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The 10 Best Cars of 2024: A Definitive Ranking of Automotive Excellence
By Jerome Tresvalles on January 08, 2025
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The 10 Best Cars of 2024: A Definitive Ranking of Automotive Excellence
As we turn the page to 2026, the automotive landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. New models, innovative technologies, and shifting consumer preferences are constantly reshaping what we expect from our vehicles. While the buzz around upcoming 2026 debuts is electrifying, it’s also the perfect moment to reflect on the standout machines that defined 2024. This past year delivered a remarkable spectrum of automotive achievements—from rugged, adventure-ready off-roaders to sophisticated, tech-laden sedans and powerful, high-performance coupes.
The automotive industry in 2024 was marked by significant trends that continued to accelerate. Electrification is no longer a niche concept but a mainstream force, with automakers investing heavily in battery technology and charging infrastructure. Simultaneously, the demand for versatile vehicles—SUVs and crossovers of all sizes—remained insatiable, catering to families and individuals seeking practicality without sacrificing style. Furthermore, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) became more sophisticated and widely available, enhancing safety and convenience across the board.
In this comprehensive analysis, we’ve curated a list of the 10 most exceptional vehicles that captivated us in 2024. Our selection process goes beyond mere specifications; we consider factors like innovation, market impact, driving dynamics, value proposition, and overall excellence. Whether you’re a discerning buyer searching for your next ride, a tech enthusiast tracking automotive advancements, or simply a car lover appreciating engineering prowess, this list has something to offer. Join us as we revisit the highlights of 2024 and celebrate the machines that set new benchmarks in automotive design and engineering.
The Refined Ruggedness of the 2024 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door
The Suzuki Jimny has long been revered for its iconic, go-anywhere character, but its two-door configuration limited its appeal for those needing more practicality. In 2024, Suzuki addressed this limitation with the introduction of the Jimny 5-Door. This expanded version retains the beloved retro-inspired styling and formidable off-road capabilities of the original while significantly enhancing interior space and accessibility. The longer wheelbase and additional pair of doors make the rear seats genuinely usable for passengers, transforming the Jimny from a niche adventure vehicle into a viable option for small families and groups.
Underpinning its off-road prowess is Suzuki’s robust ladder-frame chassis and a sophisticated 4×4 system, which combine to deliver confidence-inspiring performance on challenging terrain. While its boxy design turns heads on city streets, it’s on unpaved roads and trails where the Jimny truly shines, showcasing its agility and durability. The interior, while prioritizing functionality, also features modern amenities and improved materials compared to its predecessor. Priced at P1,558,000, the Jimny 5-Door isn’t the most affordable vehicle in its segment, but it offers a unique blend of charm, capability, and practicality that’s hard to match. This fusion of vintage aesthetics and modern utility makes the Jimny 5-Door a standout entry in the 2024 automotive landscape.
The Tech-Forward Sophistication of the 2024 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos has established itself as a formidable contender in the competitive subcompact SUV market, and the 2024 facelift elevated its game even further. Priced at P1,158,000 for the top-tier SX AT variant, the updated Seltos commands a premium over its predecessor, but the added investment is justified by a comprehensive suite of upgrades. The exterior receives a dramatic redesign, featuring a bold new grille, redesigned headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, and a revamped bumper that exudes a more upscale and aggressive stance. Higher-trim models even benefit from full LED lighting for a premium look and enhanced visibility.
Inside, the Seltos continues to impress with a modernized and tech-rich cabin. While the base LX and mid-range EX trims sport sporty analog gauges with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, the SX variant upgrades to a stunning 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, providing drivers with a wealth of information in a visually appealing format. The infotainment system is equally impressive, with the top trim boasting a large touchscreen display that seamlessly integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What truly sets the Seltos apart, however, is its driving dynamics. The SX variant is powered by a peppy 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers a delightful blend of responsiveness and efficiency. This powertrain, coupled with the Seltos’s agile handling and well-tuned suspension, makes it one of the most engaging vehicles to drive in its class. The 2024 Kia Seltos proves that practicality and driving pleasure can coexist harmoniously, securing its place as a top pick for discerning buyers.
The Spacious Innovation of the 2024 Toyota Zenix Hybrid
The 2024 Toyota Zenix Hybrid represents a significant evolution in Toyota’s MPV offerings, serving as the successor to the venerable Innova. This new model distinguishes itself with a larger footprint and a more striking exterior design that commands attention. Beyond its imposing presence, the Zenix offers a cavernous interior with ample space for passengers and cargo. Toyota has thoughtfully addressed previous limitations by introducing a more flexible third-row seating arrangement, enhancing the vehicle’s versatility for family transportation.
Under the hood, the Zenix Hybrid offers two distinct powertrain options to cater to diverse needs. The standard M20A-FKS gasoline engine delivers a respectable 172 hp and 205 Nm of torque, providing ample power for daily driving. For those seeking maximum efficiency, the M20A-FXS hybrid system pairs the gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 183 hp and 393 Nm of torque. This hybrid configuration is where the Zenix truly excels. Despite being a gasoline-powered people carrier, it achieves an astonishing 22.3 km/l on the highway and 13.7 km/l in city driving—numbers that rival much smaller vehicles. Toyota’s engineering prowess is evident in the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which operates with such smoothness that drivers may barely notice the transition between gasoline and electric power. This blend of space, efficiency, and refinement makes the 2024 Toyota Zenix Hybrid a compelling choice for families and businesses alike.
The Bold Redesign of the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton
The 2024 model year marked a significant transition for Mitsubishi’s beloved pickup truck, as the Strada was officially retired and replaced by the all-new Triton. While the name may have changed, the spirit of rugged capability and value-for-money performance remains firmly intact. The TritonAthlete 4×4 variant, in particular, captured our attention with its striking aesthetics, impressive capabilities, and compelling price proposition. Priced at P1,909,000, the Triton Athlete stands out as a considerable bargain when benchmarked against premium offerings in the highly competitive pickup truck segment.
At the heart of the Triton is Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-liter 4N16 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, engineered to deliver a potent combination of power and efficiency. The range-topping Triton Athlete 4×4 boasts an impressive 201 hp and 470 Nm of torque, while the GLS and lower trims provide a solid 181 hp and 430 Nm. Power is managed through a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, with 4×4 models like the Athlete benefiting from Mitsubishi’s advanced Super Select 4WD-II system and an active brake-controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for enhanced off-road traction and control. Beyond its mechanical prowess, Mitsubishi has further refined the Triton’s ride quality and incorporated a sophisticated terrain management system, ensuring confident performance across a diverse range of surfaces. The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton represents a new chapter for this iconic nameplate, combining bold design, advanced technology, and proven capability in a package that offers exceptional value to truck buyers.
The Pure Driving Thrill of the 2024 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z has long been a symbol of accessible sports car performance, and the 2024 model continues this legacy with a potent blend of power, precision, and style. Priced at P3,988,000, the Nissan Z stands out as a rare gem in today’s market—a dream car that remains attainable for driving enthusiasts. Nissan’s engineers didn’t just apply a fresh coat of paint to the latest Z; they meticulously re-engineered every aspect of the vehicle to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
At the heart of the Z lies a formidable VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, generating an impressive 378 hp and 475 Nm of torque. This power is sent to the rear wheels through a choice of two transmissions: a precise six-speed manual for purists seeking maximum driver engagement, or a smooth nine-speed automatic for effortless performance. Stopping power is equally impressive, courtesy of four-piston Akebono brakes that provide confidence-inspiring deceleration. The Z rides on 19-inch Rays forged wheels wrapped in performance-oriented tires,
