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Top 10 Cars of 2024: The Standouts That Defined the Year
As we step into 2026, the automotive landscape continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace. Yet, even as new models arrive, it’s worth reflecting on the vehicles that truly made their mark in 2024. This year saw a remarkable blend of innovation, capability, and pure driving pleasure, from rugged off-roaders to efficient family haulers. Join us as we revisit the top 10 cars of 2024 that captured our attention and redefined what’s possible on the road.
Suzuki Jimny 5-Door: The Compact Icon Grows Up
Kicking off our list is the highly anticipated Suzuki Jimny 5-Door, a vehicle that manages to blend timeless design with modern practicality. Building on the legacy of the beloved 3-door Jimny, this new variant addresses the primary limitation of its predecessor: interior space.
The original Jimny captivated enthusiasts with its sophisticated 4×4 system and instantly recognizable silhouette. However, its compact dimensions meant that rear-seat passengers were often an afterthought, and cargo capacity was minimal. The Jimny 5-Door solves this problem elegantly by extending the wheelbase and adding two rear doors, transforming it from a niche off-roader into a genuinely viable everyday vehicle.
Priced starting at P1,558,000, the Jimny 5-Door remains a relatively premium offering in the compact segment. Yet, what it delivers is intangible yet invaluable: character. On challenging terrain, the Jimny’s off-road prowess shines, providing an exhilarating experience that few vehicles can match. This blend of iconic styling, enhanced practicality, and go-anywhere capability makes the 2024 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door a standout in our countdown.
Kia Seltos: Style Meets Substance
At number nine, we have the 2024 Kia Seltos, a compact crossover that strikes an exceptional balance between style, technology, and driving dynamics. The facelifted Seltos received a significant price adjustment compared to its predecessor, but it arrived with a host of upgrades that justify the investment.
Visually, the Seltos stands out with a refreshed front fascia featuring a redesigned grille, striking LED daytime running lights, and a revised bumper that exudes confidence. Higher trims even boast full LED headlights, ensuring the Seltos makes a statement day or night. The rear design complements the front with an updated LED lightbar and sharp taillights, while 17-inch alloy wheels and black cladding add a rugged, premium touch.
Inside, the cabin has been modernized to meet the demands of today’s drivers. The base LX and mid-range EX models feature sporty analog gauges with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, while the top-tier SX variant upgrades to a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster. This technology integration enhances both aesthetics and functionality.
However, the true highlight of the Seltos is its powertrain. The SX variant is equipped with a peppy 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers an impressive blend of power and efficiency. This powerplant, combined with the Seltos’ agile handling, transforms the daily commute into an engaging experience. It’s a testament to Kia’s ability to inject fun into practical vehicles, securing the 2024 Kia Seltos’s place on our list.
Toyota Zenix Hybrid: The New Standard in Family Transport
The eighth spot belongs to the highly anticipated Toyota Zenix Hybrid, the successor to the venerable Innova MPV. Toyota has delivered a vehicle that is significantly larger both inside and out, addressing long-standing criticisms about the Innova’s seating and cargo configurations.
Under the hood, the Zenix offers two distinct powertrain options. The standard gasoline engine, a 2.0-liter M20A-FKS, produces 172 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. However, it’s the hybrid system that truly sets the Zenix apart. The M20A-FXS hybrid pairs a 150-horsepower gasoline engine with a 112-horsepower electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 183 horsepower and an impressive 393 Nm of torque.
What truly impressed us about the 2024 Toyota Zenix Hybrid is its fuel efficiency. Despite its substantial size and gasoline power, this MPV achieves an astonishing 22.3 km/l on the highway and 13.7 km/l in city driving. This efficiency is made possible by Toyota’s sophisticated hybrid system, which operates seamlessly to maximize fuel economy without compromising performance. The transition between electric and gasoline power is so smooth that drivers will barely notice it, providing a refined and relaxing driving experience.
Furthermore, Toyota has engineered the Zenix with improved third-row seating and a more versatile cargo area, making it the perfect vehicle for families who need space, comfort, and efficiency. This combination of practicality and innovation makes the Zenix a clear winner in the 2024 automotive landscape.
Mitsubishi Triton: Redefining the Pickup Segment
Next up at number seven is the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton, a vehicle that arrived with a new name but a familiar, capable spirit. Replacing the Strada, the Triton continues Mitsubishi’s legacy in the pickup truck segment, bringing with it a host of improvements that make it a compelling choice for both work and play.
We had the opportunity to test the top-of-the-line Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4×4, and we were thoroughly impressed with its design, capabilities, and value proposition. Priced at P1,909,000, the Triton Athlete offers a level of refinement and features that rivals much more expensive competitors, making it a significant bargain in the premium pickup segment.
Powering the Triton is Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-liter 4N16 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The range-topping Athlete variant delivers an impressive 201 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque, while the GLS and lower trims offer a robust 181 horsepower and 430 Nm. Power is managed by a six-speed automatic transmission, with 4×4 models like the Athlete featuring Mitsubishi’s advanced Super Select 4WD-II system and an active brake-controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for enhanced off-road control.
Beyond the impressive specifications, Mitsubishi has significantly improved the Triton’s ride quality and introduced a sophisticated terrain management system. This ensures that the Triton remains comfortable and capable on any surface, from smooth highways to challenging off-road trails. The combination of power, technology, and value makes the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton a standout performer in the 2024 automotive market.
Nissan Z: A Driver’s Dream Realized
At number six, we have a vehicle that embodies pure driving passion: the 2024 Nissan Z. Priced at P3,988,000, the Nissan Z is one of the few true sports cars available today that remains attainable for enthusiasts. Nissan didn’t just rewrap the latest Z with a new exterior; they engineered every aspect of this beast from the ground up.
Powering the Z is a potent VR30DDTT 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces a thrilling 378 horsepower and 475 Nm of torque. This power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, delivered through either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission. Stopping power comes from high-performance four-piston Akebono brakes, paired with 19-inch Rays forged wheels fitted with 255/40R19 tires in the front and 275/35R19 at the rear. This combination of power and braking capability ensures that the Z is as capable in the corners as it is on the straights.
Inside, the Z offers a driver-focused cockpit that blends modern technology with retro-inspired design cues. A 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster allows drivers to monitor vital statistics and vehicle conditions, while the nine-inch NissanConnect infotainment display supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and includes USB-C and USB-A ports for charging and connectivity. Enhancing the experience, an eight-speaker Bose sound system comes with Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement, creating the perfect soundtrack for spirited drives.
On the road, the 2024 Nissan Z is simply a ton of fun, delivering smiles for miles with every press of the accelerator. The Z responds eagerly to every driver input, instilling a sense of control and confidence. For the purists, Nissan also offers the Z with a six-speed manual transmission for the exact same price as the automatic, proving that the brand remains committed to the driving experience. This blend of performance, technology, and accessibility makes the Nissan Z a true icon of 2024.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: The Refined Family Cruiser
Taking the fifth spot on our list is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, a vehicle that impressed us with its near-electric driving experience, abundance of features, spacious cargo area, and comfortable interior. While its polarizing exterior design may be subject to debate, there’s no denying that the Santa Fe Hybrid is a well-executed crossover that commands attention.
