There’s a big shift happening in the Philippine automotive market. What was once a market dominated by small, affordable sedans is now becoming flooded with crossovers. Blending together the best elements of a sedan: fuel economy, handling, low cost of ownership, and an SUV: flexibility, ride height, value-for-money, these crossovers have it all.
Here are 13 subcompact crossovers that have launched in the Philippines in 2020 and so far in 2021.
Changan CS35 Plus
The Changan CS35 Plus is a compact SUV at sub-compact prices. Unlike other choices in its segment, this one is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 230 Nm. The sole transmission is a 7-speed DCT automatic. Features include a passive entry with push-button start/stop, panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.
Chery Tiggo 5X
Understanding the cutthroat competitiveness of the sub-compact SUV segment, Chery’s made the right decision to add more standard features to its Tiggo 5X. Already big (dimensionally) for its segment, it now gets more luxury and convenience features such as a larger infotainment screen, HID headlights, and clearance sensors for both front and back. This is on top of its power driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof, and seven-inch LCD instrument panel.
There’s a big shift happening in the Philippine automotive market. What was once a market dominated by small, affordable sedans is now becoming flooded with crossovers. Blending together the best elements of a sedan: fuel economy, handling, low cost of ownership, and an SUV: flexibility, ride height, value-for-money, these crossovers have it all.
Chery Tiggo 2 Two-Tone
Chery Auto Philippines is adding a new Tiggo 2 variant, this one centered on giving it some extra street cred. Typically, two-tone paint finishes are found on higher-end vehicles. However, as a true mass-market brand, the Chinese automaker is now offering the youthful style on its entry-level crossover.
Chevrolet Trax Premier
Chevrolet Philippines is updating the Trax compact crossover this 2020 with renewed styling and added safety features. Officially known as the Trax Premier, it comes with black bowtie badges, carbon gray wheels (16 inches for the LS, 18 inches for the LT), a rear quarter decal, black fin-type antenna, and functional crossbars. Inside, it gets a cabin air ionizer, dash cam, and an all-weather cargo tray.
Ford Territory
Ford Philippines entered the compact crossover segment with its all-new Territory. Aimed at young professionals and starting families, the Territory offers a technology-driven driving experience wrapped around a sleek, stylish urban-ready design. Done as a joint-venture partnership with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), the Territory packs a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine mated to a CVT.
Hyundai Venue
A response to the growing demand for affordable small crossovers, the Hyundai Venue slots below the Kona in both price and size. Like the Kona, the Venue’s design is small, but big in character. Inside, it’s a back-to-basics approach with a direct focus on space and utility. Under the hood is Hyundai’s 1.6-liter Gamma MPi engine putting out 123hp and mated to a six-speed automatic. For safety, the 2021 Venue has a body made up of 46 percent Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS). It comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control as standard.
JAC S2
One of JAC Philippines’s bestselling models, the S2 has been revamped with a sleeker front-end. While it’s unchanged mechanically—a 111hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a manual or CVT, it does level up when it comes to its interior and convenience features. It now gets leather seating as well as a nine-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Jeep Renegade
Positioned as Jeep’s entry-level model, the Renegade fits the bill for those aspiring to own their first Jeep. The youthfully styled Renegade is juxtaposed with classic design cues making it a standout among the compact crossover class. The bold palette of colors, standard 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, and sunroof all make it great for “urban trailing.” Like the Compass, the Renegade is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch auto.
Kia Stonic
Kia isn’t mincing any words when they said they’re going after the subcompact sedan/hatchback market with their newest offering: the 2021 Stonic. Penned by Kia design guru Peter Schreyer, the Stonic is very European in its design and execution with its sharp, crisp lines. Powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed MT or six-speed AT, it promises peppy responses and excellent fuel efficiency. It also offers unparalleled connectivity and entertainment options as well as a strong value-driven proposition with its affordable SRP.
Mazda CX-30
While it was technically launched in 2019, Mazda Philippines only ramped up their efforts surrounding the CX-30 in 2020. Without a doubt, this crossover’s a stunner and is recognized as a finalist as World Car Design of the Year (it was beaten by its sibling car, the Mazda3). The CX-30 packs a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine and is available in both front- and all-wheel drive.
Ssangyong Tivoli
Yet another sub-million subcompact SUV joins the fray. After missing for most of the year, SsangYong Philippines announces the return of the gas variant of its Tivoli. Slotting in as a mid-trim model, the Tivoli Gas Sport caters to buyers who want a more familiar driving experience. Like before, the 1.6-liter gasoline engine makes 128hp mated to a six-speed auto. Along with the new engine, the Tivoli also sports a new eye-catching design including 18-inch wheels similar to the top-trim version.
Subaru XV
Dubbed the “seriously fun” crossover, the Subaru XV gets revised styling this year. It gets a new grille, bumper, 18-inch alloy wheel design, and an eye-searing new color: Plasma Yellow Pearl. Inside, it gets an updated infotainment system and interior trim. While the changes may seem modest, it does become more formidable off the beaten path with its dual-mode X-MODE system. It’s also much safer thanks to the standard Subaru EyeSight driver assist system.
Toyota Corolla Cross
Sitting below the RAV4 in terms of size and price, the Toyota Corolla Cross aims to bring the brand’s success in the compact sedan space into the small SUV segment. Sharing its basic TNGA GA-C platform with the Corolla, the Corolla Cross swaps the sedan’s independent rear suspension for a newly-developed torsion beam. For the Philippine market, the Corolla Cross comes with two engine choices including the segment’s first gasoline-electric hybrid option.
The subcompact T-Cross is the start of a rejuvenated Volkswagen Philippines—one that brings global products at ultra-competitive prices. The T-Cross is underpinned by the latest MQB architecture, and is powered by a 1.5-liter normally-aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic. It also sports the longest wheelbase in its class translating to class-leading space and cargo flexibility. It’s also loaded with aspirational features such as a 9.2-inch infotainment system and even a sunroof.
Part 2: The newest crossovers on the block—Compact Class
In Part 1, we tackled the “crossover-fication” of the Philippine market with a rundown of the newest subcompact crossovers to arrive on the scene. For Part 2, we’re going a size larger, and this time, we’re listing down the newest compact SUVs.
Changan CS75 Plus
As the sportiest offering among Changan’s local line-up, the compact-sized CS75 Plus comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 178 horsepower and 265 Nm. This is mated to a traditional 6-speed automatic. This one has a push-start system, a CN95 air filtration system, driver-selectable modes, cruise control, 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, 6 airbags, and more.
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
In what could be considered the upgrade of upgrades, the Tiggo 7 Pro is all-new throughout. Chery isn’t shy to admit they’ve benchmarked Japanese compact SUVs, matching them in all criteria. The world-beating performance is also backed up by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 145hp. It’s also chockful of features too at a price that’s unbelievably affordable.
Geely Azkarra
After finding success with its Coolray crossover, Geely is adding their own compact SUV with the Azkarra. Known as the Bo Yue (“Exceedingly Rich”) in China, it’s the segment’s first and only hybrid offering. The 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder shared with the Coolray is paired with an electric motor good for 190hp. It also gets luxury-oriented features such as Nappa leather interior, an N95-certified air filtration system, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with smartphone integration.
Honda CR-V
The country’s bestselling compact SUV gets an upgrade bringing with it a more sophisticated styling along with a host of new safety and convenience features. A new chrome strip runs the length of the lower fascia with bar-type LED fog lamps now standard. In terms of safety, the CR-V adds more features with the Driver Attention Monitor now standard across the line-up. The company’s Honda SENSING—a suite of advanced driver assist system is now available on more trims as well.
JAC S4
Competing in the same segment populated by half a dozen choices, JAC brings in their own fighter—the S4. Penned by JAC’s team in Turin and Tokyo, the S4 adopts the brand’s new styling language. It’s also one fully loaded crossover that comes with advanced driver assist technology. Powering it is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 147hp and comes in both manual or automatic guise.
Jeep Compass
With Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) looking to globalize its Jeep brand, they’ve begun to move the production hub for the Philippine market to its two plants in China. The first to take advantage of this move is the Compass compact SUV. Designed for people who want to achieve the perfect work-life balance, this global SUV features muscular styling and an exceptional glass-to-wheel proportion. Powering it is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic.
Maxus D60
After making a name for itself with MPVs, Maxus Philippines enters the compact SUV arena with the D60. It’s the largest one in the entire segment, and it makes perfect sense to offer one with a seven-seater configuration. Sporting the “sea wave art” design, the D60’s head-turning, while its turbocharged 1.5-liter engine makes it one peppy family-friendly ride.
Mazda CX-5 Diesel Signature AWD
Completing its 2020 CX-5 line-up, Mazda upgrades its top-tier AWD Diesel from Sport to Signature. With that, it adds both aesthetic and performance-oriented changes. Things start with a more powerful 2.2-liter diesel engine with more horsepower and torque than before. Along with the new engine, it gets a re-tuned suspension and active torque vectoring. Exterior changes are limited to the new wheels, but inside, it gets ventilated Nappa leather seats, a frameless rear-view mirror, and a new instrument cluster.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The world’s bestselling plug-in hybrid vehicle arrives in the Philippines. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is equipped with a twin-motor 4WD system. The 2.4-liter motor already generates 128hp, but it’s supplemented by an 81hp front and 91hp rear motor. With a full charge, it can run 55 kilometers without sipping a drop of gas.
Subaru Forester GT Lite
With Filipinos wanting a bit more style, Subaru has responded with the Forester GT Lite. Based on the base 2.0i-L, it adds a spiffy set of aerodynamic add-ons that’s guaranteed to turn heads. The rest of the package remains true to the 2.0i-L, and for that gets features such as leather seats, power front seats (with memory for the driver), and of course, the Subaru EyeSight driver assist system. The best part is that for now, Subaru’s offering the GT Lite as a no-cost option to would-be Forester buyers.
