Esquire Essentials 2026 for Automotive

Every year we cook up the ultimate cheat sheet called Esquire Essentials, a curated list where we personally sift through countless options to handpick only the exceptional and truly cool products, services, and experiences that are worth your time and attention.

In the fourth and final installment of this year's Esquire Essentials, we present our picks for the absolute best in automotive for the discerning man. We’ve chosen the brands and models we’ve personally touched, examined, and, most importantly, driven. Whether it's a starter car for your hard-earned money, a luxury upgrade, or the supercar of your dreams, these are the cars that stand out from all the rest.

Check out the earlier editions of Esquire Essentials:

Esquire Essentials 2026 for Style & Wellness

Esquire Essentials 2026 for Food, Lifestyle, and Banks

Esquire Essentials 2026 for Gadgets, Technology, and Grooming

Mitsubishi expanded its XForce lineup in the Philippines earlier this year with an even more affordable entry-level GLX CVT variant alongside updates to the GLS and GT trims. In a crowded market, the XForce’s angular exterior stands out. Inside, the cabin prioritizes passenger comfort and usability, with selected variants offering a 360-degree camera system and Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio. There are four drive modes that provide added flexibility for different road conditions. Clearly Mitsubishi positioned the XForce for Filipinos looking for a city-friendly crossover that can handle weekday commutes, grocery runs, and longer weekend trips. It doesn’t hurt that it looks good doing all of it.

We already awarded the Ford Everest Best Midsize SUV last year, but leave it to Ford to take what was already pretty great and make it even better. For starters, the American carmaker introduced a Platinum 3.0L V6 4x4 version, whose turbo-diesel engine produces 250 PS and 600 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that’s now standard across the range. That means the Everest now consists of the Active 4x2, Sport+ 4x2, Wildtrak 4x4, and Platinum 4x4. Meanwhile, tech and comfort upgrades include larger 12-inch infotainment screens, expanded driver-assistance features on selected variants, and more premium cabin amenities on the Platinum, such as quilted leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Definitely more bang for your buck.

The BMW X3 combines the comfort expected of a luxury SUV with the responsive handling that makes driving more engaging. Coming in all-wheel drive (xDrive), BMW’s compact SUV in the Philippines is powered either by a 2.0L turbo-petrol and 48V mild hybrid or 2.0L plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Outside, the large kidney grille is still there, along with Iconic Glow illumination, L-shaped LED headlights, sculpted bodywork, and sporty alloy wheels. The interior, meanwhile, has a minimalist, driver-focused cabin highlighted by a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Depending on the variant, features include Veganza upholstery, sport seats, ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, wireless smartphone integration, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The rear seats can also fold to expand cargo capacity. THe X3 is the upgrade you’ve always dreamed of.

Tesla has already ingratiated itself quite well to Filipino motorists, becoming arguably the best EV alternative to traditional ICE cars. The Tesla Model YL Premium, in particular, now comes with a third row to the Model Y formula, making it a viable option for Filipino families who want an EV with room for six. The YL’s extended wheelbase accommodates second-row captain's chairs, while the flexible seating arrangement allows the cabin to adapt to passengers and luggage. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers responsive acceleration, which is especially useful when merging onto expressways or overtaking slower traffic. Tesla quotes a WLTP driving range of up to 681 kilometers, although actual range will depend on driving speed, weather, passenger load, and use of air-conditioning use. First-time Tesla users will need a tutorial on using the car’s central touchscreen, but use it often enough and it becomes second nature. Tesla is also constantly adding more charging stations around the city and beyond. Anyone considering switching to an EV will find something to love about the YL Premium, particularly small families.

The Kia EV5 is essentially a family SUV with an all-electric platform. Its upright body and angular styling put interior space at the forefront, while the cabin is designed around the everyday needs of passengers and their belongings. The EV5's digital displays and contemporary dashboard give the cabin a modern feel, while its SUV layout makes it suitable for daily commutes, errands, and longer road trips. Charging access is, of course, a key consideration; owners who can charge at home will have an easier time making the switch than those who rely entirely on public chargers. For buyers ready to go electric without giving up the practicality of a midsize family vehicle, the EV5 offers a sensible alternative to a conventional gasoline-powered SUV.

Honda launched the new Civic RS e:HEV E-CVT in early October and we’re already loving it. During our controlled driving assessments, including the moose test, wet-track exercises, slalom runs, and skid-pad evaluation, the model demonstrated precise handling, excellent stability, and predictable responses under demanding conditions. The model’s Prelude-inspired S+ Shift also adds a more engaging driving experience through simulated gear changes and Active Sound Control, while its balanced chassis and responsive steering underscore Honda’s engineering expertise, making it as rewarding to drive as it is comfortable for everyday use. The streets might be flooded with SUVs these days, but Honda’s keeping the sedan market alive thanks to good products like its new Civic.

Imagine everything you want in a luxury SUV and chances are, the Lexus GX Overtrail has it. Authentic off-road engineering, body-on-frame construction, full-time four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, locking rear differential, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and advanced E-KDSS suspension all make it a genuine 4x4 rather than just a luxury crossover dressed for adventure. It also has an unapologetically boxy silhouette and a premium cabin that delivers the comfort and sophistication expected of a Lexus. Whether you take it on weekend road trips, light overlanding expeditions, and daily family duties, the GX delivers.

The all-new Honda Prelude has a 2.0-liter DOHC VTEC engine that works with Honda’s e:HEV hybrid system, while the innovative S+ Shift simulates gear changes to make driving more engaging. Having experienced the Prelude on public roads and controlled track conditions, we appreciate how its responsive power delivery, precise handling, and composed chassis make it more than just a stylish coupe. Its performance-oriented suspension, limited-slip differential, and Brembo brakes inspire confidence, while the premium interior and driver-focused cockpit make it equally appealing for everyday life.

The Mercedes-Benz the E-Class is now in its sixth generation, and with the E 350 e Plug-in Hybrid, the German marque is reminding everyone that some things only get better with time. The model features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that brings electric driving and greater efficiency to the daily grind, while still keeping the refinement, long-distance comfort, and reassuring performance expected of a Mercedes-Benz. The cabin, meanwhile, is modern and minimalist centered on the MBUX Superscreen, combining a 14.4-inch central touchscreen with a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger beneath a single glass panel. There’s also ambient lighting and a head-up display that add to the executive-sedan experience, while comfort features include electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.

The BMW i5 is an all-electric executive sedan that makes a pretty compelling case for ushering in the sedan of the future. Its all-electric eDrive40 powertrain delivers 340 hp and 400 Nm of torque, providing smooth, immediate acceleration and effortless power delivery. True to BMW tradition, its balanced chassis, precise steering, and composed handling make it engaging behind the wheel while remaining exceptionally comfortable for daily commutes and long-distance journeys. Inside, the i5 features an expansive BMW Curved Display, intuitive iDrive interface, premium materials, ambient lighting, and sophisticated Interaction Bar. There’s also generous cabin space, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and refined ride quality. Driving range: 582 kilometers (WLTP).

The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is the supercar of your dreams. The 1,050 cv power comes from a twin-turbo V8 and three electric motors, delivering the kind of performance that borders on the absurd: zero to 100 kph in under 2.3 seconds and a top speed beyond 330 kph. But the new Testarossa’s real achievement lies in how that performance translates to the road and track. Racing-derived aerodynamics, sophisticated torque vectoring, and next-generation electronic controls give it the tools to harness its immense power, while a carefully considered cockpit keeps the driver at the center of the experience. The name Testarossa, of course, carries decades of Ferrari history, and this latest interpretation honors that legacy.

Denza launched the D9 at MIAS 2026, and in just a few months, it has already become a common sight on Metro Manila roads, clearly resonating with Filipino buyers. Our personal driving experience revealed an MPV that is as impressive from behind the wheel as it is from the passenger seats. Its driving dynamics feel composed and refined, complemented by a remarkably smooth, compliant suspension that absorbs road imperfections with ease. Despite its substantial proportions, the D9 is surprisingly maneuverable, making it well-suited to navigating the city. Inside, the D9 features plush seating, sophisticated finishes, executive-style comfort, and thoughtful amenities such as a built-in mini-fridge. Combined with its advanced technology and indulgent creature comforts, the Denza D9 offers a compelling level of luxury at a relatively accessible price point.

The Tucson is Hyundai’s bestselling model globally, and it’s easy to see why. It looks good and performs even better, especially in the unique driving conditions of the local market. The cabin offers the space and comfort needed for weekday commutes and weekend road trips, while the exterior makes it stand out without being too aggressive. Buyers can choose between a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a 2.0-liter diesel, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid, depending on their priorities. With its contemporary design, comfortable cabin, and varied powertrain options, the Tucson is an easy pick for a reliable daily driver.

Ford has all but dominated the pickup segment in the Philippines for years, with its Ranger line being a market favorite. This year, similar to the Everest, Ford updated its lineup by introducing 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel options to the Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 and Ranger Wildtrak X 4x4. The Ranger Raptor, meanwhile, now comes in a special edition V6 engine featuring an Ebony sports bar, gloss Raptor decals, and unique styling elements (but only 100 units will be made available). The Raptor still features a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, 12-inch portrait central touchscreen with SYNC 4A, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. Any way you get it, the Ranger is the ideal pickup for anyone who wants style and pizazz to go with reliability and performance.

There’s a reason the Hilux is a consistent bestseller for Toyota in the pickup segment, but this year, the Japanese giant doubled down and made some significant improvements, including, for the first time ever, adding a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) option. The new energy variant is equipped with dual electric motors, a 59.2 kWh battery pack paired with a 4x4 drivetrain, and a claimed range of around 315 kilometers. It still has the Hilux’s ladder-frame construction and off-road-oriented design while introducing sharper styling, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic-view monitor, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. If you’ve ever wanted your pickup minus the emissions, the Hilux is your best bet.

The MG3 Hybrid+ is a compact hatchback that combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor for a balance of fuel efficiency and responsive performance. Those in the market for a first car with just the basics will be rewarded with a combined 187 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. The Hybrid+ features youthful styling, modern cabin, digital displays, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which should please new drivers and owners. It’s a practical alternative to conventional gasoline-powered hatchbacks.

The third generation of the Mazda CX-5 sees a major redesign, a larger digital interior layout, and—for the first time—hybrid power to the popular model. Powered by a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G inline-four engine paired with a 24V mild-hybrid / M hybrid system, the new CX-5 produces 181 PS and 242 Nm of torque, matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The exterior features a sharper, more dynamic front fascia with a larger mesh grille, sleeker LED lighting signatures, gloss black trim, and 19-inch alloy wheels, while the interior does away with many physical buttons in favor of a massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen display for infotainment, voice assistance, and a 360-degree View Monitor. Mazda fans will no doubt be pleased.

Anyone in the market for a multiple people-carrier need not look further than the Toyota HiAce GL Grandia Tourer. Toyota’s premium passenger van is designed for families, executive transport, and businesses that need to move people comfortably. The spacious cabin features three rows of seating, for a total seating capacity of 14. There are captain seats in the second row and ample room for passengers to settle in on longer journeys. Powered by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers the torque needed for fully loaded trips and highway driving. Practical features include multiple cup holders, power outlets, and an eight-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity. There’s room for everyone in the family and barkada in the HiAce.

The Mitsubishi Xpander was the top-selling vehicle in the Philippines in 2025, moving a total of 28,081 units. It’s pretty easy to pinpoint why as it offers space, versatility, reliability, and value all in a neat package. The updated Xpander offers a redesigned exterior, T-shaped LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights (DRLs), new 17-inch alloy wheel designs (bladed style for the standard Xpander and split six-spoke design for the Xpander Cross), an upgraded 8-inch LCD digital gauge cluster, and a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mitsubishi has kept the family the focus of the Xpander, and for Filipino households looking for an all-around workhorse, it certainly ticks all the boxes.

Car buyers in the Philippines are always looking for value and reliability, both of which Toyota’s Corolla Cross HEV possesses in spades. Its hybrid powertrain delivers the kind of fuel savings that make sense in stop-and-go Metro Manila traffic. It uses the same 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE 4-cylinder hybrid electric powertrain (producing 122 hp combined) and the exclusive GR-tuned sport suspension setup. The Adventure variant features a new exterior design, including updated grilles, bumpers and skid plates, as well as interior enhancements like embroidered headrests, sporty accents, and a dedicated GR logo on the base of the steering wheel. With the much-vaunted Toyota name behind it, the Corolla Cross might just be your first (or next) four-wheeler.