2023 TOP 5: Our Favorite Cars From This Year

Another year has come to a close, a good one at that. Things have gone back to normal, and for our local automotive industry, not only are sales numbers continuously growing, new brands have entered the market as well.

As we welcome a new year, it’s time once again to round up our top five vehicles for the year among all those we reviewed. 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 price should be less than or equal to Php 3-million to make it more realistically attainable.

We reviewed a little bit less vehicles this year at 41 unlike last year’s 56 but that won’t stop us. Out of that number, 37 are qualified to be part of our list, based on our simple criteria. So here are our top five favorite models for 2023: 

(5) Hyundai Creta GLS

Kicking-off our top five list at fifth place is the Hyundai Creta subcompact crossover. We reviewed the top-spec 1.5 GLS IVT variant which is priced at Php 1.388-million, and is equipped with the most equipment you can get in the lineup, and one of the most in the segment.

Its feature-list includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a full suite of Hyundai Smartsense advanced driver-assist systems that only lacks adaptive cruise control.

It’s not all about features though as its 1.5-liter Smartstream-G naturally aspirated gasoline engine which while not its strongest suite with only 115 hp and 144 Nm of torque, mated to Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), offers decent amounts of performance matched with an overall comfortable drive. 

Watch our review: 2023 Hyundai Creta 1.5 GLS IVT | Car Review

(4) Ford Ranger XLT

The Ford Ranger remains in our top five favorites for this year, this time with the mid-grade 2.0 XLT 4×2 A/T variant which is just bang for the buck. As before, the Ranger is definitely a game changing model despite the older platform. The XLT variant perfectly balances a pickup truck’s utilitarian functions, yet at the same time gives the comfort offered mostly by SUVs and crossovers.

Technology isn’t lacking as well as despite this variant’s affordable suggested retail price of just Php 1.379-million, you still get features like an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and connectivity through the Ford Pass mobile app to control various vehicle functions.

We also particularly really like its 2.0-liter EcoBlue single turbo diesel engine that produces 160 hp and 400 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which seems to offer a much smoother and efficient drive compared to the more powerful and more capable bi-turbo version on the Wildtrak 4×4 and Raptor variants.

Watch our review: 2023 Ford Ranger XLT 2.0 4×2 A/T | Car Review

(3) GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style

At number three we go back to the subcompact crossover segment with the GAC GS3 Emzoom. One of GAC Motor Philippines’ newly launched models this year, the Emzoom is the Chinese automaker’s current strongest sales warrior and it’s not difficult to see why.

In terms of styling, it certainly is eye-catching with the aggressive and sharp lines all around, mixed with choices of metallic or pearl, or matte exterior paint colors which make the vehicle stand out even more. It’s also fully-equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, as well as GAC Motor’s ADiGo suite of advanced driver-assist systems.

The best part about the Emzoom though is how it drives as the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with MegaWave Power is excellent in its performance with a smooth wet dual-clutch transmission, good power and torque delivery, and very good ride comfort. Handling is also a strong suit thanks to the low stance, and standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires on the R-Style variant.

All that you can get for just Php 1.198-million which sounds irresistible.

Watch our reviews: 2023 GAC GS3 EMZOOM R-Style | Car Review | The Geely Coolray killer?

(2) Subaru Crosstrek

At second place we have another subcompact crossover, see the trend? Taking the spot is the Subaru Crosstrek which we just recently reviewed, specifically the entry-level 2.0 i-L EyeSight variant. Despite it not being the most well-equipped in the segment, made more unfortunate by its steep starting suggested retail price of Php 1.998-million, it’s hard to defend the Crosstrek on paper, until you experience it on the road.

It’s very similar to the previous generation XV when you read through its spec sheet with the same 2.0L naturally-aspirated Boxer engine, making 156 hp and 196 Nm, mated to a CVT, but Subaru has improved how it performs with better power delivery. It may not sound like much, but it’s enough.

On-road comfort is one of the best things about the new Crosstrek as the ride is extremely smooth, but firm enough to not make it uncomfortably bouncy. Everything is also well thought out such as the placement of anything you need inside the vehicle. 

The new Subaru Crosstrek is proof that numbers aren’t everything. Again, it’s not the best, but it certainly is done very well.

Watch our reviews: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0 i-L EyeSight | Car Review | Better Than On Paper

(1) Honda HR-V RS

Like the Ford Ranger, the Honda HR-V makes a return to our top five list, this time as number one thanks to our experience with its top-spec 1.5 RS Turbo CVT variant. Its suggested retail price of Php 1.739-million may sound steep but it’s all worth it.

Like its other variants, the RS variant looks sleek and striking on the outside, but taken further with gloss black finishes all around and larger wheels. Its interior is highly similar but gets sporty red accents. It’s also pretty well equipped with standard Honda SENSING which is one of the best in the industry, 8-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda’s LaneWatch camera, among others.

Driving it is the best part. While it shares the same excellent performing 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine with the mid-grade V Turbo variant, and the Civic compact sedan, Honda has done a bit of additional tuning to make it more fun. Agile Handling Assist has been added, making it more fun to toss around in the corners, while maintaining a very well-balanced ride. Comfort and fun are put together in no other way we can ask for.

Again, pricing sounds steep but you can also get other similarly fun and well-equipped HR-V variants for a much more affordable Php 1.389-million (1.5 S CVT) and Php 1.649-million (1.5 V Turbo CVT).

Watch our review: 2024 Honda HR-V 1.5 RS Turbo CVT | Car Review | Our Favorite Small SUV