Wheel-to-wheel: Denza B8 vs Toyota LC 300 HEV

Denza, BYD’s premium electric car brand, launched the B8 — a hybrid off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV) — sometime in April.

For its price, it offered a lot of nice things on top of the ability to go almost anywhere using a gasoline-powered mill paired with two electric motors. For a few more zeroes, on the other hand, one can drive home the Toyota Land Cruiser (LC) 300 HEV (hybrid electric vehicle). 

Interested in seeing how these two modern SUVs stack up against each other? Find out which is the best pick as the two models go wheel-to-wheel. 

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Tale of the tape 

Here’s how they compare side-by-side: 

Vehicle	Denza B8	Toyota LC 300 HEV
Dimensions (length, width, height in millimeters [mm>)	5,195 x 1,994 x 1,905	5,130 x 1,980 x 1,945
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,920	2,850

As we can see, the Denza B8 appears to be a tad longer and wider than its rival. It, too, is better when it comes to the length between wheel axles. 

However, Toyota scores with the LC 300 HEV as it is much taller than the Denza B8. 

Exterior 

Outside, the Denza B8 offers a modern SUV in a traditional package due to the abundance of boxy dimensions, sharp angles, and straight lines. 

At the fore is a striking headlamp with a refined-looking grille. The fascia is supported by a rugged lower front bumper. 

To its sides are squarish side mirrors, soft-close doors with flush handles (which is a nice touch), large wheel arches with amber-colored reflector accents, protective claddings on the lower doors, and blacked-out pillars. 

It rolls on a set of 20-inch black wheels wrapped with 275/55 Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires. 

At the back, the Denza B8 gets a classic swing-out door, a spare tire holder mounted on the said door, boxy taillamps, and a similarly strong-looking bumper, like the one at the front. 

Eager to showcase Japanese design and craftsmanship, the Toyota LC 300 HEV wears a larger-than-life grille with a modern design. Here, the Toyota emblem is proudly cradled at the center. 

The face of the SUV gets LED illumination and a bumper, whose design leans more towards opulence than resilience. 

Its side profile is characterized by clean-looking wheel arches, chromed side mirrors and door handles, a pair of roof rails, and wide running boards. 

The hind side of the SUV sports a spoiler, LED lighting, and a power tailgate with a kick sensor. 

Both nameplates offer a good mix of elegance and ruggedness, but it is undeniable that the most recognizable of the two is the Toyota LC 300 HEV. 

Interior 

The cabin of the Denza B8 is undoubtedly modern and packed with the newest technologies that can make every journey a memorable one. 

Occupants will rest on leather-upholstered seats, with portions of the dashboard, door cards, and center console finished in similarly textured soft-touch materials. 

The driver will be gripping a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel. Past it is a 12.3-inch embedded full LCD instrument cluster paired with a legible head-up display system. Keeping everyone engaged is a 17.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Notable, too, are features like an automatic climate control system with three temperature zones, a negative-ion air purifier, a car refrigerator that can double as a warmer, a digital rearview mirror, and captain’s seats. 

Showing its rival how it’s done, Toyota endowed the LC 300 HEV with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-piece JBL speaker set, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

In addition, it comes with a dual-zone climate control system, leather seating, and a moon roof. 

Further, it gets faux wood appliques on the center console and door cards, which are a nice touch. 

Here, the cabin of the Denza B8 could appear “too modern” for some, while the interior of the Toyota LC 300 HEV might seem “too cozy” for others. Nevertheless, these design choices attract different kinds of car buyers, with the former possibly aiming for the younger market, while the latter might appeal to those more mature clientele. 

Powertrain 

Powering the Denza B8 is a 2.0-liter internal combustion engine paired with two electric motors on each wheel axle. They produce 603 horsepower (hp) and 760 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

Acceleration from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) happens in 4.8 seconds. 

Meanwhile, the Toyota LC 300 HEV uses a beefier 3.5-liter twin-turbo gasoline V6 and a single electric motor mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It packs the Japanese carmaker’s reliable 4x4 drivetrain with a differential lock. 

The gasoline mill makes a respectable 409 hp and 650 Nm, with the electric motor contributing some 49 horses and 250 Nm of pulling power. 

If we look at the numbers alone, we can see that the Chinese SUV has better figures than the Japanese model. However, a strong power output and a high torque are not the only important variables in off-road-ready vehicles. 

Fluidity, cohesiveness, and longevity also play a part not only in the driving feel but also in the overall ownership experience. While Denza offers impressive numbers, Toyota puts forward tried-and-tested reliability and durability, which is why the Land Cruiser is a nameplate beloved by both good and bad actors. 

Pricing, debriefing 

Whether we like it or not, a vehicle’s price matters. 

The Denza B8 will set customers back anywhere from P4.998 to P5.398 million. On the other hand, the Toyota LC 300 HEV will cost buyers some P6.945 million. 

So, if you’re the kind of driver who thrives in technology and likes new toys, then the Denza B8 might be a good pick for you. However, if you are looking for a vehicle that has an established history — in both times of peace and conflict — then, the Toyota LCC 300 HEV might be your best bet. 

Also read: 

Toyota Wigo, Raize, Tamaraw highlighted in June promo

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Denza D9 DM-i gets limited-time P300K price cut

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