MIAS 2026: Here’s What’s in Store for Car Lovers This Weekend

The 2026 edition of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) opened Thursday (April 9), to a packed crowd at the World Trade Center. Thousands of attendees filled the halls as early as mid-morning and they kept coming despite the intense heat outside. Now on its 21st year, the country’s biggest automotive event carrying the theme, “Powering Mobility.”

The main show floor was dense with activity, with visitors moving shoulder to shoulder between booths, pausing to inspect vehicles, climb into driver seats, and queue for test drives. From families and first-time buyers to hardcore enthusiasts, the audience reflected the widening appeal of the industry—especially as electrified vehicles take center stage.

Organizers said there were over 500 vehicles on display from 25 brands, offering a snapshot of a market in transition, where gasoline or traditional internal combustion engines still dominate but electric and hybrid models are clearly gaining ground.People weren’t just looking—they were asking questions about range, charging, pricing, and long-term ownership. Clearly the shift toward electrification is becoming a practical consideration for Filipino buyers.

Here are some of the brands and models presented at MIAS that caught our attention:

At the center of Changan’s booth is the All-New CS35 Max, a subcompact crossover that looks noticeably sharper than its predecessor. In person, its more angular lines and red accents give it a sportier character, while the slightly larger proportions translate to a roomier cabin.

Inside, the CS35 Max feels more refined than expected for its price point. The infotainment screen is responsive, and the layout is clean, with physical controls still present for key functions.

The Eado Plus sedan also attracted attention from buyers looking for a more affordable option. Its design leans conservative, but the interior is surprisingly spacious. Clearly Changan is positioning it as a volume seller.

Where the brand really pushed forward, though, was with its electrified lineup. The Nevo Hunter K50 pickup stood out immediately—not just because it’s an electric vehicle, but because it looks every bit like a rugged, full-size truck. Up close, its size and stance make a strong impression. Read our drive review on the Nevo Hunter K50 here and why we included it in our Esquire Essentials list 2025 here.

Meanwhile, the Nevo Q05, a plug-in hybrid SUV, felt more approachable. Its design is understated, and the interior leans toward comfort rather than flash. For many attendees, this kind of hybrid setup—offering both electric driving and a gasoline backup—seems like a more realistic entry point into electrification.

BYD’s booth at MIAS was hard to ignore. It occupied almost the entirety of one side of the space and space was packed with vehicles anchored by a central display explaining its growing charging network.

The lineup covered everything from small hatchbacks to large SUVs, all electrified in some form. The Seagull, one of the smallest models on display, drew attention for its compact size and approachable design. On the other end, the Tang EV and Sealion models were more premium, with sleek exteriors and tech-heavy interiors.

Two preview models generated buzz. The Atto 2 EV, a compact crossover, looks well-suited for urban families, while the Sealion 7, leaned heavily into performance and design. Its low, wide stance and sharp lines made it one of the more striking vehicles at the show.

Beyond the cars themselves, BYD emphasized its charging infrastructure. A dedicated section of the booth mapped out its growing network of charging stations across the country, which helped calm the dreaded range anxiety common in first-time EV buyers.

Kia’s presentation centered on the launch of the EV5. Compared to some of the flashier displays around it, the booth was relatively restrained, but the vehicle itself drew consistent interest.

The EV5 sits in the compact SUV segment, and in person, it strikes a good balance between futuristic and familiar. The front end, with its distinctive lighting, stands out without being overwhelming. Inside, the cabin is clean and spacious, with dual screens that are easy to read and use.

What seemed to resonate most with attendees was the EV5’s practicality, particularly its range that the brand says can reach up to 550 kilometers. The inclusion of features like vehicle-to-load capability also sparked curiosity—people were asking how it could be used in everyday situations, from camping to emergency power.

Kia also highlighted its safety features, and while those don’t always grab attention on a crowded show floor, they add to the overall sense that the EV5 is designed as a complete package rather than a niche product.

Elsewhere on the show floor, a wide range of brands added to the sense of variety. Geely’s display remained busy, with visitors checking out the Coolray and Okavango—models that have already built a strong following locally. GAC Motor showcased larger SUVs like the GS8, which stood out for their size and premium feel, while MG continued to push its electric lineup, with the MG4 EV drawing steady interest. Its hatchback form factor and relatively accessible pricing make it one of the more realistic EV options for many buyers.

Chery’s Tiggo series also attracted attention, particularly among families looking for practical SUVs.

Jetour turned heads with the launch of GAIA G700 is a premium full-sized plug-in hybrid (PHEV) off-road SUV. It’s the brand’s answer to models like the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser 300.

There were newer or less familiar names like Denza, Aito, and Radar added an element of discovery. Their vehicles leaned heavily on technology and bold design, often featuring large screens and advanced driver-assistance systems.

MIAS 2026 is happening until Sunday, April 12 at the World Trade Center.