- Price and Value: Who Offers More for Less?
- Dimensions and Exterior Design: Bold Presence or Practical Form?
- Interior and Features: Digital Luxury vs Functional Simplicity
- Performance and Efficiency: Which SUV Drives Better?
- Safety and Driver Assistance: Advanced Tech vs Proven Reliability
- Which SUV Is Better for Middle East Buyers?
As interest in hybrid and electric vehicles continues to grow in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two leading contenders emerge in the family crossover segment: the 2025 BYD Song PlusKSA BYD Song PlusUAE BYD Song PlusKuwait BYD Song PlusQatar BYD Song PlusOman BYD Song PlusBahrain BYD Song PlusEgypt BYD Song Plus DM-i and the 2025 Toyota RAV4UAE Toyota RAV4Kuwait Toyota RAV4Qatar Toyota RAV4Oman Toyota RAV4Bahrain Toyota RAV4Egypt Toyota RAV4KSA Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Both vehicles offer a practical, fuel efficient daily driving experience, but differences in design, performance, and equipment make this comparison essential for Middle East buyers looking for a smart, value packed hybrid.
Price and Value: Who Offers More for Less?
Both models are priced similarly, but the BYDEgypt BYDUAE BYDKSA BYDOman BYDBahrain BYDQatar BYDKuwait BYD Song Plus includes more advanced standard features across all trims, offering greater value for buyers who prioritize tech and comfort without needing to upgrade.
BYD Song Plus DM-i Design FWD: AED 119,900
BYD Song Plus DM-i Premium AWD: AED 144,900
ToyotaUAE ToyotaKSA ToyotaKuwait ToyotaQatar ToyotaOman ToyotaBahrain ToyotaEgypt Toyota RAV4 Hybrid EXR (Base): AED 120,500
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid VXR (Top): AED 152,900
The Song Plus also boasts plug in capability, allowing up to 100 km of pure electric driving, a practical advantage for daily urban commutes. In contrast, the RAV4 Hybrid uses a traditional self charging system with no EV-only range.
Dimensions and Exterior Design: Bold Presence or Practical Form?
The BYD Song Plus features a sleek, aerodynamic look with LED lighting and premium accents, while the RAV4 leans into a bold, adventure ready style with chunky bodywork and exposed wheel arches.
Specification | BYD Song Plus 2025 | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2025 |
|---|---|---|
Length | 4,775 mm | 4,600 mm |
Width | 1,890 mm | 1,855 mm |
Height | 1,670 mm | 1,685 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,765 mm | 2,690 mm |
he BYD’s larger footprint translates to a more spacious cabin, while the RAV4’s compact design offers better maneuverability in tight spaces.
Interior and Features: Digital Luxury vs Functional Simplicity
The Song Plus embraces a futuristic cabin layout with digital screens, ambient lighting, and advanced features such as a heads up display. Meanwhile, the RAV4 focuses on practicality and intuitive controls in a more conservative layout.
Feature | BYD Song Plus | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
Center Display | 12.8" rotating | Up to 10.5" |
Instrument Cluster | 12.3" digital | Partial or full digital |
Upholstery | Leather + ventilation | SofTex (trim dependent) |
Audio System | Dirac or Infinity | JBL (higher trims) |
Ambient Lighting | Yes | Mostly unavailable |
Head-Up Display (HUD) | Yes | Limited to top trims |
Rear Cargo Capacity | 552 L | Slightly smaller |
The Song Plus clearly prioritizes in cabin innovation, while the RAV4 sticks to a tried and true ergonomic layout favored by practical drivers.
Performance and Efficiency: Which SUV Drives Better?
With its plug in hybrid powertrain, the BYD Song Plus delivers stronger performance, faster acceleration, and the ability to drive emissions free in the city. Toyota counters with proven hybrid reliability and smoother long term ownership.
Metric | Song Plus FWD | Song Plus AWD | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
Horsepower | 213 hp | 360 hp | 215 hp |
0–100 km/h Acceleration | 8.3 seconds | 5.9 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100 km | 5.2 L/100 km | 5.5 L/100 km |
EV Range | Up to 100 km | Up to 100 km | Not available |
The Song Plus offers both dynamic driving and fuel savings for drivers who charge regularly, whereas the RAV4 provides a low maintenance experience with consistent fuel efficiency.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Advanced Tech vs Proven Reliability
Both SUVs are equipped with comprehensive safety systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. However, the Song Plus offers more high tech features as standard, such as a 360° camera and HUD.
Safety Feature | BYD Song Plus | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
Lane Keeping Assist | Yes | Yes |
Forward Collision Warning | Yes | Yes |
360° Camera | Standard | Only on higher trims |
Head Up Display (HUD) | Yes | Limited availability |
Airbags | 6 to 8 | Up to 8 |
High Strength Body | 65% ultra high steel | Certified steel structure |
The Song Plus stands out with its DiPilot 3.0 system and extensive use of driver assist tech, while the RAV4 maintains Toyota’s dependable approach to family friendly safety.
Which SUV Is Better for Middle East Buyers?
The BYD Song Plus brings a modern package that combines advanced technology, sleek design, electric driving capability, and premium comfort, all at a competitive price. It is especially ideal for urban drivers who have access to home charging and want the latest in hybrid innovation.
On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers legendary reliability, simple ownership, and proven hybrid performance, making it a great option for those who prefer traditional practicality and long term ease of use.
In the end, the BYD Song Plus edges ahead in value, innovation, and flexibility, proving itself as a smart choice in the evolving world of hybrid SUVs for 2025.
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