Love-mobiles: 4 crossovers you can use for date night

We are already deep into the month of love, and only a sleep away from Valentine’s Day. As such, many Casanovas have already planned their versions of a night out with their partners or spouses. 

One key element of a perfect date night, though, is transportation. Sure, you can go about it using public transport, but having access to a vehicle while moving around with a partner (or one’s entire family) will be more comfortable and convenient. You  will have a space all to yourselves, plus having your own ride can equate to the freedom of going anywhere you and your partner want. 

Crossovers, in particular, are great rides when traveling around with a significant other. The said vehicle type has plenty of room, and most have enough ground clearance to deal with rough roads, leading to that perfect spot for a romantic night out.

So, the question now is, what are some great crossovers to drive when going out for a date? 

Toyota Yaris Cross

On Valentine’s Day, love birds who just want a stress-free day together shouldn’t be bothered or hampered by the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), otherwise known as number coding. 

Thankfully, several crossovers in the market are exempt from the UVVRP due to their electrified powertrains. One of the aforementioned is the Toyota Yaris Cross S hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).   

To be more specific, the Toyota-made crossover utilizes a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with a motor generator. Together, it can produce up to 105 horsepower (hp) and 138 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

While it isn’t a sports car by any means, the Yaris Cross S HEV has enough engine output to provide a confident overtake and peppy highway cruising. It likewise has a buttery smooth, continuously variable transmission, which does a lot in keeping everyone inside the ride settled and comfy. 

Additionally, the Toyota nameplate offers plenty of creature comforts to keep one’s date relaxed. It features leather-upholstered seats, an automatic air-conditioning system, several USB charging ports, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Couples who also need to bring bags (or other cargo) can also take advantage of the model’s 60:40-split folding rear seat and its kick-sensing power tailgate. 

Other notable features available for the top-spec Yaris Cross include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Drive mode selector
• Electronic parking brake
• Seven-inch digital gauge cluster
• 10.1-inch infotainment system
• Six-piece Pioneer speaker set
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12-volt accessory socket
• Push-to-start button
• Keyless entry

Keeping you and your date safe in your travels with the Yaris Cross S HEV is a wide array of features, including anti-lock braking, six airbags, stability control, hill-start assist, hill-start assist control, and a panoramic view camera - among others. 

The aforementioned are further reinforced by the Toyota Safety Sense suite, a collection of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), which consist of the following: 

• Pre-collisiion system
• Automatic high beams
• Lane tracing assist
• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control

For reference, here is a table showing a summary of the Toyota Yaris Cross S HEV’s specifications: 

Model	Toyota Yaris Cross S HEV
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,310x1,770x1,615
Wheelbase (mm)	2,620
Ground clearance (mm)	212
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Automatic air-conditioning Power-adjust driver’s seat Panoramic moonroof Drive mode selector Power tailgate Wireless smartphone charging pad 60:40 split-folding rear seat
Infotainment system	10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Total horsepower	105
Total torque	138 Nm
Hybrid system	Motor generator, lithium-ion battery
Technology
ADAS	Pre-collision system Automatic high beams Lane tracing assist Lane-keeping assist Adaptive cruise control
Price	P1.604 million

 

BYD Sealion 6 DM-i

Another crossover model with the potential to make for a great date night chariot is the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. 

Similar to the Yaris Cross S HEV, the Sealion 6 DM-i is exempted from the UVVRP due to its plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain. 

Specifically, the BYD-made vehicle uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and an 18.3-kilowatt-hour Blade Battery. In total, the said system can generate up to 214 hp and 325 Nm of torque, which is peppy enough, but the strength of the Sealion 6 DM-i is its overall range. 

In total, the BYD PHEV crossover can cover around 1,100 kilometers with a full tank and a full charge. The aforementioned, of course, will mean out-of-town destinations for a truly fantastic date night will be easily accessible for couples who want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Additionally, the Sealion 6 DM-i was equipped with a lot of features to keep your loved ones comfy. It comes standard with leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seating, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a sizable 15.6-inch infotainment display, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-piece Infinity sound system - among others. 

Other notable interior features available to the BYD crossover include the following:

• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• 4G connectivity
• Voice assistant
• PM2.5 air filter
• Ambient lighting
• Keyless entry
• Electronic parking brake
• Drive mode selector
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster

As expected from a modern crossover, the Sealion 6 DM-i can primarily keep you and your loved ones safe via its comprehensive safety kit. It also has an ADAS suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, traffic congestion assist, traffic sign recognition, front collision warning, and many other technologies. 

Here is a table summarizing the specifications of the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i: 

Model	BYD Sealion 6 DM-i
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,775x1,890x1,670
Wheelbase (mm)	2,765
Ground clearance (mm)	173
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Drive mode selector Electronic parking brake Seven-inch digital gauge cluster Six-piece Pioneer speaker set 12-volt accessory socket Push-to-start button Keyless entry Power-adjust front seating Panoramic sunroof 10-piece Infinity sound system
Infotainment system	15.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Electric continuously variable transmission
Total horsepower	214
Total torque	325 Nm
Hybrid system	Electronic motor, BYD Blade Battery
Technology
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Automatic emergency braking Traffic congestion assist Traffic sign recognition Front collision warning
Price	P1.548 million

Subaru Forester

While it is a bit more expensive than the two models detailed above, the Subaru Forester may also become a fitting date night ride for a couple. Like many of its siblings, the Forester is filled with safety features. Plus, it boasts a lot of utility due to its relatively high ground clearance and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. 

For reference, the Forester for the Philippine market comes with the Japanese marque’s EyeSight ADAS suite. The aforementioned includes a pre-collision braking system, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, reverse automatic braking, and lane departure prevention - among others.

 

The model's engine can produce up to 153 hp and 196 Nm of torque. It isn’t the most powerful crossover on this list, but it has enough grunt to perform quick overtakes and cruise on the highway. 

Inside, the Subaru model comes with an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has power-adjustable front seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a voice recognition system, and many other creature comforts. 

Additional practicality for the ride is also provided by roof rails and a trunk with a maximum storage capacity (rear seats folded down) of 1,762 liters. 

For reference, here is a table detailing the specifications of the Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight: 

Model	Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,640x1,815x1,730
Wheelbase	2,670
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning Power-adjust front seats Voice recognition system Keyless entry Push-to-start button Electronic parking brake Power tailgate
Infotainment system	8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating Capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	2.0-liter boxer-four
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	153
Torque	196 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Forward collision warning Pre-collision braking Lane departure warning Lane centering Lane departure prevention Driver monitoring  High beam assist
Price	P2.168 million

 

GAC GS8

As most already know, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Instead, the Day of Hearts may also be celebrated with one’s family. As such, one may also set out on adventures to have wholesome, good fun with one’s partner, wife, kids, and even parents. So, to be able to do the aforementioned, one will definitely need a seven-seater crossover like the GAC GS8.

Based on its Philippine market specifications, the GS8 may also fill in as the ideal family chariot for outdoor adventures. The model, after all, comes with a high-riding SUV-like body with a generous ground clearance of 200 mm. Plus, the model can handle the rigors of rough roads and slippery surfaces due to the top-spec model’s 4x4 drivetrain. 

Under the hood of the GS8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine capable of producing up to 248 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Its beefy powertrain output can likewise translate to easy highway cruising and effortless overtaking. 

Other notable mechanical features of the Philippine-spec GAC GS8 include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Electronic parking brake
• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Front and rear disc brakes
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Drive mode selector

As mentioned, the GS8 boasts a roomy cabin with ample room for up to seven occupants. Everyone inside the GAC crossover is kept comfortable by an array of comfort-oriented features, which includes a triple-zone automatic climate control system, front and rear armrests, an ambient lighting system, USB ports, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a sound-proof windshield - among others. 

Additional exterior features of the GS8, such as a power tailgate and roof rails, assure usability and practicality for family groups wanting to go on adventures and out-of-town excursions.

Here is a table summarizing the specifications of the GS8:

Model	GAC GS8 4x4
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,980x1,950x1,780
Wheelbase	2,920
Wheel size	20-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Three-zone automatic climate control system Power-adjustable front seats Ventilated front seats Front and rear armrests Passive entry and starting Multi-color intelligent ambient lighting system Panoramic sunroof Power-folding side mirrors Rain-sensing wipers 10-piece Alpine speaker system Ventilated front center armrest 7-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	14.6-inch HD touchscreen infotainment with Phone mirroring
Seating Capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic transmission
Horsepower	248
Torque	400 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Traffic sign recognition system Forward collision warning Autonomous emergency braking Lane departure warning Lane keep assist Traffic jam assist Integrated cruise assist
Price	P2.648 million

 

Final thoughts

As a disclaimer, the list above isn’t definitive and is merely the opinion of Zigwheels Philippines. For that matter, any vehicle can become a good “date night ride,” but the crossovers we’ve listed above are suitable for a wide variety of activities.

The hybrid ones, of course, are immune to coding, while the seven-seater GAC is excellent for families. The Subaru has a lot of safety gear and is built for utilitarian use.

But what about you? What kind of vehicle would you think will make for the perfect ride for a couple?

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