Top 5 best compact CUVs to buy in the Philippines in 2021

Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs) have been roaming the Philippines roads for decades since the mid-90s. Its fame has been genuinely accepted by car enthusiasts even though in its truest sense, it is not constructed on a body-on-frame chassis like what a real SUV is.

Backed by the fame of the latter and a more affordable approach in its production, compact crossovers gained a huge attraction that made a lot of Filipinos overlook its unibody construction. With this type of configuration, compact crossovers offer a comfortable riding experience like a sedan and an interior space almost like an SUV – a perfect recipe for discerning car buyers.

To help you get more insights regarding the available compact crossovers in the local market, we have listed down five models that you should consider in 2021 with their complete pricing.

1. Ford Territory (Php 1,199,000 – Php 1,299,000)

In 2020, the Blue Oval Company stepped up its 5-seater SUV lineup in the Philippines with the addition of the Territory. With its introduction in the local market, the compact crossover now joins the Ford EcoSport subcompact crossover as the only crossovers offered by the American car brand.

Ford Philippines' latest addition to its lineup

The exterior design of the compact crossover comes with striking details that demand presence on the road. Starting from the sleek grille and LED headlamps upfront to the distinctive rear end complemented by the full-width chrome trim that connects both the LED taillights.

One of its most notable characteristics is its wide array of features. Inside, this model is installed with a 10-inch infotainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Bluetooth. The top-of-the-line Titanium+ variant uses an eight-speaker system, while the base Trend variant comes with six speakers.

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Under the hood, the Ford Territory is powered by a 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline-4 gasoline engine capable of generating 141 hp and 225 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which generally provides a better fuel economy as compared to using a geared transmission.

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2. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (Php 1,198,000)

Chery Auto Philippines launched the all-new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro last January 2021. Just 30 days after its introduction, the Chinese car brand managed to sell the model’s first batch. This signifies that the model has the potential to be the top compact SUV in the Philippines.

The Chinese car brand has stepped up its game with the Tiggo 7 Pro

There are many factors that we can look at to determine why this model sells. One of which is its styling highlighted by its large distinct grille framed with its sleek LED headlamps. It also comes with a floating roof effect thanks to the black trims on the pillars that create the compact crossover’s premium look.

Going to the interior of the Tiggo 7 Pro, the driver and front passenger are greeted by its 10.25-infotainment screen that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which provides entertainment on the road. Some of its safety features include an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP), and a traction control system (TCS).

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The Chinese compact crossover uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine which is also used by its midsize crossover sibling, the Chery Tiggo 8. The engine can put up 145 hp and 210 Nm of torque, and is coupled to a CVT available on its sole variant.

3. Toyota Corolla Cross (Php 1,285,000 – Php 1,650,000)

Perhaps one of the most unheard models from the leading automotive brand in the country, which is Toyota, is the new Toyota Corolla Cross. It was introduced last 2020 to shape up the 5-seater SUV category in the Philippines as it was designed with a hybrid powertrain.

Expanding the brand's versatility in the automotive market

The base G variant is powered by a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE 4-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 138 hp and 172 Nm of torque, while the top-of-the-line V Hybrid variant uses a 1.8-liter gasoline hybrid engine that generates 97 hp and 142 Nm of torque. Both the variants are installed with a CVT.

What makes the Corolla Cross V Hybrid variant special is its three driving modes which include Eco, Power, and EV. With this variant-exclusive feature, it maximizes the performance capabilities of the compact crossover depending on the driver’s mobility needs.

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In 2020, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMP), the official business unit of Toyota in the country, managed to sell 598 units of the compact crossover in the local market. In consideration of the sales figure, one can say that it is one of the most underrated vehicles of the same year.

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4. MG RX5 (Php 1,058,888 – Php 1,298,888)

The most affordable compact crossover off this list is the MG RX5 with a starting price of Php 1,058,888 for the base Core variant. It is the more spacious and larger alternative to the British-bred car brand’s best-selling 5-seater compact SUV in the Philippines, the MG ZS.

The compact crossover entry from the British-bred car brand

As for the design, this compact crossover comes with stylish character lines that give the model its aerodynamic-looking body. The front fascia is installed with halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that blend well with its horizontal chrome grille.

When considering the MG RX5’s styling and affordable pricing, it is ideal to be owned by young individuals who have an active lifestyle or those who are just starting with their careers. It also comes with a panoramic sunroof that provides a more premium feel for drivers and passengers.

A premium finish at an affordable price

Powering this British-bred compact crossover is a 1.5-liter 15E4E inline-four turbocharged gasoline engine capable of generating 166 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The base Core variant utilizes a manual gearbox, while the Style and Alpha variants use a 7-speed double-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

5. Honda CR-V (Php 1,678,000 – Php 2,158,000)

Last but certainly not least, the Honda CR-V compact crossover. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), the official business unit of Honda in the country, introduced the facelifted version of its fifth-generation model last 2020 in the local market alongside the new fifth-generation of Honda City subcompact sedan.

Facelifted version of the fifth-gen model

Design-wise, the Japanese compact crossover now comes with a more appealing exterior look thanks to its LED headlamps, LED foglamps, black-colored claddings, and chrome trims throughout the vehicle. Inside, this vehicle can come with either a 5-seating or 7-seating configuration, depending on the chosen variant.

Under the hood, the Honda CR-V comes with two engine options, namely the 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine and a 2.0-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine. The diesel powertrain can make 118 hp and 300 Nm of torque, while the gasoline powertrain can make 152 hp and 189, and is only available on the base S variant.

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As for pricing, the Honda CR-V is indeed a relatively expensive compact crossover even when compared to other top compact SUVs in the Philippines. The price tag starts at Php 1,678,000 for the base S 2.0 CVT variant and goes up to Php 2,158,000 for the top-of-the-line SX 1.6 AWD AT Diesel variant.

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