Introduction

Three Key Questions to Clarify Before Buying

1. 5-Seater or 7-Seater? — Don’t Pay for Low-Frequency Needs

• Most large 5-seater models have a wheelbase between 2700-2800mm, offering ample legroom in the back row. Passengers in the middle won’t feel cramped due to raised floorboards, and the trunk loading capacity is more practical.
• 7-seater cars (especially MPVs) have larger body sizes, with wheelbases mostly over 2800mm. Parking in old communities and passing cars on narrow roads are more challenging.
• Key judgment: Choose a 7-seater only if you need to carry 6-7 people at least once a week, or if you have elderly and children who need frequent group travel. Otherwise, the comfort and flexibility of a large 5-seater are superior 🚗.

2. Behind "Fuel Efficiency": How to Choose Hybrid Technology?

• Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Like a "smart gasoline car," it doesn’t require charging. The electric motor assists the engine, achieving a fuel consumption of 4-6L/100km in urban areas — 30% more fuel-efficient than gasoline cars. Suitable for families without convenient charging access, long daily commutes (≥50km per day), and those seeking reliability and ease of use.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): "Dual-mode of electric car + gasoline car" with an electric range of 50-160km. It can be registered with a green license plate and exempt from purchase tax. The cost per kilometer is low when driving electrically in urban areas (≤0.1 RMB/km), and there’s no range anxiety when driving long distances with gasoline. Suitable for urban families with home charging piles, daily commutes ≤50km, and those troubled by traffic restriction policies.
• High-Efficiency Gasoline: Mature technology, convenient refueling, comprehensive fuel consumption of 6.5-8L/100km, and low purchase cost. Suitable for families with frequent long-distance travel (≥10,000km on highways per year), poor charging conditions, and limited budgets.

3. Balancing Budget and Value

• First priority: Safety configurations (6+ airbags, ESP, active braking, high-strength body) and space practicality (wheelbase, flat rear floor, trunk expandability).
• Second priority: Comfort configurations (rear air vents, adjustable seats, sound insulation effect).
• Third priority: Intelligent configurations (large screen, voice control, assisted driving).
• Core principle: Don’t pay extra for "gimmicky functions." For example, if the entry-level version already meets space and safety needs, there’s no need to force a high-end configuration 📱.

Comprehensive Comparison and Evaluation of Popular Models

First Look: Core Model Comparison Table

In-Depth Model Analysis

BYD Song PLUS DM-i 2025 (PHEV·SUV)

• Exceptional fuel efficiency with an official WLTC battery-depleted fuel consumption of only 4.4L/100km (as low as 3.8L in real-world tests). Driving 15,000km a year saves over 7,000 RMB compared to gasoline cars 💰.
• Class-leading space performance: The 2765mm wheelbase provides a spacious rear row, with over two fists of legroom for 180cm passengers. The flat rear floor ensures comfort for middle passengers.
• Significant policy advantages: Exempt from purchase tax (saving about 12,000 RMB), eligible for green license plates in some cities, and not subject to traffic restrictions 🚦.
• Supports 30-minute fast charging, with an electric range of 75-160km, meeting zero-fuel consumption needs for daily commutes.

• In northern China with temperatures below -10℃, the electric range drops by 50%, and the hybrid mode is required in winter ❄️.
• The acceleration performance at high speeds is average; reserve space in advance when overtaking.

Honda Odyssey e:HEV 2026 (HEV·MPV)

• Leading third-row space in its class: With a seat cushion thickness of 320mm, adults still have over two fists of knee room during long trips, making it a truly practical 7-seater 🧑👩👧👦.
• Power sliding doors + low floor design: Elderly people holding children can get on and off without "stepping over," making daily pickups and drop-offs extremely convenient 🚪.
• Mature and reliable Toyota THS hybrid system, with a WLTC fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km, resulting in low daily commuting costs for families.
• Excellent residual value: Over 70% after three years, making it more cost-effective when resold later.

• High entry price of 235,800 RMB, with a landing cost of over 260,000 RMB, setting a high budget threshold.
• The body length is nearly 5 meters with a wheelbase of 3100mm, making parking in narrow spaces of old communities difficult.
• The interior uses hard materials, and the technological configurations are less abundant than domestic models in the same price range.

GAC Trumpchi M6 2024 (Gasoline/Mild Hybrid·MPV)

• Unbeatable cost-effectiveness: Starting at 89,800 RMB, with a 7-seater layout and 2810mm wheelbase, achieving great value for money 💸.
• High space flexibility: The 2+2+3 layout features an aisle between the second-row independent seats for easy access to the third row. The trunk expands to 1100L, capable of holding a stroller + camping gear.
• Residual value of 68.64% after three years, higher than the average level of its class, with guaranteed durability.

• The gasoline version has a fuel consumption of about 8.5L/100km in urban congestion, higher than hybrid models.
• Average high-speed power performance: The 1.5T engine lacks power during acceleration.
• Average sound insulation: Wind and tire noise are noticeable when driving at high speeds.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2024 (HEV·SUV)

• Mature and stable hybrid technology, no reliance on charging, WLTC fuel consumption of 6.41L/100km, balancing fuel efficiency and reliability 🛡️.
• High space utilization: The trunk volume of 542-580L can easily meet the storage needs of family trips.
• Outstanding safety: High proportion of high-strength steel in the body, standard 7 airbags, and excellent crash test results from C-IASI.
• High residual value, good market reputation, and low maintenance costs.

• The rear legroom is not outstanding in its class; passengers over 185cm may feel slightly cramped.
• Minimalist interior design with a strong plastic feel, lacking a luxurious touch.
• Slow updates to intelligent configurations, and the infotainment system has average operational fluency.

Wuling Xingchen Hybrid 2024 (HEV·SUV)

• Affordable price: Starting at 89,800 RMB after terminal discounts, it’s the king of cost-effectiveness in entry-level hybrid SUVs 👑.
• Excellent range performance: With a WLTC comprehensive fuel consumption of 5.7L/100km + 52L fuel tank, the range on a full tank reaches 1100km, eliminating range anxiety for long trips.
• Flat rear floor: Ensures comfort for middle passengers when three people travel together. Combined with the rear independent suspension, the riding experience is superior to gasoline cars of the same class.
• Standard 360° panoramic image and 6 airbags, with no compromise on safety configurations.

• Limited trunk space: The storage capacity is average when fully loaded.
• Insufficient high-speed power: Lack of confidence during overtaking acceleration.
• Interior materials are mainly hard plastic, and the texture needs improvement.

Ultimate Decision Guide: Choose Based on Your Scenario

Scenario 1: Large Family, 7-Seater is a Must

• Recommended Models: Honda Odyssey e:HEV, GAC Trumpchi M6
• Reasons for Recommendation:
  • If budget allows (over 250,000 RMB), choose the Honda Odyssey e:HEV. The third-row comfort and practicality are top-tier, with power sliding doors suitable for the elderly and children to get on and off. The hybrid system is fuel-efficient and reliable, making it more worry-free for long-term family use.
  • If budget is limited (within 150,000 RMB), choose the GAC Trumpchi M6. The 7-seater layout + large space offers exceptional cost-effectiveness, meeting the needs of daily school runs and weekend family trips, making it a pragmatic choice for families with 刚需 (essential needs).

Scenario 2: Pursuing Ultimate Cost-Effectiveness and Low Fuel Consumption

• Recommended Models: Wuling Xingchen Hybrid, BYD Song PLUS DM-i 75KM Deluxe Version
• Reasons for Recommendation:
  • For a budget under 100,000 RMB, the Wuling Xingchen Hybrid is a no-brainer. With hybrid technology available for 89,800 RMB, a 1100km range, and a flat rear floor, it fully meets daily family use, saving both fuel and money 💰.
  • For a budget of 130,000-150,000 RMB, choose the entry-level BYD Song PLUS DM-i. It’s exempt from purchase tax (saving 12,000 RMB), has a battery-depleted fuel consumption of 4.4L, and offers superior space and configurations compared to gasoline cars of the same class, balancing economy and practicality.

Scenario 3: Mainly Urban Commuting with Charging Access

• Recommended Model: BYD Song PLUS DM-i 112KM/160KM Version
• Reasons for Recommendation:
  • With a home charging pile, an electric range of 112KM is sufficient for daily commutes (≤50km per day). Charging once a day means basically no need for gasoline.
  • Supports fast charging, enabling 30-minute charging to 80% for emergency replenishment. Switch to hybrid mode for long trips without range anxiety.
  • Significant advantages of the green license plate policy: Not subject to traffic restrictions in some cities, and exemption from purchase tax further reduces the 购车 cost (car purchase cost).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Hybrids Save Fuel but Not Money? How About Long-Term Maintenance and Battery Life?

• Answer: Hybrids save more money in long-term use, and there’s no need to worry excessively about maintenance and batteries.
• Detailed Analysis: Taking the BYD Song PLUS DM-i as an example, driving 15,000km a year, the total cost of hybrid use is about 2,855 RMB, which is 7,745 RMB cheaper than a gasoline car of the same class (about 10,600 RMB) 💰. In terms of maintenance, the hybrid structure is simpler than that of gasoline cars, with no transmission jitter issues, and lower maintenance costs (about 400 RMB per maintenance for the Song PLUS DM-i, compared to 800 RMB for gasoline cars). Regarding battery life, BYD offers a lifetime warranty for the three-electric system, while brands like Wuling and Toyota also provide an 8-year/200,000km warranty, covering the daily vehicle usage cycle, so there’s no need to worry about replacement costs.

Both SUVs and MPVs Claim to Have Large Space — How to Choose?

• Answer: The core depends on usage scenarios. Choose an MPV for frequent multi-person travel, and an SUV for all-around family use.
• Detailed Analysis: The "boxy" shape + low floor + sliding doors of MPVs are the optimal solution for multi-person travel. The third-row seat height and legroom are more sufficient, allowing adults to ride comfortably 🧑👩👧👦. SUVs balance space and passability, suitable for occasional multi-person travel + daily self-driving. The vertical trunk space is large enough to hold camping gear, bicycles, and other bulky items. The passability is superior to MPVs, making them suitable for families who often drive on unpaved roads. Simply put: Choose an MPV if you travel with the whole family more than 3 times a week; otherwise, choose an SUV.

How Much Electric Range is Sufficient for Plug-in Hybrids?

• Answer: The commuting radius determines the range requirement; more than 50km is more practical for urban family use.
• Detailed Analysis: If the daily commute is ≤30km, a 75km electric range is sufficient. Charging once a day means basically no need for gasoline. If the commute is 30-50km, it’s recommended to choose a version with an electric range of over 112km to reserve power redundancy and avoid frequent charging. Northern users should prioritize long-range versions (112km+). Low temperatures in winter can reduce the electric range by 50-70%, and a long range can reduce the frequency of using the hybrid mode, resulting in better fuel efficiency ❄️.

Is There a Big Gap Between WLTC Cycle Fuel Consumption and Actual Fuel Consumption?

• Answer: The gap is not large; the actual fuel consumption may be lower in urban areas and slightly higher on highways.
• Detailed Analysis: The WLTC cycle is a test standard closer to daily driving, including urban, suburban, and highway sections, which is more realistic than the old NEDC. Hybrid models are driven by electric motors during urban congestion, so the actual fuel consumption is often lower than the WLTC (e.g., the real-world test of the BYD Song PLUS DM-i is 3.8L < official 4.4L). When driving on highways, the engine is the main power source, and the actual fuel consumption may be 0.3-0.5L higher than the WLTC. The overall gap is acceptable. The actual fuel consumption of gasoline cars is usually 1-1.5L higher than the WLTC, especially in urban congestion.

With a Limited Budget, Do I Have to Choose Between Space and Fuel Efficiency?

• Answer: No compromise is needed; you can buy a car with "both space and fuel efficiency" at the 100,000 RMB level.
• Detailed Analysis: The Wuling Xingchen Hybrid (starting at 89,800 RMB) and GAC Trumpchi M6 Mild Hybrid (starting at 119,800 RMB) are representatives of balancing space and fuel efficiency. The former has a 2750mm wheelbase + 5.7L fuel consumption, and the latter has a 2810mm wheelbase + 5.9L fuel consumption, fully meeting family use needs. When choosing a car, focus on two core indicators: "wheelbase + WLTC fuel consumption," and then consider whether the rear floor is flat and the trunk expandability to find a model that balances both.

Conclusion and Call to Action