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The BYD Song Plus DM-i is a plug-in hybrid SUV designed for long-distance drivers. It combines a 1.5L engine with an electric motor and BYD’s Blade Battery, delivering up to 932 miles on a full charge and tank. With a pure electric range of up to 99 miles, it’s ideal for daily commutes and road trips. Fuel efficiency stands at 60 mpg, significantly reducing costs compared to gas-powered SUVs.
Key features include:
- Rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen with voice control
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) to power external devices
- Advanced safety systems like adaptive cruise control and a 360° panoramic camera
- Comfortable interior with eco-friendly materials
Compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and Honda HR-V Hybrid, the BYD Song Plus DM-i offers a longer range, plug-in capability, and more advanced features. Starting at $31,700–$38,300, it’s an attractive choice for those prioritizing range, efficiency, and tech.
1. BYD Song Plus DM-i
Powertrain and Performance
The BYD Song Plus DM-i is powered by the brand’s fifth-generation DM (Dual Mode) hybrid system, crafted for long-distance travel. It combines a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, generating 74 kW (99 hp) and 126 N·m (93 lb-ft) of torque, with a robust electric motor delivering 160 kW (218 hp) and 260 N·m (192 lb-ft). This hybrid duo is paired with an E-CVT transmission, which smoothly transitions between four driving modes: pure EV, HEV series, HEV parallel, and engine direct drive. The result? A versatile performance that fits a variety of driving conditions. Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes between 7.7 and 8.5 seconds, offering plenty of power for passing on highways or merging into traffic. The ride is further refined by a rear four-link independent suspension and FSD shock absorbers, designed to smooth out road imperfections and enhance overall comfort.
Range and Efficiency
The Song Plus DM-i offers three battery options – 12.9 kWh, 18.3 kWh, and 26.6 kWh – each providing different electric-only ranges of approximately 47, 70, and 99 miles (75, 112, and 160 km) under CLTC testing standards. If you opt for the largest battery, you can recharge it from 30% to 80% in just 17 minutes using 2C fast charging. Once the battery is depleted, the hybrid system achieves fuel consumption of about 3.9 L/100 km (roughly 60 mpg under NEDC standards). Combined with its 60-liter (15.9-gallon) fuel tank, the Song Plus DM-i can travel up to 1,500 km (932 miles) on a full charge and tank – perfect for extended road trips. The Blade Battery technology ensures durability, withstanding over 5,000 charge–discharge cycles.
Comfort and Technology
Step inside the Song Plus DM-i, and you’ll find a tech-rich cabin designed for convenience and comfort. The centerpiece is a rotating touchscreen powered by the DiLink 100 operating system, offering 5G connectivity and intuitive "see-and-speak" voice control. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display provide easy access to essential driving information. For comfort, the interior features Sensatec leather upholstery, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a heated steering wheel.
The vehicle also includes a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function with 3.3 kW of power, enabling you to run appliances during camping trips or in areas with limited electricity. While the acoustic windshield reduces cabin noise, some reviewers noted wind noise at higher speeds. Additional touches like a 9-speaker Infinity audio system and a 50W wireless charging pad enhance the overall experience.
Safety Features
Safety is a key focus for the Song Plus DM-i, which comes equipped with the DiPilot intelligent driving assistance system. This includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. A 360° holographic transparent 3D panoramic imaging system eliminates blind spots during parking or maneuvering in tight spaces, while the Driver Monitoring System (DMS) helps detect signs of fatigue on long journeys.
The vehicle’s high-strength steel body and LFP Blade Battery meet stringent crash and battery safety standards, offering added peace of mind. Remote features via the BYD App let you unlock the car, check battery levels, and even pre-cool the cabin before stepping inside.
2. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Powertrain and Performance
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid operates with a traditional hybrid system, relying on regenerative braking and its gasoline engine to recharge the battery. Unlike plug-in hybrids such as the BYD Song Plus DM-i, it doesn’t support external charging or offer an extended electric-only driving range. While Toyota’s hybrid systems have a long-standing reputation for reliability, this model lacks the added flexibility that plug-in hybrids provide for electric-only travel.
Range and Efficiency
Since it isn’t a plug-in hybrid, the Corolla Cross Hybrid leans on gasoline for longer trips, which limits its overall range despite its improved fuel efficiency. By comparison, the BYD Song Plus DM-i, with its plug-in hybrid system, boasts an electric-only range of about 44 to 93 miles (71 to 150 km) and can achieve a combined range of up to 1,500 km in certain markets. Now, let’s take a closer look at how this hybrid performs in terms of interior comfort and daily usability.
Comfort and Technology
The interior of the Corolla Cross Hybrid is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, making it a solid choice for daily commutes. Its layout focuses on simplicity and user-friendly controls, which may appeal to drivers who prefer more traditional setups over tech-heavy dashboards. Starting at around $25,000, it’s positioned as an affordable option within the hybrid SUV category.
Safety Features
Toyota equips the Corolla Cross Hybrid with its well-known Toyota Safety Sense suite. This includes essential safety features like pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. These systems have been thoroughly tested across Toyota’s range, delivering reliable safety performance. While it doesn’t break new ground in advanced driver assistance, it provides dependable protection for everyday driving.
3. Honda HR-V Hybrid
Powertrain and Performance
The Honda HR-V Hybrid features a traditional hybrid system, which means it doesn’t include plug-in capability or extended electric-only driving. Instead, it combines a gasoline engine with regenerative braking to recharge the battery, offering a practical yet conventional hybrid approach.
Range and Efficiency
For longer journeys, the HR-V Hybrid depends entirely on its gasoline engine, which limits its overall range compared to competitors like the BYD Song Plus DM-i. The BYD Song Plus DM-i, for instance, boasts an impressive combined range of 621 miles (1,000 km), while the HR-V Hybrid may require more frequent stops for refueling. This could lead to slightly higher running costs for those who frequently travel long distances.
Comfort and Technology
The HR-V Hybrid’s interior reflects its straightforward powertrain, offering a clean and functional cabin design. It includes essential connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring drivers stay connected on the go. However, it doesn’t deliver the high-tech experience found in the BYD Song Plus DM-i, which features a rotatable multimedia touchscreen (available in 12.8-inch or 15.6-inch sizes) and premium touches like Sensatec leather. While the HR-V Hybrid keeps things simple, some may find it lacking in luxury and advanced tech.
Safety Features
Safety remains a strong point for the HR-V Hybrid, thanks to the inclusion of Honda’s Sensing suite. This system includes collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features, which are staples across Honda’s lineup, offer reliable protection and peace of mind for both families and commuters during everyday drives.
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The BEST HYBRID SUV of 2025 – BYD Song Plus DM-i | Full Review & Test Drive of PHEV from China!
Pros and Cons
BYD Song Plus DM-i vs Toyota Corolla Cross vs Honda HR-V: Hybrid SUV Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the key performance and comfort differences among the models, highlighting their strengths and trade-offs.
The BYD Song Plus DM-i shines with its impressive combined range, making it a great option for long road trips without the worry of frequent refueling or charging. Its fuel efficiency is a major plus, helping to cut down on running costs compared to traditional SUVs. Inside, the cabin is packed with tech features like a large 12.8-inch or 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen, 50W wireless charging, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology that can power appliances with up to 3.3 kW during stops. However, the soft suspension can feel a bit unstable at higher speeds, and the adaptive cruise control’s uneven acceleration might not meet every driver’s expectations.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is well-known for its reliability and smooth, steady performance on highways. Its self-charging hybrid system eliminates the need for plugging in, making it ideal for drivers without access to home charging setups. On the downside, it lacks plug-in capability and doesn’t offer an electric-only driving mode, which may limit its appeal to those seeking more advanced hybrid features.
The Honda HR-V Hybrid focuses on delivering reliable hybrid efficiency, supported by Honda’s trusted Sensing safety suite, which includes features like collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control. Its interior is practical and straightforward, but it doesn’t match the BYD’s advanced tech or luxury elements. Like the Toyota, it also doesn’t provide plug-in capability.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | BYD Song Plus DM-i | Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | Honda HR-V Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Range | 621–932 miles (1,000–1,500 km) | Gasoline-only | Gasoline-only |
| Electric-Only Range | 62–100 miles (100–160 km) | None | None |
| Fuel Economy | Approx. 50–60 mpg (3.9–4.5 L/100 km) | Competitive hybrid efficiency | Competitive hybrid efficiency |
| Infotainment | 12.8" or 15.6" rotatable touchscreen | Fixed traditional screen | Fixed traditional screen |
| Comfort Tech | V2L, air purification, 50W wireless charging | Standard hybrid features | Standard hybrid features |
| Highway Ride Quality | Soft, less stable feel | Firm and composed | Firm and composed |
| Safety Rating | 5‑star Euro NCAP (90% adult protection) | Strong Toyota Safety Sense | Honda Sensing suite |
For drivers who need long-range capability with advanced tech, the BYD Song Plus DM-i stands out as a solid choice. On the other hand, those who value the dependable performance and highway stability of Japanese hybrids may prefer the Toyota or Honda, even though they lack plug-in options. Each model caters to different priorities, whether it’s cutting-edge features or tried-and-true reliability for eco-conscious driving.
Conclusion
The BYD Song Plus DM-i is a standout option for drivers who need a vehicle that balances electric efficiency with the reliability of a gasoline engine. With a combined range of up to 932 miles (1,500 km) and fuel consumption between 50–60 mpg (3.9–4.5 L/100 km), it addresses range anxiety while keeping running costs lower than traditional SUVs.
What sets the Song Plus DM-i apart from many hybrids is its electric-only range of approximately 47–100 miles (75–160 km). This makes it perfect for daily commutes without emissions, while still offering the versatility needed for longer trips. On top of that, its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, which provides 3.3 kW of discharge power, allows the car to double as a mobile power source for appliances or emergencies.
Inside, the vehicle boasts modern conveniences like a rotatable touchscreen (available in 12.8-inch or 15.6-inch sizes), a 50W wireless charging pad, and the durable Blade Battery, known for its stability even under high temperatures.
With pricing starting around $31,700–$38,300 in markets such as Saudi Arabia, the Song Plus DM-i offers an appealing package for those who value range, advanced features, and fuel efficiency. For long-distance travelers, especially in areas with limited charging options, this plug-in hybrid bridges the gap between conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles, providing a practical and cost-effective solution.
FAQs
What is the electric-only driving range of the BYD Song Plus DM-i?
The BYD Song Plus DM-i’s specific electric-only range isn’t clearly outlined in the available details. However, this vehicle is engineered to offer a blend of fuel efficiency and electric capability, appealing to drivers who prioritize both eco-friendliness and long-distance performance. For accurate and detailed information, reaching out to the manufacturer or a reliable dealer is the best course of action.
What is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature in the BYD Song Plus DM-i, and how does it work?
The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature in the BYD Song Plus DM-i transforms the car’s hybrid battery into a portable power source. With a dedicated outlet – typically 110 V AC in the U.S. – you can plug in and power devices like laptops, small appliances, or even tools directly from the vehicle.
Using V2L is straightforward. Just connect your device to the outlet and activate the feature. The car’s system handles the conversion of the battery’s DC energy into stable AC power, delivering several hundred watts of electricity for hours. Whether you’re camping, working at a remote site, or dealing with an emergency, the Song Plus DM-i offers a reliable backup when traditional power options aren’t available.
What makes the BYD Song Plus DM-i a great choice for long-distance driving?
The BYD Song Plus DM-i is a plug-in hybrid that prioritizes efficiency and comfort, making it a standout choice for long-distance travel. Its advanced hybrid system achieves an impressive fuel economy of around 60 mpg, with a combined range reaching up to 930 miles. For many trips, the electric motor alone handles the workload, while the gas engine kicks in seamlessly when needed. This setup makes it equally suited for city commutes and extended road trips.
Inside, the Song Plus DM-i offers a spacious and tranquil cabin designed with both driver and passenger comfort in mind. Features like generous legroom, sound-insulated glass, and thoughtful touches such as wireless charging and a premium audio system create a relaxing environment for any journey. For those who value eco-friendly driving without sacrificing reliability or comfort, this SUV delivers an exceptional balance of practicality and efficiency.
