AutoIndustriya.com presents awards for 2025 Editors’ Picks
The outstanding vehicles of 2024 recognized by AutoIndustriya.com Editors
2025 saw the Philippine automotive industry inch even closer to the 500,000 unit sales mark, reaching a new milestone of 492,558 vehicles sold.
On a highly competitive market where buyers are spoiled with plenty of choices for their mobility needs from both new players and established brands, we at AutoIndustriya.com have recognized the vehicles that have hit, or surpassed expectations in their own respective segments in our annual Editors’ Picks and Car of the Year awards.
Just like the previous editions, the basis of our selection was that candidates and winners for Editors’ Picks and Car of the Year included vehicles that were either launched, driven, or reviewed by the editorial team of Autoindustriya.com in 2025.
Now that we’ve announced the winners, Autoindustriya.com has visited the brands to present their awards.
As Your First Car Winner: BYD Seal 5
Finalists: Toyota Ativ / Chery Tiggo Cross / MG ZS
Affordable options dominated our “As Your First Car” category, with Chery and MG offering sub-PHP 1 million B-segment crossovers like the Tiggo Cross and ZS Comfort CVT, appealing to buyers who want SUV-like ground clearance and solid features on a budget. The all-new Ativ 1.3 in manual and CVT form stood out for delivering the trusted reliability associated with the Vios nameplate, now in a larger and more comfortable package.
But still, it’s the Seal 5 from BYD that emerged as the clear winner, being the only plug-in hybrid among the finalists while staying under the PHP 1 million mark—an increasingly compelling proposition as electrification gains traction in the Philippines, thanks to its generous features and size for the price.
For The Family Winner: Chery Tiggo rEV
Finalists: Kia Carnival HEV / Mitsubishi Destinator / Hyundai Stargazer / BYD eMAX 9
In the “For The Family” category, we recognized BYD and Kia with the eMAX 9 and Carnival HEV, respectively, which delivered first-class comfort. But at prices north of PHP 2.5 million, accessibility for those models is limited for most buyers. Meanwhile, the refreshed Hyundai Stargazer added more family-friendly features, and Mitsubishi offered the turbocharged 7-seater Destinator across a broad price range.
Ultimately, it’s Chery that took the spotlight with the Tiggo rEV, a competitively priced and well-equipped PHEV SUV that even undercuts last year’s Car of the Year winner, the Sealion 6, while adding two more seats. Backed by solid build quality, comfortable road manners, generous tech, and improving aftersales support from Chery PH, the Tiggo rEV stands out as a compelling 7-seat option starting at PHP 1.528 million.
Electrified Drive – Hybrid Winner: Jetour T1 Lightning
Finalists: Hyundai Kona HEV / BYD Sealion 5 / Ford Territory Hybrid
Ford stepped up by introducing a hybrid version of the Territory in the Philippine market, addressing the powertrain refinement issues of the previous ICE model while delivering noticeably smoother performance and improved fuel economy. Meanwhile, BYD offered the Sealion 5, which felt like a lighter take on the Sealion 6. It was impressive in range and features, but ultimately overshadowed by our experience with the larger model. Hyundai also surprised with the Kona Hybrid, which impressed with excellent efficiency, outstanding comfort, strong safety features, and competitive pricing despite being sourced from Korea.
In the end, however, it was Jetour that delivered the biggest impact with the T1 Lightning—a stylish and spacious crossover that drove well in various conditions, offered solid electric range, and surprised with a premium feel that signaled how far Jetour’s automotive quality had progressed.
Electrified Drive – BEV Winner: Kia EV5
Finalists: Geely EX5 / Lynk & Co 02
Battery electric vehicle launches had been relatively limited in 2025, leaving entries such as the Geely EX5 and the Lynk & Co 02 which both stemmed from the wider Geely group to represent much of the segment. The 02 had catered to buyers drawn to edgier EV styling, while the EX5 had appealed to those preferring a more traditional crossover silhouette with a sealed-off grille.
Despite their strengths, it was the yet-to-be-launched EV5 from Kia that ultimately secured the win. The EV5 had embodied the brand’s signature traits—distinctive design, strong perceived build quality, and confident road manners—while delivering the torquey, engaging, and long-range performance expected from the shared E-GMP platform developed by Kia and Hyundai. Although Kia Philippines is still yet to announce official pricing, indications suggest it’s positioned to challenge Tesla.
Electrified Drive – Premium Winner: Lexus LM
Finalists: Aito M9 / Zeekr 009 / BMW X3 30e xDrive / Porsche Macan EV
In the premium segment, the year had showcased an impressive mix of EVs, PHEVs, and HEVs, including the high-tech Aito M9, the all-electric Zeekr 009 MPV, the plug-in hybrid BMW X3 30e xDrive, and the Porsche Macan EV, which brought distinct strengths to the table. Yet in a class where expectations leave no room for compromise, it was the LM from Lexus that ultimately emerged as the winner.
The LM had embodied what many considered a pure and traditional Lexus experience: exceptional refinement, top-tier comfort, and meticulous attention to detail that elevates every journey. Whether configured as a 4-seater limousine or a more versatile 7-seater, it had delivered precisely what buyers in this segment sought. Adding to its appeal, the LM had also featured a self-charging hybrid powertrain—offering efficiency without demanding the charging routines associated with fully electrified rivals.
Driven to Thrill Winner: Toyota GR Corolla
Finalists: Nissan Z NISMO / Ford Mustang Mach-E
On our trip to Australia, we experienced the Mustang Mach-E on flowing country roads and tight twisties, which reminded us that Ford could build a Mustang that was exciting yet approachable to drive. The Nissan Z NISMO, meanwhile, dialed everything up with sharper suspension, more power, and track-focused grip.
Still, in a year dominated by electrification, our ultimate Driven To Thrill winner struck a perfect balance between excitement and usability. That honor went to the Toyota GR Corolla, which delivered the AWD, turbocharged, manual thrills of a GR Yaris but with five seats and a larger cargo area. It offered genuine performance without the daily compromises of a low-slung sports car, making it easier to live with, and perhaps even easier to justify at home.
Weekend Warrior Winner: Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid
Finalists: Nissan Patrol / BYD Shark 6 / GWM Cannon
The BYD Shark 6 impressed as a large PHEV pickup with V2L capability that could power a campsite, though its size and questioned 4x4 credentials raise some concerns. The Nissan Patrol offered proven off-road ability and upscale features, but its high price and slightly bouncy ride pushed it firmly into luxury territory, while the GWM Cannon delivered tougher performance with a bigger engine, but the daily-driving comfort could leave buyers wanting a bit more.
In the end, it was the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid that struck the best balance and claimed our Weekend Warrior trophy. True to Subaru form, it combined all-wheel drive, composed handling, generous cabin space, and X-Mode capability for light trails. Its updated hybrid system also addressed past fuel efficiency concerns, making it far more practical for everyday use. Altogether, the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid blended performance, efficiency, and usability in a way that makes weekend adventures easy without sacrificing daily comfort.
Car of the Year: Mitsubishi Destinator
Finalists: Jetour T1 Lightning / BYD Seal 5 / Chery Tiggo rEV / Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid
Several contenders impressed us this year, including the Jetour T1, the Chery Tiggo rEV which was praised by other global outlets, and the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid, which even earned top honors in Japan. The BYD Seal 5 also stood out for offering plug-in hybrid tech at under PHP 1 million. Though despite its strong value, it did not fully win us over on an emotional level. In the end, our Car of the Year went to the Mitsubishi Destinator, even if it did not top a specific category or ride the hybrid wave of 2025.
It earned the nod for delivering what we had long wanted from Mitsubishi: an exciting, all-new model that felt true to the brand’s heritage. With its spacious seven-seat layout, peppy turbo engine, engaging handling aided by Active Yaw Control, and strong everyday usability—from ground clearance to cooling and tech—it proved versatile enough to fit multiple roles. It may not be electrified, but the Destinator reminded us that a well-built, enjoyable internal combustion vehicle still had a meaningful place in the market, making it our clear Editors’ Picks Car of the Year.
