After driving my old car for quite some time, I’ve been wanting to upgrade, especially because I enjoy the comfort of sedans. Initially, I had my eyes on the Toyota Camry and BYD Han. After doing some research, I found that both cars have their own strengths and are evenly matched, both offering great value for money. Excited by the prospect, I went to test drive both cars last weekend. The driving dynamics and design philosophies of these two vehicles are completely different.
Let me first introduce the models I test-drove.
The 9th generation Camry Hybrid Premium version is priced at 199.800 yuan, with a discount of 12.000 yuan, bringing the actual price down to 187.800 yuan.
The 2025 BYD Han DM-i 125KM Premium model is priced at 186.800 yuan.
In terms of appearance, both cars have unique design languages. The BYD Han features a sleek “Dragon Face” design with a simple and bold front end, giving the car a strong sense of being a new energy vehicle. The new Camry, on the other hand, uses a diamond-shaped, frameless grille that looks younger than its predecessor, but lacks some grandeur. Compared to the Han DM-i, the Camry doesn’t look as appealing, though aesthetics are subjective, and the choice depends on individual preferences.
From a technical perspective, the two cars follow completely different paths. The Camry Hybrid uses a traditional hybrid system, while the BYD Han uses a plug-in hybrid system, each with its own advantages. The Camry’s 2.0L hybrid system, utilizing Toyota's THS intelligent hybrid system, combines a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine with an electric motor, delivering a maximum engine output of 112 kW and a combined system output of 145 kW. Meanwhile, the 5th generation DM technology in the BYD Han features a 1.5T engine and an electric motor in its plug-in hybrid system. The engine outputs 115 kW, while the total motor power reaches 200 kW, allowing the Han to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds, with a fuel consumption of only 3.8L/100 km when the battery is depleted.
The Camry is a traditional hybrid, which only supports electric driving at low speeds, while the BYD Han DM-i is a plug-in hybrid that allows for all-electric driving, with an electric range of 121 km. This makes it ideal for most short-distance trips, meaning future running costs can be greatly reduced. In terms of performance, the data clearly favors the BYD Han DM-i, and this was confirmed in the actual driving experience. The 2025 Han DM-i has stronger acceleration, plenty of power reserves, a smooth start, and confident overtaking. Its chassis has been upgraded to a five-link structure, and it comes standard with an FSD variable damping suspension system, which provides a well-balanced and cohesive sense of comfort.
After test-driving both cars, my biggest takeaway is that they belong to two different technological eras. The Camry is a fuel car that has been transitioning to hybrid technology, striving to keep up with the wave of new energy development. On the other hand, the BYD Han is a premium vehicle born out of the new energy era, constantly adopting new technologies to better serve drivers. The efforts of this generation of Camry are clear—it has made significant strides in smart features, fuel consumption is notably lower than traditional fuel cars, and the power is decent. It maintains a reputation in the market for being fuel-efficient and hassle-free, and its resale value is high. BYD Han DM-i’s biggest advantage, however, lies in its high value for money. It offers ample power, and if you install a charging station and rely on electric power for your trips, the running cost can be as low as that of a pure electric vehicle. There are also significant differences in features. The BYD Han DM-i offers seat heating and ventilation as standard across the range, except for the base model, whereas the Camry does not offer these features as standard and requires an additional payment. Moreover, the Premium and higher versions of the BYD Han DM-i come with a Dynaudio sound system featuring 12 speakers, including tweeters, midrange, woofers, subwoofers, and surround sound, which significantly enhances the luxury feel—something that’s hard to find in Japanese cars known for their cost-saving measures.
One is the benchmark mid-sized sedan, and the other is a strong new contender. How would you weigh your options and make a decision based on your own needs and preferences?
