BYD Sealion 5 DM-i vs Honda HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Hybrid crossovers Big Test | Top Gear PH

Summary

In this comprehensive test, three hybrid subcompact crossovers—the Toyota Corolla Cross GRS HEV, Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, and BYD Seal Lion 5—are evaluated across handling, ride comfort, interior quality, tech features, cargo space, maneuverability, and value for money. The Honda HR-V impresses with balanced performance, ride, and handling, taking the overall win, while the Corolla Cross excels in technology and parking aids. The BYD Seal Lion 5 stands out for its spacious interior, practicality, and unbeatable value. The video provides detailed, real-world insights, highlighting the strengths of both legacy automakers and emerging electric vehicle brands, helping viewers make informed choices.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The video compares three subcompact hybrid crossovers: Toyota Corolla Cross GRS HEV, Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, and BYD Seal Lion 5, focusing on performance, comfort, interior, and value.
• 🏎️ In terms of handling and driving dynamics, the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV was rated the best due to its balance between ride comfort and engagement.
• 🛋️ For ride comfort, the HR-V again scored highest, while the BYD Seal Lion 5 had noticeable oscillations and the Corolla Cross was slightly stiffer due to its sport suspension.
• 🏠 Interior quality ranked the BYD Seal Lion 5 highest for premium feel, followed by the Honda HR-V, and the Toyota Corolla Cross felt slightly dated.
• ⛽ Fuel economy testing showed the vehicles were driven under similar conditions, with hybrid mode used for the BYD Seal Lion 5 for real-world relevance.
• 📦 Cargo space and practicality favored the BYD Seal Lion 5 for its larger floor area and wider door openings, making it easier to load child seats and strollers.
• 🔧 Tech and extra features were best in the Toyota Corolla Cross, including full ADS suite, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, dash cam, sunroof, and superior sound system.
• 🅿️ Maneuverability tests highlighted the Corolla Cross as easiest to park due to its 360° camera, parking sensors, and helpful features, followed by the HR-V, with the Seal Lion 5 trailing due to its size.
• 💰 Value for money favored the BYD Seal Lion 5 due to its lower price, despite the Corolla Cross having more tech features; HR-V came in second for its overall balance.
• 🏆 Overall winner based on combined scoring was the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV with 84 points, surprising given past comparisons where it lost to the Corolla Cross.
• 🌟 The script emphasizes that while new tech and lower prices are attractive, fundamentals like engineering, driving dynamics, and comfort still play a critical role in choosing a crossover.

Q & A

Which vehicles were tested in the video?

The video tested three subcompact hybrid crossovers: Toyota Corolla Cross GRS HEV, Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, and BYD Seal Lion 5.

What type of hybrid system does each vehicle have?

The Corolla Cross and HR-V use traditional hybrid systems, while the BYD Seal Lion 5 is a range-extended electric vehicle.

Which car performed best in handling and driving dynamics?

The Honda HR-V RS e:HEV performed best in handling and driving dynamics due to its balance of ride comfort, steering engagement, and sustained power delivery.

Which vehicle offered the smoothest ride comfort?

The Honda HR-V RS e:HEV offered the smoothest ride comfort, while the BYD Seal Lion 5 had the poorest ride quality with noticeable oscillations over smooth surfaces and potholes.

How did the interiors of the three vehicles compare?

The BYD Seal Lion 5 had the most premium-feeling interior, the HR-V had solid build quality with functional controls, and the Corolla Cross had a dated interior that lagged behind its competitors.

Which car had the best cargo space and child seat accessibility?

The BYD Seal Lion 5 had the largest cargo area and easiest access for installing child seats, making it the most practical for families.

Which vehicle excelled in technology and extra features?

The Toyota Corolla Cross GRS HEV excelled in technology and extra features, offering a full ADS suite, adaptive cruise, lane assist, collision warning, a built-in DVR, sunroof, and superior sound system.

Which car was easiest to maneuver in tight spaces?

The Toyota Corolla Cross GRS HEV was the easiest to maneuver due to its 360° camera, parking aids, and heavy steering that offered precise control, followed by the HR-V.

Which vehicle offered the best value for money?

The BYD Seal Lion 5 offered the best value for money with an introductory price of approximately ₱1.198 million, compared to nearly ₱2 million for the Corolla Cross and ₱1.8 million for the HR-V.

Which car won the overall big test and why?

The Honda HR-V RS e:HEV won the overall big test with 84 points, primarily due to its superior handling, ride comfort, improved fuel economy, and balanced performance across multiple categories.

What improvements were noted in the HR-V compared to its previous generation?

The hybrid version of the HR-V showed improved performance and fuel economy compared to the previous generation, making it more competitive against newer hybrid and EV crossovers.

What were some challenges noted with the BYD Seal Lion 5's interior and controls?

The BYD Seal Lion 5 had some ergonomic challenges, including a smaller screen, difficult AC controls for first-time drivers, and a layout that could confuse users initially, despite having a premium look.