2026 BYD Atto 2 first drive
Even after snagging the number-three spot in the overall vehicle-sales charts last year, BYD Cars Philippines ain’t done yet.
The Chinese automaker, which went from obscurity to superstardom in just two years, is entering one of the most hotly contested automotive segments in the country with its all-new 2026 BYD Atto 2. The subcompact crossover was launched on July 28, 2026 at the TriNoma mall in Quezon City, where it will be on display at the BYD Tech Tour until Aug. 2, 2026.
Similar to the BYD Tang three-row crossover, the Atto 2 is available either as a full battery-electric vehicle (EV) or with the automaker’s highly renowned Super DM-i plug-in technology. Three variants are available, namely the DM-i Dynamic, DM-i Premium and the flagship EV Premium.
We were given the opportunity both Atto 2 Premium variants to see how it stacks up against the likes of the Toyota Raize.
Smart looks
The all-new Atto 2 features fairly traditional styling with flourishes that only BYD Cars can offer.
Up front are wide LED headlights with LED daytime-running lights that flank a faux front grill. There are also faux vents chiseled on the sides of the bumper, but the Super DM-i variants get a traditional lower grill, while the EV features one with dual humps.
Down the side, all Atto 2 models get a high beltline and color-keyed accents in the side sills. Other neat touches include the dramatically styled rear-quarter window and 16-inch alloy wheels for the EV and 17-inch alloy wheels for the Super DM-i models.
At the rear, this little BYD carries over some of its looks from the Dolphin hatchback, particularly the full-width LED taillights. The wavy tailgate spoiler and prominent lower bumper give this subcompact crossover a rugged yet playful appearance.
For colors, all models are available in Midnight Blue, Ski White and Harbour Grey. Breeze Green is available only in the EV variant, while the Super DM-i models can also be optioned in Cosmos Black.
Cozy cabin
Inside, the Atto 2 offers arguably the finest interior in its class, easily outclassing the dull and plasticky interior of the Raize.
Besides decent space for five passengers, you get soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door cards, along with a fine selection of upholstery. The EV model features vibrant black-and-beige leather, while the Super DM-i variants has soft, black fabric (although I would have liked black leather in the DM-i Premium, at the very least).
As with all BYD models, there’s a rotating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (10.1 inches for the DM-i Dynamic and 12.8 inches for the DM-i Premium and EV Premium). The interface is crisp and responsive, along with providing a clear view of the reversing camera, but the menus remain just as difficult to navigate as ever.
All models likewise get a powerful climate-control system with rear vents and an 8.8-inch digital gauge cluster. But strangely, only the EV Premium has an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, which is something I would have also liked to see in the DM-i Premium.
Whichever Atto 2 you choose, you get 433 liters of cargo space with the split-folding rear seats up and 1,335 liters with the seats down. The capacity is only average for the class and there is, unfortunately, no spare wheel in any variant.
Choose your flavor
As mentioned earlier, there are two powertrains available in the Atto 2.
For the top-spec EV Premium, there’s a 45.1-kWh BYD Blade battery mated to a front-mounted electric motor producing 175 horsepower and 290 Newton-meters of torque. BYD Cars Philippines claims a maximum range of 380 kilometers on one full charge – the battery can be recharged from 10 to 100 percent in around 40 minutes with a DC fast-charger.
Meanwhile, the DM-i models get a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, inline-4 gasoline engine mated to a 7.9-kWh BYD Blade battery and electric motor for a combined output of 163 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque. Claimed maximum combined range is an amazing 1,045 kilometers, including up to 45 kilometers on one full charge.
Despite the similar power and torque figures, both have distinct driving characters – the EV is quiet and responsive, while the DM-i could do with some more pep. Nonetheless, both models will easily out-gun the inline-3 gasoline engines in the Toyota Raize, particularly the woefully anemic, non-turbocharged, 1.2-liter unit.
A full road test would allow us to thoroughly examine the range and performance of the Atto 2 EV and Atto 2 DM-i across various driving conditions. All models get a comfortable ride, light yet numb steering and strong brakes with a spongy brake pedal, but our tests in the high-speed chicane exhibited considerable body roll for such a small vehicle.
Finally, all Atto 2 models get six airbags and stability control, but only the Atto 2 DM-i Premium has the DiPilot adaptive driver assistance system (ADAS) with Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning and a 360-degree camera. Given that this would be the first vehicle in its class to offer ADAS, it should have been available in all models.
Goodbye, Raize?
Overall, the Atto 2 looks set to raise the bar for subcompact crossovers.
Promising class-leading performance and energy efficiency, this little BYD makes models like the Toyota Raize look outdated and overpriced. Indeed, the Atto 2 range is estimated at around P1,050,000 for the DM-i Dynamic, P1,250,000 for the DM-i Premium and P1,280,000 for the EV Premium.
In a sense, BYD Cars Philippines is offering its own “multi-pathway approach” (sound familiar?) to mobility, but one that allows buyers to fully enjoy the benefits of electrification as a full EV or with range-extending Super DM-i. Once again, this fast-paced automaker has found another vehicle segment to shake up.
