip from Manila to Zambales, and back again. 

Compared to its three-door brother, the second-row passengers of the Suzuki Jimny five-door can enjoy better riding comfort thanks to an extended wheelbase. Further, the boot space also grew bigger, allowing owners to carry more luggage for spontaneous weekend trips as well as for carrying daily necessities,  like laundry and groceries. 

For those who want to geek about its measurements, here are its dimensions: 

Overall length (in mm)	3,820
Overall width (in mm)	1,645
Overall height (in mm)	1,720
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,590
Ground clearance (in mm)	210
Approach angle (in degrees)	36
Ramp breakover angle (in degrees)	24
Departure angle (in degrees)	47

 

Under the hood of the Suzuki Jimny five door is the same 1.-5 liter gasoline engine shared by the three-door model. It is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed slush box. 

It is able to put out some 100 horses with 130 Nm. Based on my experience driving the Suzuki Jimny five-door, the powertrain was capable enough to handle the increased size and capacity of the vehicle. 

Passing through the terrains leading to Lake Mapanuepe, I can say with confidence that the Suzuki Jimny five-door (which was all stock, straight from the dealership) performed admirably well. 

Below are some of its notable features: 

• Analog, digital instrument cluster
• Nine-inch infotainment system (with Apple Carplay, Android Auto)
• Leather steering wheel
• Fabric seats
• Electronic stability program 
• Hill hold control
• Hill descent control

Those interested in driving home a Suzuki Jimny three-door or five-door this holiday season can check out their prices below: 

Suzuki Jimny three-door GL MT	P1.258 million
Suzuki Jimny three-door GLX AT	P1.32 million
Suzuki Jimny three-door two-tone	P1.33 million
Suzuki Jimny three-door Rhino Edition	P1.331 million

 

Suzuki Jimny five-door GL MT	P1.558 million
Suzuki Jimny five-door GLX AT	P1.698 million
Suzuki Jimny five-door two-tone	P1.708 million

Toyota Raize 

Many Filipino car buyers have shown their interest in the Toyota Raize, understandably since the crossover offers the smooth and easy driving experience one would get in a sedan while allowing its owners to carry plenty of items like one would with an SUV. 

That said, the Toyota Raize has become a hit not only to adventurous young professionals but also to families who want a durable and reliable ride that can keep up with their needs. 

I personally experienced the allure of the Toyota Raize (the G CVT variant to be more exact) and have seen first hand the possible reasons why many car buyers are drawn into the crossover. 

Powering the Toyota Raize G CVT is a 1.2-liter gasoline engine accompanied by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In unison, the powertrain system generates as much as 86 hp with 113 Nm of torque. Taking into consideration that you are using a naturally aspirated mill and not a turbocharged powerplant, the performance of the crossover is passable. 

I was able to take the Toyota Raize G CVT to Tagaytay and — to my surprise — it handled slightly ascending roads (while carrying a fair amount of luggage) pretty well. It also drove quite commendably on the expressways as well as in stop-and-go traffic. 

Here are some of its available appointments that most Filipino families might find useful: 

• Fabric upholstery
• Seven-inch thin-film transistor instrument cluster
• Eight-inch infotainment system (with Apple Carplay, Android Auto)
• Six speakers
• Automatic air conditioning system 

Price-wise, here is how much the Toyota Raize will set car buyers back: 

Toyota Raize E MT	P751,000
Toyota Raize E CVT	P841,000
Toyota Raize G CVT	P936,000
Toyota Raize Turbo CVT	P1.063 million
Toyota Raize Turbo CVT (White Pearl / Black)	P1.068 million

 

Honda Civic 

And the top most searched model on Zigwheels Philippines’ website is none other than the Honda Civic. 

The bulletproof sedan has been an iconic nameplate, thanks to its ability to combine a dependable and reliable powertrain that is also fun and exciting to drive. On that note, the Honda Civic is pretty much what the Seiko SKX007 (or now the Seiko 5 Sports family) is to watch enthusiasts — a gateway or an entree to appreciating and loving cars.

Our Managing Editor was able to sample the Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT and called it “one of the sedan segment’s major thrusters.” He also pointed out that the nameplate has kept its strong following even after several iterations. 

Under its hood is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a CVT. It makes a respectable power output of 176 hp with 240 Nm. A set of disc brakes (front and back) facilitate deceleration and halts. 

Stepping into the future, Honda Cars Philippines introduced a hybrid variant of the Civic nameplate not too long ago. Content Writer Cesar Miguel was able to try out the said model, which he described as “refined, athletic.” 

The electrified model packs a 2.0-liter gasoline engine complemented by an electronic, regenerative braking system, a battery, and an electronic CVT. The setup is able to dish out 184 horses with 35 Nm. 

According to our writer, the Honda Civic RS e:HEV can make “short work of overtaking, hill climbing, and highway cruising.” He also lauded the sedan for its “planted and precise” feel when driven on the twisties of Asin Road en-route Baguio City.  

Here are some of the Honda Civic’s features, which car buyers may find appealing: 

• Sporty exterior, interior
• LED lighting 
• Alloy wheels 
• 10.12-inch digital instrument cluster 
• Nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple Carplay, Android Auto)
• Bose 12-piece speaker system

The Honda Civic is priced competitively, giving car buyers and would-be owners a good ride for their money. Below is what the model will cost based on the variant: 

Honda Civic V Turbo CVT	P1.6 million
Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT	P1.79 million
Honda Civic RS e:HEV	P1.99 million

Final thoughts 

And there you have it, an overview of what the visitors of our website search when looking for cars. 

The list shows that many Filipino car buyers lean towards SUV and crossovers, but seeing that the most searched model is a sedan proves that the segment is still strong. 

Did your favorite model make it to our top five most searched vehicles? 

Also read:

Rational ride: Chevrolet Trailblazer Premier

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4X4: rugged, refined

Toyota Avanza G CVT: dashingly dependable