Top 5 best midsize SUVs in the Philippines in 2021

Updated Feb 14, 2023 | Same topic: Best Advice for Car Buyers

Here are some vehicles to consider when upgrading to a 7-seater SUV.

When checking car price tags, you will notice that midsize SUVs for sale are relatively expensive when compared to smaller vehicles that can be used as a family car as well. As such, taking into consideration some of the best SUVs in the Philippines is critical so you can get your money’s worth.

A midsize SUV is one of the most ideal family cars in the market considering the large space it offers which can accommodate third-row seating. Plus, the ground clearance of these vehicles is relatively high so going on trips with the family through sunny or rainy days can be the least of your problems.

So with that being said, we have made a list of five of the best midsize SUVs you can get in the Philippines. Prices and features are included so you can choose which best suits the needs of you and your family on the road.

1. Toyota Fortuner (Php 1,633,000 – Php 2,414,000)

Needless to say, the Toyota Fortuner has what it takes to be the top SUV in the Philippines. This claim is backed by its constant appearance not only in the top-selling 7-seater midsize SUV category in the country yearly, but also in the overall car sales figures regardless of vehicle type.

Two Toyota Fortuner front view

The new Toyota Fortuners in town

In 2020, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the official business unit of Toyota in the country, launched the facelifted version of its midsize SUV that now comes with a more stylish and refined flagship variant called LTD. The new variant is designed with more premium-looking features such as shaper LED headlamps, a two-tone paint, and a sleeker grille.

Inside, the lower-end variants including the base G and V variants use fabric for the seating material. Both the Q and new LTD variants are benefited from leather seats, but only the latter is designed with maroon accents. The Fortuner G is installed with a 7-inch infotainment screen, while the rest of the variants come with a larger 8-inch screen. All variants are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Review: Still the King of SUVs? | Philkotse Philippines

As for pricing, the Toyota Fortuner starts at Php 1,633,000 for the 2.4 4x2 G MT variant and tops at Php 2,414,000 for the top-of-the-line 2.8 4x4 LTD AT variant. The new and more powerful 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV diesel engine now produces 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque, making it eligible to join the 500 Club.

>> See more: Toyota Fortuner 2020

2. Isuzu mu-X (Php 1,350,000 – Php 2,145,000)

One of the most affordable midsize SUVs you can get in the Philippines for 2021 is the Isuzu mu-X. It comes with a price that ranges from Php 1,350,000 for the RZ4E LS 4x2 AT baseline variant to Php 2,145,000 for the 3.0 LS-A 4x4 AT flagship variant.

Isuzu mu-X front view

Your budget-friendly midsize SUV

Under the hood, the two engine options include a 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC turbo diesel and a larger 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TCX turbodiesel engine. The former can make 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque, while the latter can generate 175 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, the engine can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.

Exclusive to the mu-X LS-A is a 10-inch roof-mounted DVD monitor so the second and third-row passengers can watch a movie or film when going on out-of-town trips. Meanwhile, only the 3.0L variants are equipped with an 8-inch infotainment screen with a Wi-Fi display and USB link.

Isuzu mu-X front view

Despite the affordable price, this SUV is still dependable and reliable

If you are considering this model as your next family SUV, then you might want to keep in mind that Isuzu Thailand offers the all-new 2021 Isuzu mu-X which comes with a sleeker styling and roomier cabin. Isuzu Philippines hasn’t, unfortunately, put out a word regarding the matter so it’s your call whether you should wait for an official announcement or not.

3. Ford Everest (Php 1,738,000 – Php 2,299,000)

If you are in the market for a midsize SUV that offers a comfortable and premium cabin feel, then the Ford Everest should be included in your list. It is designed by the Blue Oval company to make the drivers and passengers experience first-class travel on a daily basis.

Ford Everest front view

The American midsize SUV in Sunset Red

The seats are upholstered in leather as standard, with the mid-spec Sport variant coming with exclusive unique Sport accents. All variants except the base Everest Trend are installed with a 6-way power adjust for the driver and the front passenger.

A wide array of engine options are offered by Ford Philippines for its 7-seater midsize SUV. The Trend variant uses a 2.2-liter TDCi diesel engine that makes 158 hp and 385 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Titanium and Sport variants come with a 2.0-liter single turbo-diesel engine capable of producing 178 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Lastly, the Everest Titanium+ is powered by a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel that can generate 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

Ford Everest interior view

A great family SUV option

One can make a case that the Ford Everest should belong to the top SUV in the Philippines in 2021. Besides, the price is considered fair even when compared to rivals. The price of the American midsize SUV ranges from Php 1,738.000 for the Trend variant to Php 2,299,000 for the Titanium+ variant.

>>> You might like to read: Top best seven-seat cars for Filipino families

4. Nissan Terra (Php 1,539,000 – Php 2,211,000)

Nissan Philippines introduced the Terra in 2018 to compete in the local midsize SUV segment. The Terra is powered by a 2.5-liter YD25 DDTi diesel engine that can make 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque for all of the variants.

Nissan Terra front view

The newest player in the local midsize SUV

The engine is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission for the base EL variant, while the rest uses a 7-speed automatic transmission with Manual Mode. As for the drivetrain configurations, only the Terra VL gets the option to come with a 4x4 system with a transfer select switch to help drivers control the vehicle.

Going to the inside, the interior of the base EL and mid-spec VE variants are upholstered in fabric, while leather is used on the flagship VL variant. Moreover, the EL variants are equipped with a 2-DIN 6.75-inch touchscreen. The Terra VE and VL get the upper hand as these are installed with an 8-inch advanced touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Nissan Terra interior view

Offering a premium interior look

Pricing starts at Php 1,539,000 for the EL 4x2 6MT variant and goes up to Php 2,211,000 for the VL 4x4 7AT variant. Nissan Philippines is offering an Aspen Pearl White color option for all variants which comes with an additional Php 15,000. The Terra also makes it to our list of best SUV Philippines 2021. 

5. Mitsubishi Montero Sport (Php 1,568,000 – Php 2,298,000)

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is one of the popular midsize SUVs in the local market. It comes with strong and muscular exterior details that suit a vehicle for its large size.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport front view

A strong contender from the Japanese car brand

All variants except the base GLX variant are equipped with a smart display audio LCD touch screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is complemented with six speakers so even third-row passengers get a better on-road entertainment experience.

Powering the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a 2.4-liter in-line four 4N15 turbocharged diesel engine that can make 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque. The base GLX variant utilizes a 6-speed manual transmission, while the rest of the variants use an 8-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode.

2021 Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT Review: Feature-packed SUV for the family

The most affordable variant of this model is priced at Php 1,568,000. This variant comes with cost-cutting measures to keep the price tag low such as the exclusion of several safety features. As for the brand’s GT 4WD flagship variant, it comes with a price of Php 2,298,000.

Visit Philkotse.com for more of the latest in the automotive industry.

Know more about Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024

Mitsubishi Montero Sport

One of the popular midsize SUVs in the Philippines is the Montero Sport by Japanese auto giant Mitsubishi. It continually hits the list of best-selling cars in the country every year. Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024 price in the Philippines is quite good, ranging from PHP 1,568,000 to PHP 2,567,000 with a lot of variants. Powering this midsize SUV is a 2.4-liter 4N15 inline-4 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) that makes 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque. It can send power to all four wheels via either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic with Sports Mode. The Montero Sport spans 4,825 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width, and 1,835 mm in height. Currently, this Mitsubishi vehicle is competing against the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu mu-X, and Ford Everest.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport, as a third-generation model, displays its benchmark for the brand's contemporary lineup, which is the 'Dynamic Shield' grille that shows a completely redesigned front. Similar to the model it replaced, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is L200 or Strada pickup based. The chassis and half of its front body structure are the same as its pickup sibling. It still uses the three-link live axle coil spring for the rear suspension and the independent double-wishbone front suspension from the model it supersedes. The full list of Mitsubishi Montero Sport for sale of car dealers on Philkotse.com gets 82 results, you can take a look to make a wise choice yourself.

7 things we like about Mitsubishi Montero Sport | Philkotse Reviews

>>> New and used Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Launch

The first-generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024 pickup-based SUV debuted in 1996 in Japan. It was formerly called the Challenger. It was only in early 2005 that the model reached the Philippines. The very first Mitsubishi Montero Sport in Philippine-spec was the modified model that features a split grille in Olivier Boulay-design. In 2008, the second-generation model arrived that was pickup-based like before, longer and came with seats in the third row that added extra seating capacity from five to now seven seats. In early 2016, it was then replaced by the latest third-generation model.

The Mitsubishi Philippines launched the third-generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport replacing its predecessors in terms of power, refinement, and style. On October 4, 2019, the refreshed Mitsubishi Montero Sport was introduced in the Philippines to provide the top-selling SUV with its updated look.

Later in 2022, the marque introduced the all-new Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart Edition at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show. 

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Exterior

The 'Dynamic Shield’ design language helps in projecting a futuristic concept for the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines. The front end has enough amount of chrome, intensely edgy and sharp. At the top grille part, two short strips of chrome are present. The chrome strips also outline the bumper's side surfaces and finish descending lower near the fog lamps. The projector headlamps are also attractive and sleek.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport exterior

Its roofline is properly crafted, enabling it to thin down the windows more. The overhangs of the rear are more extended, making the wheelbase shorter. The tail lights touch the bumper on the back and are upright long. The registration number is ingrained on the trunk lid, and the exhaust time is immersed in chrome.
The Montero Sport measures 4,825mm long, 1,815mm wide, the wheelbase measures 2,800mm, and 218mm of ground clearance.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Interior

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines employed a simple-to-operate straight-forward dashboard. The dashboard is mainly composed of materials such as piano-black plastics, polyurethane, and satin chrome plastics. Leather seats for range-toppers come with motorized adjustments.  The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has plenty of space and has an expandable cargo volume because of its configurable seats. Using a specific function available only to the model, the third row is capable of being folded flat onto the floor, thus, creating a big cargo space.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport seats

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport also features front seats that are highly driver-centric with a supportive backrest. The seats in the second row are adjustable and can be shifted slightly forward to provide additional legroom in the last row when the third row is moved backward.

Technology & Safety Features

The GT variant is equipped with an infotainment system, two 8-inch LCD located on the instrument cluster, an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a power tailgate. The GT and GLS variants both feature reverse sensors, the Tomtom navigation, and the reverse camera. Cruise control is also included, which comes as a standard.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport steering wheel

Safety features that come as a standard are the Brake Override, ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, side-impact beams, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and speed-sensing door locks. On the other hand, both GLS and GT variants are equipped with stability and traction control, extra four airbags, trailer stability control, hill descent control, and hill start, and brake assists.
In 2016, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines garnered a 5-star rating in ASEAN NCAP for adult occupancy protection and a 4-star rating for child occupancy protection.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Platform & Chassis

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines rides on a ladder-frame chassis, available in four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel configurations. It is a five-door midsize SUV sitting on the KR/KS/QE platform. It has a double-wishbone suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar at the front and 3-link coil springs with a stabilizer bar at the rear end. All its wheels are equipped with disc brakes.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport can accommodate seven occupants and has an automatic transmission available. Moreover, depending on the fuel type and variant, the model has a 17.40 km/L fuel consumption on the highway. 

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Engine & Drivetrain

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines is powered by a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with the addition of the turbocharged formula, giving it a bit more power. A maximum of 78 horsepower can be put out by its diesel motor, which can be considered adequate for its range. The engine can produce a torque power of up to 430 Nm, which can mean better power performance even on rough roads, and is capable of pulling off a tremendous amount of load.

The midsize SUV, when fully loaded, can put up a total of nine kilometers using a liter of diesel in and about the city. And can provide the utmost of 13 km/L on the highway. With its prices not exceeding the Php2-million mark, its engine can be quite surprising.

Available colors for the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines are Sterling Silver Metallic, Medium Red, Graphite Gray Metallic, Jet Black Mica, and White Diamond.

Without a doubt, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a decent choice in the local midsize SUV market. It offers the lowest power numbers as compared to segment rivals with 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque. Rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest 2024 can generate as much as 500 Nm of torque. However, the Mitsubishi SUV makes up for it thanks to its impressive driving dynamics. The 8-speed automatic transmission provides a smooth ride. Also, the MIVEC technology, which is the world's first, improves power delivery and fuel efficiency. Only the Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Ford Everest get to benefit from a sunroof.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024 Price List

Variants  Price
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLX 2.4 4x2 MT ₱1,568,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLX 2.4 4x2 MT (White Diamond) ₱1,583,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x2 AT ₱1,899,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x2 AT (White Diamond) ₱1,914,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.4 Black Series 4x2 AT ₱2,162,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.4 Black Series 4x2 AT (White Diamond) ₱2,177,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.4 Black Series 4x4 AT ₱2,502,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.4 Black Series 4x4 AT (White Diamond) ₱2,517,000

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rugged exterior stance
  • Impressive powertrain
  • Good cabin space

Cons

  • Interior isn't as plush as exterior
  • Power is low numbers-wise compared to rivals
  • Reverse camera resolution can be improved

Mitsubishi Montero Sport FAQs

1. How much is a new Mitsubishi Montero Sport?

The price varies from P1,568,000 to P2,341,000 for four different Mitsubishi Montero Sport variants. The entry-level is the GLX 2.4 4x2 MT, while the most advanced is the GT 2.4 4x4 AT.

2. Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?

Of course. The Mitsubishi Montero engine is powerful and quiet with a smooth gearbox. In addition, the car provides good visibility, a small turning radius, and a great steering feel. Thus, it feels quite comfortable driving down the street.

3. Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport good for off-road?

Absolutely yes, the off-road capability on the new Montero Sport is enhanced with Terrain mode. With each operating mode, the system will fine-tune the engine performance, accelerator pedal sensitivity, and ESC electronic stability control system to make the car overcome all kinds of harsh terrain.

4. Does the Montero have a reverse camera?

Yes, it does. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is equipped with keyless entry, reverse sensors, and a camera.

5. What type of car is the Montero Sport?

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a 7-seater midsize SUV that provides high performance and a great steering feel.

 

₱ 1,568,000 - ₱ 2,366,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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