Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options

In the past few editions of our three-way new-energy comparo, we pit together some of the best multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) and sedans that belong in various propulsion categories. 

Dedicated to helping willing adopters find their ideal ride, we tackled potential options in our “Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid vs Toyota Zenix vs BYD eMAX 7: new-energy MPV scuffle” and “Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown” articles. 

This time around, we’re looking at new-energy models that offer a robust and rugged appeal while still providing would-be owners some level of sustainability to take on adventures — big and small. Of course, we will again cover models from the industry’s mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, and fully-electric segments. 

So without further ado, here are our contenders: 

• Suzuki XL7 Hybrid 
• Toyota RAV4 
• BYD Tang 

Here’s how they stack up against each other: 

	Suzuki XL7 Hybrid	Toyota RAV4	BYD Tang
LxWxH (in millimeters [mm>)	4,450 x 1,775 x 1,710	4,600 x 1,855 x 1,685	4,970 x 1,950 x 1,745
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,740	2,690	2,820

Judging by how they measure, the most city-friendly car would be the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid. It boasts compact dimensions, making it a good choice for those who typically ply narrow roads and deal with tight parking areas in their daily commutes. 

Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 offers a slightly larger package that will definitely improve road presence without sacrificing agility. Its dimensions are ideal for breezing through city traffic or conquering roads with rough patches, which are common in rural areas. 

Lastly, the BYD Tang presents a larger footprint for those who prefer a beefier ride and a relatively roomy interior space. The sport utility vehicle (SUV) has room for seven occupants and offers buyers a capable companion for both city cruising and overnight camping. 

With the vehicles’ measurements out of the way, let’s check out their exterior features. 

Exterior 

There’s no mistaking that the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid is the outdoorsy iteration of the Ertiga Hybrid. Compared to its domesticated stablemate, the former gets more durable-looking appointments over the latter. 

At the fore, the MPV packs a bold honeycomb grille with automatic LED headlamps on each side. Also noticeable is its black plastic garnish that also serves as the housing for its two front fog lamps. Its chin is slapped with a durable-looking skid plate. 

To its sides are blacked-out wheel arches and side sill protectors. Noticeable too are its dark-hued pillars and side mirrors with integrated turn signals. 

A pair of decent-sized step boards and sturdy-looking roof rails match well with its set of two-tone 16-inch wheels with 195/60 radial tires. 

Its rear gets a third brake lamp, a glass with black trims, a large dark tailgate garnish, aggressive-looking taillamps, a decent-sized bumper, two reflectors, and a skid plate to match the one found at the front. 

Looking like it’s ready for any type of adventure is the Toyota RAV4. Its fascia dons a two-part grille with an upper latticework with a modern honeycomb design and a lower portion that wears horizontal slats. These are flanked by projector-type LED lights alongside LED fog lamps and a skid plate. 

Onto its sides are black claddings in the form of wheel well covers and side sill garnishes. Providing some cohesion in exterior design are black pillars, black roof rails, and side mirrors with black accents. 

It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 tires. 

The rear end of the Toyota RAV4 packs a roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated stop lamp, a good-sized glass, rear LED combination lamps, a chrome garnish on the tailgate, a bumper with a skid plate, and dual exhaust pipes. 

Finally, the BYD Tang comes in as a somewhat stylish SUV slapped with refined appointments at the surface. 

Its facade sports a clean front with a silver garnish where the BYD emblem sits. To each of its sides are adaptive LED headlamps with automatic on and off functionality as well as LED daytime running lights. 

The lower portion of its front end gets horizontal louvers bordered by faux air vents on the cheeks and a chin supplied with a skid plate. 

Its side profile is highlighted by sleek bodylines, some chrome accents surrounding the windows and on the lower doors, black pillars, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, silver-colored roof rails, and a set of 21-inch alloy wheels shod in 265/45 series tires. 

The back side of the BYD Tang gets a discreet spoiler with a long third brake lamp. Following the same design is an LED light bar, which serves as the SUV’s taillamps. These are set on an automatic tailgate with a kick sensor for added convenience. 

Rounding up its features at the back are some reflectors and a bumper with a silver garnish that gives the impression of a skid plate. 

Winner 

Winning this round, thanks to its noticeable road presence and maneuverable dimensions, is the Toyota RAV4. The crossover fits well in both city as well as provincial landscapes, and offers a look that appears to be ready for daily drives and weekend escapades. 

Interior 

The cabin of the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid looks spartan, which somewhat matches its exterior. Inside, there are plenty of hard plastics as well as seats covered in fabric upholstery. Notable are the modern faux wood trims on the dashboard. 

Facing the driver is a plastic steering wheel with multi-functional controls and silver appliques. Past it is an instrument panel consisting of two analog gauges and a small digital screen. Complementing it is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity as well as Apple Carplay and Android Auto for smartphone integration. 

Other notable features include the following: 

• Automatic air conditioning 
• Dedicated rear ventilation louvers 
• Pollen filter 
• Keyless push start system 
• Flexible seating 

As for the Toyota RAV4, its cabin offers aesthetically modern vibes with likewise modern amenities. While there are some hard plastics on the cockpit, the abundance of silver trims on the dashboard, center console, door cards, and steering wheel gives it a contemporary feel. 

In addition, it gets leather upholstery on the multi-functional steering wheel, seats, center armrest, dash, and doors. 

Tech-wise, it sports a seven-inch thin-film transistor instrument panel complemented by an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. 

Those staying in the cabin can enjoy the following features: 

• Dual-zone automatic air conditioning system
• Six speakers 
• Smart entry with remote-open trunk 
• Push start ignition system 
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Illuminated entry system

Not to be outdone, the BYD Tang presents a tech-heavy cabin, typical of models offered by the brand. 

Surrounding the driver and passengers with opulence, the SUV stacks the cockpit with suede and leather trims. These can be found on the dashboard, center console, and door cards. As for its seats, they are finished with Nappa leather (with perforation), which feels comfortable and luxurious at the same time. 

Its steering wheel is covered with leather and has multi-functional buttons. Past it is a 12.3-inch LED instrument panel sitting alongside a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system. Of course, it has Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity for incorporating smartphone apps. 

Here are some of its notable features: 

• Triple-zone air conditioning system 
• Negative ion air purifier 
• PM 2.5 air filter 
• CN 95 air filter 
• Dedicated middle-row vents 
• Dynaudio 12-speaker sound system 
• Wireless charging 
• Keyless entry system 
• Panoramic sunroof 
• Multi-color ambient lighting 

Winner 

With the wealth of features it offers, the clear winner of this round is the BYD Tang. Not only does the seven-seater SUV envelope occupants with premium materials, but it also appeals to adventurous and tech-savvy car buyers who want a capable ride that packs plenty of features that fit their lifestyle. 

Powertrain

Under the hood of the Suzuki XL7 is a mild-hybrid powertrain system comprised of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, which generates the following numbers: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower [hp>)	103
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters [Nm>)	138

The Suzuki XL7 Hybrid employs a 12-volt battery with a capacity of 0.12 kilowatt-hours to assist the overall powertrain system. Together with the marque’s engine auto stop-start system, this mild-hybrid approach allows for improved fuel efficiency. 

On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 uses a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with hybrid technology. Mated to a continuously variable transmission, it produces the below numbers: 

Maximum power output (in hp)	215
Maximum torque (in Nm)	221

Here’s where the BYD Tang proves it has earned its place as an adventure-ready electric vehicle. It uses two permanent magnet synchronous motors on both the front and rear axles. 

Here are its performance figures: 

Maximum power output (in hp, front and rear wheel axles)	Front: 240, rear: 267
Maximum torque (in Nm)	350

With power sent to all four wheels, the BYD Tang is capable of taking on most terrains and can conquer more obstacles than those that are only pulled by the front axle. 

Winner 

Due to its all-electric, four-wheel drivetrain, the winner of this round is the BYD Tang. The said setup proves that being adventure-ready goes beyond looks, showing that even a refined SUV has what it takes to go further. 

Speaking of going further, the BYD Tang can drive up to 530 kilometers in a single charge. 

Safety 

Here are the safety features offered by the tough-looking new-energy vehicles on this list: 

Suzuki XL7 Hybrid 

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic stability system 
• Hill-hold control 
• Rear parking sensors 
• Reverse camera

Toyota RAV4 

• Seatbelts 
• Airbags 
• Blind spot monitoring 
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Anti-lock braking system
• Vehicle stability control 
• Hill-start assist control 
• Pre-collision system 
• Automatic high beam 
• Lane tracing assist 
• Lane departure alert 
• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Clearance and back sonars 
• Panoramic view monitor 

BYD Tang 

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• Traction control system
• Electronic stability control
• Anti-lock braking technology 
• Hill descent control
• Tire pressure monitoring 
• 360-degree view camera with see-through mode 
• Head up display 
• Radar system 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Lane keeping assist 
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Cross-traffic alert 
• Cross-traffic brake 
• Lane departure warning 
• Blind spot detection 

Winner 

We will call this round a tie as all three new-energy vehicles pack a reasonable list of safety features. 

Pricing 

Here are the price tags of the models in our three-way comparo, as well as the variants that belong to the nameplate roster: 

Suzuki XL7 Hybrid 

Suzuki XL7 Hybrid GLX AT	P1.252 million
Suzuki XL7 Hybrid GLX AT (two-tone option)	P1.262 million

Toyota RAV4 

Toyota RAV4 2.5L XLE HEV CVT	P2.067 million
Toyota RAV4 2.5L LTD HEV CVT	P2.377 million

BYD Tang 

BYD Tang

P3.321 million

Winner 

Considering price as a factor, the crowned winner of this round is the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid. It offers penny-pinching customers a decent, adventure-ready-looking ride without breaking the bank. 

Verdict 

While all of the vehicles we listed above have the looks and capabilities for different types of adventuring, they do have their own strengths that will cater to the needs of various car buyers who are on the hunt for a sustainable companion. 

For example, the Suzuki XL7 could be a good choice for those who want a rugged-looking ride for glamping on locations just a stone’s throw away from the city. Its character fits the bill, plus owners can enjoy slight fuel savings thanks to its mild-hybrid system. 

Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 can be used for more demanding adventures like camp sites that involve some rough patches of road. With elevated power, it offers not only a more spirited experience but also the capability to go further. 

Finally, the BYD Tang has a four-wheel drivetrain that will make easy work of journeys to the highlands. Whether the plan is to go to Tagaytay in the south or Baguio up north, owners won’t see their SUVs break a sweat. 

On that note, one’s personal preference and motoring needs will play a major role in choosing which of the three to get. 

Also read: 

BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families

JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes

Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck

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