Subaru Forester 2.0 XT CVT (2016) vs BYD Tang DM-i (2026)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Subaru Forester 2.0 XT CVT (2016) vs BYD Tang DM-i (2026) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Subaru Forester 2.0 XT CVT (2016) Subaru ₱2,048,000 | BYD Tang DM-i (2026) BYD ₱2,148,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2016 | 2026 |
| Warranty | 100,000km/3-years | 6 years or 150,000 km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Flat-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1998cc | 1498cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Turbo Direct Injection | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Gas | PHEV |
| Max Power | 240 PS @ 5600 rpm | 271 PS |
| Max Torque | 350 Nm @ 2400 - 3600 rpm | 315 Nm |
| Transmission | CVT | Automatic 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | SUV | Midsize Crossover SUV |
| Segment | J | Crossover |
| Construction | Unibody | Unibody |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 2+3+2 |
| Length (mm) | 4595 | 4870 |
| Width (mm) | 1795 | 1950 |
| Height (mm) | 1735 | 1720 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2640 | 2820 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1620 | 2130 |
| Exterior Colors | — | Moonstone Grey, Pearl White, and Silver Sand Black |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 53 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson | MacPherson Strut w/Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Multi-link with Coil Spring |
| Front Wheels | 18 | 20 |
| Rear Wheels | 18 | 20 |
| Front Tires | 225/55/R18 | 255/55R20 |
| Rear Tires | 225/55/R18 | 255/55R20 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Solid Disc |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Steering Type | — | EPS |
| Steering Column | — | Tilt & Telescope |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | No | No |
| Parking Sensors | No | No |
| Stability Control | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | Yes |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | No | Yes |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | No | No |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | No | No |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | No | Yes |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Automatic Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control Dual Zone |
| Rear A/C Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Material | Leather | Leather |
| Parking Brake | Manual | EPB |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | No | Yes |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | No | Yes |
| Power Seats | No | Yes |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | Yes |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | No | Yes |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| AUX Input | Yes | No |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | No |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | No |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Speakers | — | 12 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | HID headlamps + Foglamps | LED |
| Fog Lights | Yes | No |
| Daytime Running Lights | Yes | Yes |
Subaru Forester 2.0 XT CVT (2016) vs BYD Tang DM-i (2026): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer, the choice between the 2016 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT and the 2026 BYD Tang DM-i hinges on priorities. The Subaru is ₱100,000 cheaper and boasts 350 Nm of torque (vs. 315 Nm) plus standard AWD, making it better for spirited driving or light off-roading. However, it’s an older model (2016) with a shorter warranty (3 years/100,000 km) and only seats 5. The BYD Tang, though slightly pricier at ₱2,148,000, is a new PHEV with 271 PS, a 6-year/150,000 km warranty, and 7-seat capacity, offering superior fuel economy for daily commutes and larger families. If you prioritize power and traction, choose the Forester; if you want modern efficiency, space, and warranty, the BYD is the better buy.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the Subaru Forester or BYD Tang?
The 2016 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT is cheaper at ₱2,048,000, while the 2026 BYD Tang DM-i costs ₱2,148,000, a difference of ₱100,000.
Which vehicle is more powerful?
The BYD Tang DM-i has higher peak power at 271 PS compared to the Subaru's 240 PS. However, the Subaru produces more torque (350 Nm vs. 315 Nm), so it may feel stronger in low-end acceleration.
Which is better for daily commuting?
The BYD Tang DM-i is better for daily commuting because it is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), allowing electric-only driving for short trips and potentially lower fuel costs than the Subaru’s gasoline engine.
Which has more seating capacity?
The BYD Tang DM-i seats 7 (2+3+2 configuration), while the Subaru Forester seats only 5 (2+3), making the BYD more suitable for larger families.