Two hybrid sedans emerged as the top challengers to the mainstream market in the Philippines. In one corner, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offering strong performance and EV capability. In the other corner, the recently launched Toyota Ativ HEV, a conventional hybrid backed by Toyota’s well-established name for reliability and efficiency. With this in mind, which one is the smarter choice? Let’s compare.
Design
The two models reflect different personalities. The BYD Seal 5 DM-i adopts a sleek sedan silhouette with smooth lines and a more premium stance. Its design hints at a segment above the usual subcompact sedan with a long hood, clean profile, and smooth surfaces.
The Toyota Ativ HEV, meanwhile, dons a more traditional sedan appearance, but with a modern twist. Its design introduces a more dynamic face and sportier proportions than its predecessor, the Toyota Vios. While less flamboyant than its Chinese competitor, it retains a clean and practical appeal, something Toyota buyers are well familiar with.
Size
The Seal 5 DM-i measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,837 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,718 mm. Based on these figures, the BYD presents a profile closer to that of a midsize sedan. It does look sizable in the metal.
The Ativ HEV is 4,425 mm long, 1,740 mm wide, and 1,480 mm tall, with a 2,620 mm wheelbase. The BYD’s longer footprint gives it an edge in road presence and cabin space.
Interior
Inside, the Seal 5 DM-i reflects its larger dimensions. Passengers benefit from more legroom and overall space, complemented by a 450-liter trunk. The design leans toward a modern, tech-forward feel with a minimalist dashboard and river-focused layout.
The Ativ HEV’s interior is more compact but efficiently packaged. It offers seating for five, and Toyota added some premium touches, such as leather-style upholstery and clean ergonomics. While not as spacious as the BYD, it maintains a practical and well-organized interior ideal for daily use.
Tech
For tech and convenience, the BYD presents a large 12.8-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moreover, the screen rotates so it can be used like a tablet, ideal for navigation or sifting through online music playlists. Also, all its windows can be rolled up or down simultaneously with a single touch.
As for the Ativ, it’s got a 10.1-inch head unit, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and a 360-degree camera. Toyota has packed the Ativ HEV with tech that enhances everyday usability, rather than flashiness, making it easy to live with.
Safety
Safety-wise, the Ativ HEV has the upper hand with Toyota Safety Sense standard. This suite of driver assist and safety features includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beam, along with six airbags and stability control. For many buyers, the Ativ HEV’s loaded safety features are already a selling point on top of Toyota’s well-established reputation for reliability.
The Seal 5 DM-i, meanwhile, isn’t too far behind, either. It comes with multiple airbags and an ADAS (advanced driver assist system) suite, which includes traction control, vehicle dynamics control, hydraulic brake assist, hill start control, among others. In the safety department, the BYD Seal DM-i may trail the Toyota Ativ HEV, but it’s putting up a good fight to save its occupants and pedestrians in times of distress.
Engine
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and an 18.3 kWh Blade battery. The combined output is at 197 hp and 325 Nm of torque. According to BYD, the Seal 5 DM-i’s all-electric driving mode can cover about 115 km before needing the engine to keep the journey going.
Meanwhile, the Ativ HEV pairs its 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a small hybrid battery and electric motor, producing a total of 111 hp. Unlike the BYD, the Ativ HEV brings convenience to the table in the form of its self-charging hybrid setup, with no plugging in required. It won’t match the Seal 5 DM-i’s performance, but it excels in fuel efficiency and ease of use.
Pricing
In an interesting twist, both top-of-the-line variants of the BYD Seal 5 DM-i and the Toyota Ativ HEV are priced at exactly P1,198,000. But for the price, the BYD is slightly ahead with plus points such as higher output, a bigger body, and plug-in hybrid capability. However, the Toyota is closer to home for most buyers in the Philippines, giving it a kind of special value born of many generations, something BYD has yet to achieve, for now.
