Unveiling the Automotive Icons of 2024: A Comprehensive Review
As the calendar flips to 2025, the automotive landscape is already buzzing with the promise of innovation and excitement. Yet, before we fully immerse ourselves in the latest releases, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the vehicles that defined the year that was. 2024 was a landmark year, marked by significant advancements in electrification, the evolution of iconic nameplates, and the emergence of compelling value propositions across all segments.
Join us as we revisit the most exceptional vehicles of 2024—a diverse lineup spanning rugged off-roaders, refined family sedans, formidable pickup trucks, and exhilarating sports coupes. This curated selection represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering, design, and performance from the past year.
Suzuki Jimny 5-Door: The Quintessential Off-Roader Evolves
Our journey begins with the highly anticipated Suzuki Jimny 5-Door. Building upon the legendary status of its three-door sibling, the 2024 Jimny 5-Door arrived as a practical yet undeniably characterful evolution of an icon.
The original Jimny captured hearts with its sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and timeless design, capable of turning heads even in the most urban environments. However, its compact dimensions and limited rear-seat space presented compromises for those requiring greater utility. The 5-Door variant addresses these limitations head-on with a thoughtfully extended wheelbase and the addition of two rear doors, transforming the Jimny into a genuinely viable option for small families and adventure enthusiasts seeking more than just a weekend toy.
Priced starting at P1,558,000, the Jimny 5-Door occupies a unique niche. While competitors may offer more conventional practicality at lower price points, the Jimny delivers an intangible quality: sheer driving charisma. On challenging terrain, its off-road prowess shines through, offering an immersive and rewarding experience that few vehicles in its class can match. It’s a testament to Suzuki’s commitment to preserving the pure driving essence that has made the Jimny a legend for generations.
Kia Seltos: Style, Substance, and Surprising Spunk
Next on our list is the 2024 Kia Seltos, a vehicle that masterfully balances head-turning design with everyday usability. The facelifted Seltos commanded attention with a refreshed exterior that featured a bold new grille, redesigned LED headlights with striking daytime running lights, and a revamped bumper incorporating black accents and a skid plate for a more aggressive stance. Higher-trim models elevated the lighting signature with full LED headlamps, while the rear received a modern LED lightbar and sharper taillights that harmonized with the front fascia. Completing the dynamic profile were 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 tires, framed by black plastic cladding that emphasized its crossover credentials.
Step inside, and the Seltos’ interior continues its upward trajectory. The cabin has been thoughtfully modernized, offering a blend of sporty and premium touches. Base LX and mid-range EX models feature a driver-focused cockpit with sporty analog gauges and a 4.2-inch multi-information display, providing essential information at a glance. For those seeking the ultimate digital experience, the top-tier SX trim upgrades to a fully configurable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, offering a comprehensive and customizable view of vehicle data.
However, what truly elevates the Seltos experience is its powertrain. The SX variant’s 1.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers a delightful surge of power and torque, making the Seltos one of the most engaging vehicles to drive in its segment. Coupled with agile handling and responsive steering, the Seltos proves that sensible crossovers don’t have to be boring. It’s a testament to Kia’s philosophy of blending style, technology, and driving enjoyment.
Toyota Zenix: Reinventing the Family MPV
At number eight, we celebrate the arrival of the Toyota Zenix Hybrid, a vehicle that reimagines the traditional family MPV for the modern era. Larger and more spacious than its Innova predecessor, the Zenix boasts a striking design that commands attention on the road. Toyota has also addressed a key usability concern with an improved third-row seat folding arrangement, significantly enhancing cargo flexibility and making the Zenix a formidable contender for families on the go.
The Zenix offers two distinct powertrain options to cater to diverse needs. The standard M20A-FKS gasoline engine delivers a robust 172 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm of torque between 4,500 and 4,900 rpm, providing ample power for daily driving demands. For those prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing performance, the M20A-FXS hybrid system pairs the gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 183 horsepower and an impressive 393 Nm of torque. This synergy between electric and gasoline power delivers a refined and responsive driving experience.
However, the most remarkable aspect of the Zenix Hybrid is its astonishing fuel efficiency. Despite being a gasoline-powered people carrier, the Zenix is capable of achieving an outstanding 22.3 km/l on the highway and a commendable 13.7 km/l in city driving conditions. Toyota’s engineering team has meticulously integrated the hybrid system to operate seamlessly, ensuring that the transition between gasoline and electric power is virtually imperceptible. This creates a serene and effortless driving experience that allows drivers to focus on the journey, not the powertrain.
Mitsubishi Triton: A New Era of Capability
Next up is the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton, marking a significant milestone as the successor to the long-standing Strada nameplate. While the name may be new, the Triton carries forward Mitsubishi’s legacy of producing capable and reliable pickup trucks. The top-of-the-line Triton Athlete 4×4 variant, priced at P1,909,000, presents a compelling value proposition that challenges established norms in the premium pickup segment.
At the heart of the Triton lies Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-liter 4N16 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The range-topping Athlete variant unleashes an impressive 201 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque, providing ample muscle for hauling and towing. Lower-trim GLS and base models deliver a solid 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, ensuring that every Triton variant offers confident performance. Power is channeled through a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, while 4×4 models like the Athlete benefit from Mitsubishi’s advanced Super Select 4WD-II system and an active brake-controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for enhanced traction and off-road control.
Beyond its impressive powertrain, Mitsubishi has elevated the Triton’s ride quality through a sophisticated terrain management system that ensures confident progress over virtually any surface. Whether navigating urban streets or tackling challenging off-road trails, the Triton inspires confidence with its refined handling and unwavering capability. It’s a testament to Mitsubishi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a pickup truck.
Nissan Z: The Return of a Legend
The sixth spot on our list is reserved for a vehicle that embodies the spirit of automotive passion: the 2024 Nissan Z. Priced at P3,988,000, the Nissan Z stands as one of the most attainable dream cars available on the market today. Nissan has done more than simply update the Z’s styling; they have engineered every aspect of this iconic sports car to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
At the heart of the Z beats a potent VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, unleashing 378 horsepower and 475 Nm of torque. This power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, driving the Z with exhilarating force. Prospective owners can choose between a classic six-speed manual transmission for purists seeking ultimate driver engagement, or a modern nine-speed automatic transmission for added convenience. Stopping power is equally impressive, courtesy of four-piston Akebono brakes paired with 19-inch Rays forged wheels wrapped in 255/40 R19 tires at the front and 275/35 R19 at the rear.
Inside, the Z’s cockpit is designed to keep the driver at the center of the experience. A 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster allows drivers to tailor their view of vital vehicle information and performance metrics. The nine-inch NissanConnect infotainment display supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C and USB-A ports for seamless device connectivity. Complementing the digital experience is a premium eight-speaker Bose sound system featuring Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement, creating an immersive audio environment.
On the road, the Nissan Z is pure joy. Every input is met with immediate response, allowing drivers to feel fully connected to the machine. The precise steering and balanced chassis make the Z incredibly rewarding to drive at any speed, while the availability of a manual transmission option ensures that automotive purists can fully immerse themselves in the experience. It’s a modern icon that proudly carries the torch of its storied lineage.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Blending Luxury, Space, and Efficiency
Taking the fifth position on our list is the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. This remarkable vehicle impressed us with an almost electric vehicle-like driving experience, an abundance of cutting-edge features, a cavernous cargo area, and an exceptionally comfortable interior.
While the Santa Fe’s bold and polarizing exterior design may spark debate, there
