TOP 5: The best cars we reviewed in 2025
It’s that time of the year once again!
2025 is coming to a close and it was surely a big year for the Philippine automotive industry. Electrification is growing, and we’ve seen more brands and new models coming in left and right. Of course, not every car is perfect, and one car will always stand out from the rest.
That’s why as we welcome the new year, it’s time once again to round up our top five vehicles that we reviewed for the year. As before, we have a simple four-item criteria composed of the following:
- Must have left a mark on us by standing out compared to other models we’ve tested;
- For obvious reasons, we should not own one at the moment;
- We should have been able to test it for at least four days; and
- Its retail price must be less than or equal to Php 3-million to make it more realistically attainable.
This year we reviewed a total of 45 different vehicles, an increase over the 32 vehicles we reviewed last year, and with most of them fitting into our criteria. If you’d like to see our previous Top 5 Cars of The Year, check out the following links: 2022, 2023, 2024
Here are the best cars we reviewed in 2025:
(5) Tesla Model 3
In fifth place is the Tesla Model 3, the first full EV to make it into our Top 5 list, and which can be considered as the “iPhone” of vehicles, mainly due to its simple, tech-focused approach.
With prices starting at Php 2,109,000 for the base Standard RWD and going all the way up to Php 3,099,000 for the Performance AWD variant, one thing is for sure: the simplicity of the car means that it just works. Coupled with the attention to detail that other EVs lack, the excellent software suite and solid driving dynamics, it’s easy to see why this made it.
WATCH: 2025 Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD | Car Review
READ: Tesla Model 3 Performance | The definition of clinical, do-it-all electric performance
(4) Kia Sonet
In fourth place is the Kia Sonet. It sells for a reason and we’re not surprised how it was able to corner by a landslide a huge 76% chunk in the Korean automaker’s local sales because it really shows. For its affordable retail price which starts at just Php 758,000, topping out at Php 1,158,000, it provides a package that fits the needs of first-time buyers and those looking for an affordable runabout.
WATCH: 2025 Kia Sonet 1.5 SX IVT | Car Review
(3) Hyundai Elantra HEV Premium
In third place is the Hyundai Elantra HEV Premium which really caught us off guard, mainly because of how well rounded it is of a package for its Php 1,680,000 asking price.
The Elantra comes with alluring qualities such as engaging driving dynamics, a very efficient engine, and a large and practical cabin. Although it does have a few quirks here and there, and the styling is a love-it-or-hate-it affair, this is exactly what the market needs—a non top-of-the-line hybrid model for everyone to choose from.
WATCH: 2025 Hyundai Elantra 1.6 HEV Premium | Car Review
(2) Mitsubishi Destinator
Taking the second spot, and probably clutched-in as well as it was only very recently launched and reviewed by us, is the Mitsubishi Destinator.
We had a lot of seat time when we reviewed the mid-grade 1.5 GLS Turbo CVT variant which was able to prove that it’s worth all the hype. It wowed us with its practicality and driving dynamics which we did not expect from such a family crossover, and is certainly attractive when it comes to design inside and out.
READ: 2026 Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5 GLS Turbo CVT | The middle child star
(1) Honda Civic RS e:HEV
Retaining the crown as number one among our Top Five Cars of the Year, and for the third year in a row, is Honda, this time with the Civic 2.0 RS e:HEV.
While most may find its Php 1,990,000 asking price quite steep, which it is, it’s a great choice for any kind of drive with its excellent fuel economy which can go up to more than 30km/l inside the city, perfectly balanced fun and comfortable driving dynamics, and a package that just can’t be beat.
WATCH: 2025 Honda Civic RS e:HEV | Car Review | JACK OF ALL TRADES
Photos by Sam Surla and Julian Panlilio
