daniel chigunweTraditional sports utility vehicle (SUV) models that use a body-on-frame chassis have remained steadfast in the Philippine market.
If you are in doubt of the aforementioned, the proof is on the road.
Just take a peek outside your nearest thoroughfare, and you will immediately see examples of the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, and many other nameplates.
And, of course, sprinkled among the mid-size rides are the monolithic full-size models like the Toyota Land Cruiser.
So, yes. Filipinos remain madly in love with the traditional SUV. As such, let us look into several examples that we wish would be brought into the Philippine market in 2025.
To note, the list below isn’t definite proof of their local arrival. Instead, think of it as a wishlist of SUV nameplates we simply want to see in the Philippines in 2025.
Toyota Fortuner Hybrid
The current generation of the Toyota Fortuner has been around since 2015.
Regardless, the nine-year-old AN second-gen version is still going strong and has remained a top seller for Toyota Motor Philippines. In South Africa, however, Toyota has decided to introduce a mild-hybrid version of the veritable nameplate.
Sure, it carried over the same 2.8-liter turbodiesel mill from a non-electrified version, but it is touted by the brand as more efficient in terms of fuel consumption.
Specifically, the Aichi-based car company shared that its 48-volt hybrid system helps the SUV to become 10 percent more fuel-efficient compared to the diesel-only version.
And for many car buyers, a fuel-sipping but powerful three-row SUV is an attractive prospect. So, what is the South Africa-spec Fortuner hybrid offering, other than better fuel mileage?
Well, the electrified model’s overall output still clocks in at 201 horsepower (hp) and 500 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.
However, the hybrid’s electric motor adds a further 16 hp and 65 Nm of torque to the mix.
Other notable new features found on the South African Fortuner hybrid include a regenerative braking system and an engine start-stop system.
And, of course, it also boasts a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) badge on its tailgate.
Updated Isuzu mu-X
As it is right now, the next-gen Isuzu mu-X is already a contender in the mid-size SUV segment. It makes decent power, and it has a comfy interior filled with a lot of creature comforts.
In Thailand, however, the current generation of the mu-X was recently given a facelift, which provided it with a more dynamic look.
Up front, it wears a pair of sharper-looking headlamp clusters, a more prominent grille, a revamped front fog lamp housing, and a more angular-looking front bumper.
The Thai-spec RS variant, in particular, likewise received a black-colored roof and roof rails.
Features-wise, the updated mid-size SUV also received a lot of improvements.
It was kitted out with a new instrument panel, a more stylish door card, and a new pattern for its leather-wrapped seats.
Furthermore, the updated Isuzu also boasts new advanced driver-assist systems, such as the ability to detect pedestrians when entering an intersection. It also has a new automatic braking system to avoid rear collisions. Added visibility and safety are also provided by its new heated windshield to stave off fogging.
At the moment, Isuzu Philippines has yet to announce its plans to bring in the updated mu-X.
However, Isuzu Philippines Incorporated Assistant Division Head for Sales Robert Carlos has already told Zigwheels Philippines that it is currently conducting a feasibility study to find out if the refreshed ride will become a good fit for local buyers.
Next-gen Nissan Patrol
The sixth-generation Nissan Patrol is currently sold in the Philippine market with a starting price of P4.758 million. Under its hood is a V8 engine capable of producing up to 403 hp and 560 Nm of torque.
Seventh-gen Nissan Patrol
However, the Japanese marque has already introduced the seventh-generation version in markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern territories.
As such, local fans of the large SUV might want to see it sold in the Philippines as well.
After all, it does come with notable improvements. First, it is propelled by a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.
Although the aforementioned mill initially sounds like a downgrade, it is more powerful than the old V8, with an output of 426 hp and 700 Nm of torque.
Additionally, it was fitted with a new nine-speed transmission and adaptive air suspension.
Lexus LX Hybrid
Inline imageThe Lexus LX is already sold in the Philippines as the brand’s flagship model.
However, in other countries, the LX nameplate, apart from its V6-only version, also received a hybrid version a few days ago.
Based on the current fourth-gen LX model, the hybrid version (LX 700h) received a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery. It also uses a 10-speed automatic gearbox, and it has a maximum output of 457 hp and 654 Nm of torque.
LX700h Overtrail
The aforementioned engine output is vastly peppier compared to the standard LX model’s 409 hp and 650 Nm of torque.
On top of the significant power gain, the LX700h also gained a rugged, off-road capable trim called the “Overtrail.”
It was provided with 33-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, front and rear locking differentials, and a center-locking differential — among others.
Of course, the hybrid and the Overtrail trim come with all the opulence available to the internal combustion-only variant.
All trims boast a plush cabin with luxurious leather upholstery and the Lexus version of Toyota’s suite of advanced driver-assist systems. — zigwheels
Bongani Ndlovu