Dubai’s endless traffic, family beach runs, and fluctuating fuel costs demand an SUV that’s efficient, spacious, and hassle-free. I test-drove the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and BYD Song Plus PHEV to make a simple but thorough comparison to help car buyers make an informed buying decision.
The Song Plus, a nimbler 5-seater (574L boot), shines in city zips with instant EV torque for quick merges, plus a panoramic sunroof that honestly has minimal utility in Dubai.
BYD’s ventilated seats cool you faster during mall crawls. For 4-5 passengers, the Song feels more premium and agile; bigger families? Highlander’s space wins.
The Song Plus PHEV slashes that to ~18K AED. It has a battery warranty (8 years) and this keeps fixes low (~1,800 AED/year), but resale lags at 55-60% as BYD builds rep.
BYD, the EV upstart, scores high on innovation (5-star safety like Toyota’s) and is gaining traction with fewer issues in 2025 models, but its network is smaller (expanding via Al-Futtaim). If “bulletproof” trumps “buzzworthy,” Toyota’s legacy reassures; for forward-thinking savings, BYD’s rising equity fits Dubai’s green shift.
From a Tech point of view? Song’s 15″ rotating screen and ambient lights feel futuristic for kid entertainment and in comparison, the only thing Highlander offers is a 12″ JBL setup and even that is pretty ordinary and dated.
Drive-wise, Highlander’s quiet hybrid hum suits longer cruises; Song’s peppy PHEV thrills in traffic but lacks AWD standard.Pros: 7 seats, top resale, unmatched service net.
Cons: Higher running costs, dated interior vibe.
Song Plus PHEV:
Pros: Massive efficiency savings, loaded tech, agile fun.
Cons: 5 seats max, resale still maturing.
For everyday Dubai life, commutes, heat, and budgets; the Song Plus delivers more bang (and fewer dirhams) unless 7 seats are non-negotiable.
You can head over to Al-Futtaim for a test-drive.
The ultimate question you need to ask yourself is: Utility or equity first?
Toyota Highlander vs. BYD Song Plus
With prices fitting a 130-150K AED range (Highlander LE Hybrid at ~135K AED; Song Plus starting ~119K AED), here’s a no-fuss breakdown on utility, costs, brand trust, and more to decide fast.Everyday Utility: Traffic, Heat, and Family Hauls
In Dubai’s stop-start jams in the rush hour or scorching 50°C summers, the Highlander edges out with its roomy 7-seater layout—perfect for squeezing in kids, nannies, and beach gear without folding seats every trip. Its 453L boot expands to 2,387L, and smooth AWD handles light dune bashing better.
The Song Plus, a nimbler 5-seater (574L boot), shines in city zips with instant EV torque for quick merges, plus a panoramic sunroof that honestly has minimal utility in Dubai.
BYD’s ventilated seats cool you faster during mall crawls. For 4-5 passengers, the Song feels more premium and agile; bigger families? Highlander’s space wins.
Total Cost of Ownership: Fixes and Resale
Over 5 years/100K km, expect ~25K AED total for the Highlander. What works for Toyota is their vast network, long term reliability data and cheaper parts. Its resale holds strong at 60% value, thanks to UAE demand for hybrids.The Song Plus PHEV slashes that to ~18K AED. It has a battery warranty (8 years) and this keeps fixes low (~1,800 AED/year), but resale lags at 55-60% as BYD builds rep.
Brand Equity: Trust in the Desert Heat
Toyota’s ironclad reliability rules UAE roads. Toyota owners rave about zero breakdowns after 200K km, backed by Al-Futtaim’s 50+ service spots for quick fixes. It’s the go-to for families valuing peace of mind over flash.BYD, the EV upstart, scores high on innovation (5-star safety like Toyota’s) and is gaining traction with fewer issues in 2025 models, but its network is smaller (expanding via Al-Futtaim). If “bulletproof” trumps “buzzworthy,” Toyota’s legacy reassures; for forward-thinking savings, BYD’s rising equity fits Dubai’s green shift.
Other Factors: Tech, Safety, and Drive Feel
Safety’s a tie—both pack adaptive cruise, 360° cams, and 5-star ratings for highway peace.From a Tech point of view? Song’s 15″ rotating screen and ambient lights feel futuristic for kid entertainment and in comparison, the only thing Highlander offers is a 12″ JBL setup and even that is pretty ordinary and dated.
Drive-wise, Highlander’s quiet hybrid hum suits longer cruises; Song’s peppy PHEV thrills in traffic but lacks AWD standard.
Pros & Cons
Highlander Hybrid:You can head over to Al-Futtaim for a test-drive.
The ultimate question you need to ask yourself is: Utility or equity first?
