If automobiles were pants, crossovers would be the slim jeans. That would be my close “guestimation,” but I could be wrong. Is straight-cut in vogue again or are bell-bottoms making a comeback?
Enough about pants though because what’s for darn certain is that crossovers are the hottest thing in automobiles right now. Everyone who’s anyone seems to own a crossover, and those who aren’t are waitlisted for one. Those who can’t afford it are praying over their 6/58 lotto ticket so they can buy one.
For the last two, while you’re still either on the fence or waiting for funds, whet your appetite with our list of crossovers in the market that you should definitely give a look-see.
1| Porsche Photo by PORSCHE . Cayenne This is a mid-sized crossover with three powertrain options, a 3.0L turbocharged V6, 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (both naturally aspirated), and a 3.0L turbo V6 complemented by a hybrid system. Seats are all leather at this level, driver’s seat with 14-way adjustment, and certain trims will have massage function as well. There are five basic trims matched by four coupe examples, which will make choosing between nine Cayennes a little tricky. Price starts are P8.5 million.
Photo by PORSCHE . Macan The smaller of Porsche’s crossovers, the Macan has four trims available locally beginning with the base trim using a straight-four turbocharged 2.0L engine all the way to the 3.0L V6 Macan Turbo. That compact body may be tall but its coefficient of drag is a smooth 0.36 and the cabin is blinged out with luxurious amenities befitting the brand. Entry-level model will cost you a cool P6.2 million.
2| Audi Photo by AUDI . Q2 It rivals the shortest crossover out there in length but it boasts of a wheelbase as big as compact SUVs, which literally gives it the best of both worlds—a compact exterior with significant interior space. The C-pillars have color offset blades that add a youthful accent and fun vibe to this five-seater. Units sold in the Philippines will be non-quattro models and will only display a single tailpipe in the rear. It uses a turbocharged 1.0L straight-three gasoline engine sending 115 HP and 200 Nm of torque to a seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission. This cutie will cost you P2.780 million.
Photo by AUDI . Q3 Launched just late last year, the all-new Q3 is longer and wider than its predecessor, which means more space for passengers and even cargo. It already has a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with split-screen capability and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Under the hood is a 1.4L turbo gasoline engine delivering 150 HP and 250 Nm of torque to the wheels via a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Retail price is P3.390 million.
Photo by AUDI . Q5 There are two engine options for this model, a 2.0L TDI turbodiesel with 190 HP and 400 Nm of torque and the 2.0L TFSI gas engine with 250 HP and 370 Nm of torque. Both have the brand’s quattro all-wheel drive system and a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Its façade looks so good it feels like putting a license plate on it is kind of like taking a knife to the Mona Lisa. It has a bigger touchscreen at 12.3 inches and a 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3D system. Price of the diesel unit is P5.05 million.
3| BMW Photo by BMW . X1 This is one svelte-looking crossover, low-slung yet looks large enough for a party of five. A new one was just launched mid-February, the X1 sDrive 18d xLine. It has a four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0L engine that puts out 150 HP and 350 Nm of torque. There are two USB-C ports inside to show that it keeps up with the times already, plus a 6.5-inch screen handled by the iDrive Controller. This sets you back P3.090 million.
Photo by BMW . X2 A notch higher and a little larger is the X2 that uses a more powerful version of the engine found in the X1. It generates 190 HP and 400 Nm of torque, which can send the vehicle to 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.7 seconds. A full-color heads-up display is optional, including various M Sport and M Sport X interior appointments. If you’re eyeing this, you’re in luck because while the regular price is P4.390 million, discounted SEA games-used units are just at P3.190 million right now.
Photo by BMW . X3 Then of course, there’s the granddaddy of BMW crossovers, the X3. Now in its third generation, you can choose between the xLine or the M Sport models here in the Philippines. Both are powered by a 2.0L turbodiesel engine mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Price starts at P4.390 million.
4| Mercedes-Benz Photo by Mercedes-Benz . GLA The GLA has two trims, the 180 Urban and 200 AMG Line. The former comes with a 120 HP and 200 Nm of torque from a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine. A Dynamic Select switch allows you to drive in either Normal, Sport, or Eco mode. It already comes with the brand’s Cockpit Management and Data System or COMAND. The top-of-the-line squeezes more power from the same 1.6L turbocharged engine allowing it to pump out 154 HP and 250 Nm of torque. Both trims use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Price starts at P2.790 million
Photo by Mercedes-Benz . GLC Refreshed just late last year, the GLC 200 Exclusive now comes with plenty of new features including an Attention Assist System, Cruise Control with Speedtronic variable speed limiter, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Assist. It still uses a 2.0L engine but output now is at 197 HP and 320 Nm of torque. Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch monitor inside controlled by a touchpad and also voice-activated through the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). Price is P4.290 million.
5| Volkswagen Photo by Volkswagen . Tiguan Just because it looks plain, doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer. The dashboard is a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, all controls are clearly labelled, and it offers the basic connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB, and even SD cards slots. It uses a 1.4L gasoline engine with 148 HP and 250 Nm of torque. There is some turbo lag but it does pick up close to nine kilometers per liter in the city. It’s one of the most affordable turbocharged crossovers out there at P1.648 million.
6| Toyota Photo by TOYOTA . RAV4 There’s the LTD, XLE, and LE ranked from highest to lowest trim. The entry-level trim retails for P1.653 million and at this level you get key-in ignition, plus manually adjustable fabric seats. Love the design of the cockpit though with its polygonal shapes inspired by the body and the oversized door handles borrowed from the FJ Cruiser. Its best feature is the Dynamic Force engine which uses 13:1 compression for extra power and torque to make the drive live up to the RAV4 spirit.
7| Honda Photo by HONDA . BR-V Choose between three trims, the top-of-the-line V CVT, Prestige CVT, and S CVT. The latter already gets you a decently appointed cabin with a seven-inch touchscreen, USB port, and even steering wheel controls. It has rear A/C and handles almost as well around corners as the Brio, whose platform it shares. All trims use a 1.5L gasoline engine. Cop this S CVT for only P1.35 million.
Mobilio Want the same BR-V layout at a more affordable price? Honda has just the model for you. The Mobilio is a seven-seater and comes in three trims as well, the E (manual transmission), V CVT, and RS Navi CVT. If you want to save and can drive “stick,” this is just at P895,000. At that price you already get 120 horses kicking up 145 Nm of torque to a 5-speed manual transmission. Seats are fabric, aircon is manual but it does have rear vents. You’ll also get Honda’s MID (multi-information display), LED headlight, fog lamps, and even DRLs. Sadly, it doesn’t have Bluetooth but you can plug your device in a USB port.
Photo by HONDA . HR-V Only two choices here, the RS Navi CVT and the E CVT. The top trim is a little pricey at P1.508 million and only sports a 1.8L engine, but its size and features more than make up for it. It’s stylishly compact, more so than the CR-V IMHO. I love the 17-inch RS Design Black Alloy Wheels and the RS garnishes front and back. It has a seven-inch touchscreen display audio inside, leather seats and steering wheel, four rear sensors, plus driver/front passenger/side airbags.
8| Mazda Photo by MAZDA .
CX-3 The smallest of Mazda’s crossovers, but just as pretty as the rest, the CX-3 sports the prettiest form of the automaker’s “Kodo” design philosophy. It uses LED headlamps with daytime running lamps (DRLs), LED fog lamps, and even LED rear combination lamps. There’s a seven-inch display in the cabin, GPS navigation, and a rear camera for when you’re backing up. Under the hood is Mazda’s 2.0L SkyActiv engine with 150 HP and 192 Nm of torque. Price is P1.320 million.
Photo by MAZDA . CX-30 Just slightly bigger than the CX-3 and slots in right behind the CX-5, this is Mazda’s newest offering in the segment. Based on the acclaimed Mazda3, it offers four trims: AWD Signature, AWD Sport, 2WD Sport, and 2WD Pro. All are powered by a higher tuned 2.0L SkyActive engine that can put out 155 HP and 200 Nm of torque. It has an 8.8-inch infotainment system, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a front windshield heads-up display. The top trim comes with the automaker’s I-ActivSense safety systems. Entry-level unit is priced at P1.490 million.
Photo by MAZDA . CX-5 Choose between petrol or diesel for the slightly bigger CX-5. Both have the same horsepower (190 HP) but the latter has much higher torque at 450 Nm. The diesel is also better appointed with Nappa leather seats, a 10-speaker Bose system, I-ActivSense, and even adaptive LED headlights. For all that and more, you’ll have to shell out P2.350 million.
Photo by MAZDA . CX-8 Without changing the platform, Mazda made the CX-5 a six-seater and called it the CX-8. It comes in two drive layouts, AWD and 2WD, but all amenities are the same. Both have the same 2.5L gasoline engine with 190 HP and 252 Nm of torque, and the cabins are virtually identical with Deep Red Nappa Leather interior, a 10-speaker Bose system, a heads-up display, and the 2 nd row 60:40 split fold-down seats and 3 rd row 50:50 foldable seats.
9| Nissan Photo by NISSAN . Juke Probably the most uniquely styled of all crossovers, plus the most compact, the Juke is hard to miss. Believe it or not, its wheel arches were inspired by a 1960 Coca-Cola bottle and though it may not look it, this is a five-seater, albeit with a very tight third row. It has a 1.6L engine with 116 HP and 154 Nm of torque mated to Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT. It may not be the most spacious crossover, but it’s sexy, drives great, and it can be yours for only P1.021 million.
Photo by NISSAN . X-Trail Facelifted just a couple of years back, the X-Trail now has LED DRLs and LED taillights as well. The steering wheel was reshaped and gives a sportier look with a horizontal bottom, plus audio and hands-free call buttons. New safety features include a 360-degree view, a blind spot monitor, and a reverse camera. These are all available in the 4x4 trim, which retails for Php 1.820 million.
10| Suzuki Photo by SUZUKI .
Vitara This wouldn’t have been here had Suzuki not shifted the Vitara to a unibody construction, which made it a crossover instead of a compact SUV. LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and a 10-inch touchscreen are GLX exclusives. Both use a 1.6L gasoline engine that puts out 115 HP and 156 Nm of torque. Noise, vibration, and harshness levels could be better but styling and the nameplate’s popularity make it a Filipino favorite. The top trim sets you back P1.158 million.
11| Subaru Photo by SUBARU . Forester Not one of the two trims are turbocharged (insert sad face emoji) but that’s not to say it performs any less. Throttle response is quicker. There was barely a gap between the engine revving and the movement forward on any gear. It is so good that a heavy foot may make it jerky at times. Fuel consumption in pure city, rush hour driving is a commendable seven kilometers per liter. It still uses the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and feels comfy even under stressful driving situations. Choose between the 2.0i-L, the 2.0i-L with EyeSight (Subaru’s driver assist system using a set of dual cameras), or the Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight. Power output is 156 HP and 196 Nm of torque. Price starts at P1.648 million.
Photo by SUBARU . XV This nameplate has four trims here in the Philippines: the 2.0i, 2.0i-S, XV 2.0i-S EyeSight, and XV GT Edition 2.0i-S EyeSight. It’s so slender and shapely, it’s probably the only crossover out there that looks downright gorgeous from any angle. Slung so low to increase aero efficiency, it also ratchets up the sexy factor to the level of “ooohhhh nice.” Its best (exterior) features, for me though are the small touches: the blacked-out fender flares, side skirts, front and rear bumper guard. Silver roof rails and rear skid plate add the necessary touch of toughness that, as you will find out when you get one, is not just skin deep. Power is 156 HP and 196 Nm of torque from the 2.0L engine. The base model goes for P1.468 million.
12| Ford Photo by FORD . Ecosport This lineup has to be one of the most robust in the segment. Five trims for the Ecosport: 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium, 1.5L Titanium AT, 1.5L Trend, 1.5L Trend, 1.5L Ambiente. The EcoSport is unique because of the fact that it’s the smallest SUV that comes paired with the smallest engine in its segment. The only downside to this is space. Sitting room is fine but five overnight bags may be all that fits in the cargo area. Interior appointments vary per trim but the 1.5L Titanium comes with eight-inch colored and capacitive touchscreen with SYNC 3, and automatically launches either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto once you connect your device. The top trim is the EcoBoost Titanium, which uses a 1.0L turbocharged engine. This unit is priced at P1.190 million.
13| Peugeot Photo by PEUGEOT . 3008 2.0 BlueHDi GT Line Probably the most sensual of all crossovers, it is also one of the priciest at P2.890 million. It has little design touches on the headlamps and taillights referencing the animal its logo represents (a lion in case you didn’t know), plus a massage function on the driver’s seat, and a fragrance diffuser with a choice of three scents. It uses a 2.0L diesel engine with three stages of cleansing to remove pollutants, hydrocarbons and CO2, and reduce nitrogen oxides in order to be Euro 6 compliant. Power is 150 HP and 370 Nm of torque.
14| Kia Photo by KIA . Sportage I love how this nameplate rolls off the tongue. It has three trims, the 2.0L LX (gas and diesel) and the 2.0L GT Line. The GT is obviously the top of the line and costs Php 1.820 million. The overall shape is more roundish, devoid of any corners or edges, and that part has me on the fence but the cabin is very well-appointed. The GT sports a black motif with chrome trims, flat-bottom steering wheel, eight-inch touchscreen monitor, and an ionizer to clean the cabin air. It has leather seats, a Start/Stop ignition button, and pedals with black non-slip pads. The diesel engine puts out 185 HP and 400 Nm of torque.
Photo by KIA . Seltos The stylish new kid on the block, the Seltos is the latest crossover in the market. It comes in an LX, EX, and SX with the latter being the most expensive at P1.505 million. It has very youthful looks, which makes it easy on the eyes but the cabin, even with the fine design and great neat layout, can do with higher quality materials. It does well on the tech side though with an eight-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2.0L engine generates 149 HP and 179 Nm of torque.
15| Chery
Photo by CHERY .
Tiggo 2 This is the smallest of the Tiggos but appears to have a decent amount of ground clearance. Its exterior looks relatively compact but with roof rails and some black cladding, it does have some presence to it. It has a 1.5L gasoline engine making 106 HP and 135 Nm of torque. Safety features include Hill Assist Control, Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Program, rear parking sensors, and even a Smart Shift Reminder. Variants are either an AT or MT with the latter priced at a very competitive P695,000.
Photo by WIKIMEDIA COMMONS . Tiggo 5x Dream a little bigger and this is what you get. It has sharper lines, a more elaborate grille, slim DRLs, and a more sophisticated overall look. All trims come standard with LED DRLs, 3D hollow smoked taillights, and follow-me-home headlight off delay. It squeezes more power, 114 HP and 141 Nm of torque, from the same 1.5L engine, which can be mated to either an MT or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Aside from these two trims, it also offers the CVT Luxury at P950,000.
Photo by CHERY . Tiggo 7 Much larger than the previous two, the model now is still the first-generation unit (a second-gen was launched China last year). The cabin has a nine-inch touchscreen sending audio to a six-speaker system, plus a panoramic sunroof. The 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine is engaged with a Push Start button to produce with 145 HP and 210 Nm of torque. Gearbox is a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The grille is slim and has a concave face, which makes it appear unique in the Tiggo lineup. There’s only one trim and it is priced at P1.195 million.
Photo by CHERY . Tiggo 8 The biggest Chery crossover yet is also their most stylish. It’s highlighted by a huge mesh grille that extends all the way to the bottom of the bumper and even in the large air intakes. There’s eye-catching chrome trim in front as well leading to the headlamps and the DRLs. It appears sizable on the outside because it does come with a three-row, seven-seat capacity. Standard features include Intelligent Keyless Entry with Key Sensing Tailgate, Remote Control Window, Dual-zone Auto Climate Control, and auto LED headlight among others. Its 1.5L turbo engine produces 145 HP and 210 Nm of torque. It has two trims, a 1.5T Luxury DCT and 1.5T Luxury EX DCT. Starting price is P1.280 million
16| GAC Photo by GAC . GS 3 The brand’s smallest crossover comes in two trims, the 150N and 200T. Both are endowed with stability control and traction control, impact-sensing door unlock system, plus Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. The 150N uses a 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine with 110 HP and 150 Nm of torque while the 200T uses a much smaller 1.3 turbo engine and produces 134 HP and 202 Nm of torque. Shell out P1.058 million for the 200T and you get more features including automatic climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, 4 USB ports, a wide angle rear-view camera, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
Photo by GAC . GS 4 Its styling cues make it appear larger than it already is and somewhat upmarket as well with DRLs and foglamps. Leave the smart key in your pocket and just press the button on the door handle to enter. The cabin appears tacky with the heavy use of dark gray plastic but the shapely fixtures level-up the look a little bit. The 1.5L turbo engine feels good enough with 151 HP and 235 Nm of torque. It does have to work on lowering noise, vibration, and harshness levels, plus increase rollover resistance. Price is P1.188 million.
17| MG Photo by ESQUIRE PHIIPPINES . RX5 Simple, yet elegant is how I’d describe the RX5. Layered lines along the sides make the bottom of its trapezoidal frame appear fuller, more macho, without really exceeding its compact dimensions. The top half, on the other hand, with the roof tapering to the rear as the shoulder line rises, slims it down for better vital stats and aerodynamics. It uses a smart key to open and then engage the 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine. Output is the same across all the three trims (MT Core, 7TST Style, and Alpha), 167 HP and 250 Nm of torque. The manual transmission is the base trim and it costs P1,058,888.
Photo by MG . ZS Four trims are available here, the MT Style, AT Style, AT Style Plus, and AT Alpha. It undeniably looks luxurious with that thick shiny strip bordering the “Stardust” grille and the understated octagon-shaped brand logo right in the middle. Inside, there are leather seats with visible white stitching, soft-touch materials on the dashboard’s top, metallic accents on the flat panels, and faux carbon fiber trim around the eight-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay (via the two USB ports in front) and Bluetooth connectivity. Powering it is a 1.5L engine that puts out 112 HP and 150 Nm of torque straight to a four-speed AT with manual function. The top trim goes for P998,888.
Decision paralysis It’s not a real affliction but something you’ll experience after taking in a list this long. The descriptions simply skim the surface of what these crossovers are about so shortlist your favorites and do your own thorough research to get the bigger, clearer picture.
Some of these will cost you a pretty penny, while others will leave you with plenty of loose change. You can go either way depending on your budget, or how adventurous you are but remember that just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s the best.
These fresh brands, with their new crossovers will surprise you and I mean that in a good way. What you’ll have to ascertain is reliability and, let me be honest, these road rookies will be tested and some of them will take a hit. But remember that all new automakers go through this stage, no exceptions. They can’t get better if they don’t know what needs to be fixed.
You can go with the tried-and-tested or give some newbie a break, it’s all up to you. What I do know is that your next crossover—no matter the price, shape, and size—is somewhere on this list.
