Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid vs Toyota Zenix vs BYD eMAX 7: new-energy MPV scuffle

Nowadays, car buyers have become more discerning in their purchase decisions. While some still favor traditional combustion engine-powered models (and their so-called one-with-the-machine character), others now factor in sustainability, fuel-efficiency, and the perks new-energy veicles bring to the table. 

On that note, we will take a look at some models spanning mild-hybrid,  hybrid, and fully electric models from different brands to see which multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) best suits your budget, style, and motoring needs. 

First, here are our contenders: 

• Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT
• Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT
• BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain

Here’s how they stack up against each other, size-wise: 

	Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT	Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT	BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain
LxWxH (in millimeters [mm>)	4,395 x 1,735 x 1,690	4,755 x 1,850 x 1,790	4,710 x 1,810 x 1,690
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,740	2,850	2,800
Ground clearance (in mm)	180	185	170

 

Looking at the abovementioned numbers, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid’s range-topping GLX AT appears to be the smallest of the bunch. Its compact size makes it ideal for those living in the metro who ply the city’s narrow thoroughfares. 

Car buyers who need more space can find what they need in the Toyota Zenix’s range-topping model, thanks to its beefier dimensions. It also has a relatively high ground clearance, allowing it to brave common obstacles that might hinder a low-slung vehicle. 

Finally, the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain comes in as ride that strikes the balance between the two in terms of size. It is not too big nor too small allowing owners to enjoy an automobile that offers good handling and cabin space. 

Exterior 

Outside, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT offers a simple and straightforward look. Its fascia wears a chrome grille flanked by halogen projector-type headlamps. The lower portion of its front end gets some plastic effects, which serve as the housing for its fog lamps. 

Its side profile is highlighted by strong horizontal bodylines accompanied by blacked-out pillars. Also featured is a pair of side mirrors with integrated turn signals as well as a set of 15-inch two-tone wheels wrapped in 185/65 series tires. 

At the back, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT is fitted with a roof-mounted stop lamp, a decent-sized rear window, a hydraulically-assisted tailgate, and a pair of aggressive-looking taillamps that give the subtly-designed family mover a dash of character. 

Not to be outdone, the Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT offers would-be owners a robust-looking seven-seater. It offers a mesh-like latticework that is bordered with wing-like headlamps. Its lower fascia is also fitted with a similar grillework for a unified look. Some chrome accents enhance its overall appearance at the fore. 

The sides of the hybrid vehicle wear black plastic claddings, which can be found on its wheel arches, side sills, and pillars. Good-looking are its 18-inch monotone alloy wheels, which are shod in 225/50 radial tires. 

Its rear is equipped with a roof-mounted spoiler topping the window at the back. It has sharp-looking taillights that are connected by a chrome tailgate garnish. The bumper looks pretty solid and has a design that mimics the grille pattern at the front. 

Finally, the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain introduces an air of opulence to the list. The elegant MPV gets an beautiful silver garnish flanked by LED headlamps with daytime running lights. Some chrome trims are applied to its chin. 

At the side, the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain boasts strong bodylines complemented by two-tone side mirrors with turn signals, chrome garnishes on the windows, blacked-out pillars (which creates the illusion of a floating roof), and chrome side sill accents. 

It rides on two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 rubbers.

The rear comes with a small spoiler, a high-mount stop lamp, combination LED taillights with sequential turn signals, LED fog lamps, and an automatic tailgate. 

Winner

Our winner for this round is the Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT, since it will fit the requirements of most families living in the city. We appreciate its robust look and decent body size, which, as a result, makes it a vehicle with good road presence. 

Commendable too is its ground clearance, allowing it to conquer potholes, speed bumps commonly found in the metro. 

Interior 

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT offers a modest interior, which makes it ideal for daily use. The seats — for example — are upholstered in fabric, making them comfortable to sit on and easy to maintain. Similarly, there are plenty of hard plastic surfaces on the cockpit and the second- and third-row, ensuring durability over the years. 

When it comes to technology, the vehicle gets an instrument cluster that combines analog gauges and a small digital screen. There is a floating 10-inch infotainment system (sitting atop the faux-wood-finished dashboard), which offers wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto. 

The air conditioning unit has to be operated manually through physical knobs. Louvers on the headliner ensure that those sitting at the back are properly ventilated. 

It can carry various cargo thanks to its foldable seats. 

As for the Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT, car buyers are to find tasteful appointments to the cabin, such as brown leather trims applied to the seats, black leather cover for the steering wheel and gear shifter, as well as brown soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door cards. 

Past the multi-functional steering wheel with paddle shifters is a seven-inch multi-information digital instrument panel. It is accompanied by a 10.1-inch display with wireless Apple Carplay and wired Android Auto connectivity. 

Securing ventilation for all occupants are air conditioning outlets on the side of the headliner. These are paired with folding grab bars and cabin lights. 

While it may not be able to hold a lot of luggage, the second-row captain’s seats ensure optimum comfort and convenience for its passengers. 

Car buyers who want to live the luxe life can do so with the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain. Its interior is bedecked with upmarket features such as leather seats, a leather steering wheel, faux wood dashboard accents, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Tech-wise, the driver will be faced with five-inch LCD instrument cluster with two analog gauges. It is complemented by a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. 

And like a proper opulent MPV, the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain comes with captain’s chairs in the second row. These, paired with an almost flat floor, ensures that there is more than enough space for the passengers.  

Winner

This round goes to the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain as it presents a handful of toys for both the driver and the passengers. We love the rotating infotainment screen, not only for its modern look but also for its improved functionality. 

To know more about the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain and its tech-heavy interior, click this link. 

Powertrain 

Under the hood of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT is a humble 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It is capable of producing the following numbers: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower [hp>)	102
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters [Nm>)	138

 

Helping conserve fuel is a mild-hybrid system (comprised of an integrated starter generator that charges the battery and electric motor) paired with the brand’s engine auto stop-start system helps improve fuel efficiency. 

Compared to its predecessor, the company claims that the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is 7.5 percent more efficient. 

Meanwhile, the Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT packs a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with full hybrid technology with a continuously variable transmission. Here are its performance figures: 

Maximum power output (in hp)	183
Maximum torque (in Nm)	188

Zigwheels Philippines Managing Editor Ruben Manahan IV was able to try out the Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT and reported that the seven-seater clocked in at 16.9 kilometers per liter after driving 533 kilometers under mixed conditions. 

You may check out this link for the full review of the vehicle. 

Finally, the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor powered by a 71.8 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion phosphate Blade battery, which generates the below numbers: 

Maximum power output (in hp)	201
Maximum torque (in Nm)	310

With impressive numbers and an all-electric powertrain, the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain offers more than enough power for a spirited drive. 

Winner

For having more than enough power while offering the opportunity to help care for the environment, this round goes to the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain. 

Safety

Here are the safety features offered by the respective vehicles: 

Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• ISOFIX tethers 
• Side impact door beams 
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Hill hold 
• Parking sensors 
• Rear parking camera
• Cruise control

Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• Pre-collision system 
• Automatic high beam 
• Lane tracing assist
• Lane departure alert 
• Dynamic radar cruise control 
• Blind spot monitor 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• Emergency brake signal 
• ABS
• EBD
• Vehicle stability control 
• Hill start assist control 
• panoramic-view monitor 
• Parking sensors

Kia Carnival 1.6 SX+ Turbo Hybrid AT

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• Traction control system 
• Electronic stability control 
• ABS
• Hill-hold control 
• Tire pressure monitoring 
• Electronic anti-theft system 
• Vehicle dynamic control system 
• EBD
• 360-degree camera with see-through mode 
• Rear parking sensors 
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assist 
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Lane departure assist 
• Blind spot detection 
• Predictive collision warning 
• Rear collision warning 
• Rear cross traffic alert 
• Rear cross traffic braking 
• Door open warning 

Winner

With all three vehicles packing good safety technologies, we call this round a tie. 

Pricing 

Here are the sticker prices for each of the listed vehicles: 

Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT	P1.178 million
Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT	P1.959 million (P1.974 million for Platinum White Pearl Mica option)
BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain	P1.748 million

Winner

Judging by their pricing, the winner here is the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT. For its price, it can offer those who want to switch to a more eco-friendly vehicle a more viable option. 

Verdict 

As seen in our three-way comparo, each vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses. 

If one is on the market for a practical and flexible daily driver with mild-hybrid technology, then the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT would be worth considering. Not only can it carry up to seven occupants, but its foldable seating makes it a good choice for hauling light cargo. 

You can click on this link for our full review of the vehicle. 

Meanwhile, the Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV CVT offers an elevated experience to family car buyers. It has good looks with a handsome interior to match and packs just the right amount of tech for one’s everyday motoring needs. 

Lastly, the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain will make for a good option for families who put comfort and convenience first. It rolls out of the dealership abundant with appointments aimed at making one’s journeys more pleasant. 

Also read: 

Pickup truck comparo: GWM Cannon vs Dongfeng Rich 7

Work wheels: vehicles that help industries move

Toyota Avanza vs. MG G50 Plus vs. GAC M6 Pro: family feud

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