Hybrid crossover skirmish: BYD Sealion 5 DM-i vs. Toyota Corolla Cross HEV

The subcompact crossover segment is one of the most fiercely contested in the local car market. Currently, it has reached the point where it has surpassed sedans and hatchbacks in popularity, and as a result, most brands have been working to introduce their products into this segment. 

The latest one to join the subcompact crossover race is, of course, BYD Cars Philippines with the all-new Sealion 5 Dual-Mode Intelligent (DM-i).

On paper, there’s plenty to like about this crossover. It has the same fuel-saving advantages as its larger DM-i siblings. Additionally, it features the characteristic sleek yet elegant design language that the Chinese marque currently employs. 

But as enticing as it is, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i faces tough competition, and one of those is the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). So, how do these two rides compare spec-wise? Let’s find out here. 

Tale of the tape

To begin, let us compare the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i and the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV’s dimensions. 

The BYD-made model measures 4,738 millimeters (mm) in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,712 mm and a ground clearance of 156 mm. 

The Toyota nameplate’s top-spec GR-S trim, meanwhile, has a length of 4,455 mm, a width of 1,825 mm, and a height of 1,620 mm. Its wheelbase is 2,640 mm long, and it has a ground clearance of 180 mm. 

Based on the figures above, the BYD nameplate is slightly longer and wider than Toyota's. On the one hand, the Toyota model has significantly more in the way of ground clearance. 

Exterior

Concerning exteriors, both hybrid five-seaters are good representatives of their manufacturer’s interpretation of the modern crossover. Both get a high-riding stance coupled with a respectably large greenhouse, as well as a good amount of black cladding all around. 

The Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV, however, leans more towards sportiness due to its black-colored roof and exterior parts. Moreover, its top-spec variant wears a set of GR-S-specific 18-inch wheels. 

Comparably, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i goes for a more elegant look thanks to a smattering of chrome and silver decorative exterior trim pieces. It also comes with 18-inch wheels with straight spokes, unlike the “blade-like” patterns on the Corolla Cross GR-S HEV. 

The two crossovers also have plenty of exterior equipment in common. Both have LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED taillights, roof rails, front and rear wipers, and power-folding side mirrors. 

Only the Toyota model, however, comes with rain-sensing wipers and a moonroof. On the flip side, the BYD crossover’s side mirrors get a heating function and puddle lamps. 

Interior

Inside, both crossovers get a well-arranged cabin with room for up to five occupants. The two models also feature leather upholstery, numerous soft-touch surfaces, and automatic air conditioning with rear vents. 

Concerning screens, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i was equipped with an 8.8-inch display for the driver, and a 10.1-inch rotating infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said central screen for the Sealion 5 DM-i is linked to a six-piece speaker system. 

The Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV, on the other hand, was provided with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system. The latter of the two offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also connected to a six-piece speaker set. 

Based on their respective spec sheets, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV appears to come with better connectivity options. The one on the BYD, however, has 4G connectivity, BYD app integration, and over-the-air updates.

For their drivers, the two crossovers offer the following features:

• Push-to-start button
• Electronic parking brake
• Drive mode selector
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Exclusive to the Toyota is a power-adjustable driver’s seat, while the BYD makes do with manual front seats. 

Only the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i comes with an NFC reader and foot well lamps, but it doesn’t get an electrochromic rear-view mirror, which is present on the Corolla Cross GR-S HEV. Both, though, get an ample amount of cup/bottle holders, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, wireless smartphone charging, and USB ports - among others. 

Safety

Concerning basic safety gear, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i and Toyota Corolla GR-S HEV come standard with comprehensive kits. Both get anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control, ISOFIX, hill-hold control, hill descent control, parking sensors, and an anti-theft system. 

On the one hand, the BYD gets six airbags, while the Toyota has seven. Otherwise, the BYD crossover has tire pressure monitoring and an anti-rollover system, which are not present on the Toyota. 

Only the Toyota crossover (and its midspec V variant) comes with a full suite of advanced driver-assist systems. To be more specific, it features dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system, automatic high beams, a panoramic view monitor, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane trace assist, and lane departure assist. 

Power

While both crossovers are classed as coding-exempt hybrids, they have very different powertrain systems. 

The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i utilizes a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline mill as its range extender. Its four-banger is paired with a 12.96 kilowatt-hour battery and a permanent magnet synchronous motor driving its front wheels. In total, the said model can generate up to 194 horsepower (hp) and 300 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

The Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV is also a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model, but it uses a larger 1.8-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. The said engine is its main propulsion unit, and in total, it can produce up to 120 hp and 143 Nm of torque. 

The Toyota model also comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), whereas the BYD uses an electronic-CVT (E-CVT). 

Based on their output figures, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i appears to be the peppier ride. However, beyond being quicker, it also offers numerous electric vehicle-related amenities that users will find useful. 

For instance, it comes with a vehicle-to-load feature, which is absent on the Toyota nameplate. Both models feature regenerative braking, but the BYD is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), meaning it can be plugged in to charge using its Type 2 port. The Toyota, meanwhile, is a “closed loop” hybrid that charges itself while running. 

Additionally, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i features a pure electric mode with a range of 71 kilometers (km), as per the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).  

Concerning suspension systems, both crossovers use a MacPherson strut for the front. For the rear ends, however, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i uses a multi-link type suspension, while the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV uses a simpler torsion beam. Stopping power for the two rides is handled by front and rear disc brakes. 

Model	BYD Sealion 5 DM-i	Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline	1.8-liter inline-4 gasoline
Drivetrain	FWD
Transmission	E-CVT	CVT
EV range	71 km (NEDC)	-
Horsepower	194	120
Torque	300 Nm	143 Nm
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Multi-link	Torsion beam
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Pricing

As of this writing, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is offered with an introductory price of P1.198 million. The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, meanwhile, has a price range of P1.514 million to P1.943 million. 

Final thoughts

To sum it all up, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i offers more raw performance when compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV. It even has an all-electric mode, which is useful for short stints within the city. 

The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, however, does offer a full ADAS suite, which is absent on the BYD. On the one hand, the Toyota nameplate is significantly pricier compared to the BYD nameplate, and even its entry-level G variant, which doesn’t get ADAS, is still more expensive at P1.514 million. 

Ultimately, however, it comes down to buyer preference. As such, we encourage those seriously looking for an electrified crossover to take these two models out for a test drive. 

Also read:

Here's a close look at the Sealion 5 DM-i’s strengths, weaknesses

BYD Shark 6 DMO: first impressions

BYD Cars PH rolls out Sealion 5 DM-i

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