It happened around 8:30 p.m. on the 4900 block of Hoopes Street.
Police say the 13-year-old male was sitting in the passenger's seat of an Acura SUV. He appeared to be by himself with the windows up when a gunman fired more than a dozen shots.
Police believe he was targeted.
"So it seems like the shooter comes up westbound on Hoopes (Street) and fires as many as 16 shots, striking the vehicle on the hood, in the windshield and along the side of the car," said Captain John Walker with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Teen shot while sitting inside car in West Philly
The victim was shot in the head, chest and arm. He was rushed to an area hospital where he was placed in critical condition.
His mother was also taken to the hospital to be with him.
The shooting is one of several that are under investigation by police on Monday night.
Earlier in the afternoon, police say an 8th grader was targeted and gunned down on the 2200 block of N. 15th Street while he was walking home from school.
No arrests have been made in connection with either shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call 215-686-TIPS.