BYD is rapidly expanding its Philippine lineup of electrified vehicles. The Chinese carmaker recently introduced its Sealion 5 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid compact SUV. For this comparo we’ll be pitting BYD’s new compact PHEV SUV to Toyota’s most affordable hybrid crossover offering in the local market, the Corolla Cross 1.8 G HEV.
The Sealion 5 measures 4,738mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,710mm tall—this makes it 278mm longer, 35mm wider, 90mm taller, than the Corolla Cross. The BYD rides on a 2,712mm wheelbase, good for 72mm greater between the axles than the Toyota. The Sealion 5 has a ground clearance of 156mm, which is 5mm less than that of the Corolla Cross.
BYD’s compact SUV is equipped with 28.63-inch diameter 225/60 R18 tires—1.43 inches taller than the Toyota’s 27.2-inch diameter 215/60 R17 rubber. In the practicality department, the Sealion 5’s longer body allows it to have a huge 520-liter cargo capacity behind the second row seats, which is about 80 liters more than the Corolla Cross’.
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Here's a bonus comparison: The Sealion 5 is 108mm longer, 75mm narrower, and 4mm taller than the Ford Territory. The BYD’s wheelbase is 14mm shorter than the Blue Oval’s compact SUV. When it comes to ground clearance, the Sealion 5 is 34mm less than the Territory’s. While not an apple to apples comparison, it gives you an idea how big the Sealion 5 is.
Here's a refresher on the two main featured vehicles: The Sealion 5 is BYD’s compact-sized PHEV SUV that’s positioned to go up against smaller subcompact SUVs. Its lone hybrid powertrian option is comprised of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. It puts out 194hp and 300Nm of torque. Like other compact SUVs in its segment, the Sealion 5 has an independent MacPherson strut suspension up front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear. It has an EV-only range of up to 71km on a full charge and an extended range of up to over 1,000km with a fully charged battery and a full tank. The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i carries a P1.248 million price tag and has an introductory price of P1.198 million.
The refreshed Corolla Cross, on the other hand, is now hybrid-only. Toyota’s small crossover SUV has a more conventional self-charging hybrid system which is made up of a 1.8-liter gas mill and an electric motor. It has a total system output of 122hp. Unlike the BYD, the Corolla Cross has a twist beam rear suspension. In terms of sizing, Toyota’s small crossover SUV is positioned between a typical B-segment SUV and the larger C-segment SUV. The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 G HEV costs P1.514 million. Both featured electrified SUVs are front-wheel drive.
What do you think of BYD’s new Sealion 5 DM-i? Would you consider it over the smaller Corolla Cross HEV? Let us know in the comments.
