Dongfeng Forthing T5 HEV

Model Overview

The Dongfeng Forthing T5 EVO Hybrid (HEV) is a C-segment hybrid SUV under the Dongfeng Forthing T5 stable, positioned squarely for the youthful and sporty family SUV market. Developed on the platform of the petrol-powered T5 EVO, this model forms part of Dongfeng Forthing’s "Photosynthetic Future" new energy vehicle (NEV) strategy. First planned around 2022, it was officially launched in the Chinese domestic market between late 2025 and early 2026. As Dongfeng Forthing accelerates its transition from traditional ICE power to a dual "pure electric + hybrid" powertrain strategy, the launch of the T5 EVO Hybrid represents a crucial move in the competitive compact hybrid SUV segment.

Pricing starts from around RM129,900, mainly targeting the RM130,000 to RM150,000 bracket to go head-to-head with rival hybrid SUVs in the same class. The T5 EVO Hybrid, alongside the petrol T5 EVO and the entry-level T5 Shengshi Edition (petrol variant starting from RM69,900), forms the T5 family product portfolio. Even as Forthing expands its NEV line-up with the Xinghai V9 MPV, Xinghai S7 sedan, and Xinghai X5 SUV, the T5 EVO Hybrid remains a key volume driver in the RM100,000–RM150,000 hybrid market. All non-commercial vehicles are backed by a lifetime warranty on the electric drive system (battery, motor, and electronic control unit) for the first registered owner.

Design Language

The Dongfeng Forthing T5 EVO Hybrid carries forward the design philosophy of its petrol sibling, adopting the brand’s new "Front Dynamics" family design language. Up front, it presents an aggressive bionic face, featuring a large gloss-black grille seamlessly integrated into fang-like bumper vents on both flanks. The ultra-slim split headlamp clusters and sculpted bonnet character lines further heighten visual aggression. Adorning the nose is Dongfeng Forthing’s "Mighty Lion" emblem introduced in 2021, which complements the bold frontal styling.

Along the flanks, a fastback roofline is paired with dynamic sweeping character lines that create pronounced light-and-shadow interplay for an athletic stance. Blacked-out side mirrors and window surrounds combine with a floating roof design to reinforce its sporty credentials. Around the back, full-width LED taillights deliver distinctive illumination, complemented by dual exhaust garnishes and an integrated diffuser element beneath the rear bumper. Dimensionally, the T5 EVO Hybrid measures 4,565 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,690 mm in height, with a 2,715 mm wheelbase, placing it squarely in the mainstream compact SUV bracket.

Inside, the cabin sports a dual-screen layout with a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The dashboard is generously trimmed in soft-touch leatherette with chrome garnishes and piano black accents to elevate perceived quality. A flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel with chrome detailing enhances the sporty atmosphere. Benefiting from a steering column-mounted gear selector, the centre console frees up substantial storage space for enhanced daily practicality.

Powertrain and Performance

The T5 EVO Hybrid is powered by a petrol-electric hybrid setup comprising a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The petrol mill outputs approximately 115 kW, while the electric motor produces around 130 kW, delivering a combined system output of up to 245 kW (approx. 333 PS / 329 hp)—one of the most potent outputs among hybrid SUVs in its class. In urban driving conditions, the system relies primarily on the electric motor for smooth and responsive take-offs; at medium to cruising speeds, the engine kicks in to drive the wheels or recharge the battery; under full throttle, both power sources engage simultaneously for maximum performance. The hybrid powertrain delivers seamless power delivery alongside impressive fuel economy, returning a combined fuel consumption figure as low as 4.6 L/100 km. In contrast, the petrol-powered T5 EVO runs a Mitsubishi-sourced 1.5-litre turbo engine producing 145 kW (197 PS) and 285–300 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), achieving 0–100 km/h acceleration in around 9.5 seconds and an MIIT combined fuel consumption of 6.6 L/100 km.

In terms of driving range and fuelling, the self-charging hybrid setup delivers high fuel efficiency without requiring plug-in charging, freeing owners from charging infrastructure reliance. A generous fuel tank capacity ensures long-distance touring range. While the petrol variant runs on standard RON 92 fuel, the hybrid version similarly maintains low everyday running costs.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the T5 EVO comes standard across the range with front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. The rear suspension features an upgraded 4-link setup (replacing the 3-link layout found on older Forthing models), adding a lateral control link to improve handling stability and cornering tracking. The chassis has been tuned by engineering teams to strike a balance between ride comfort and sportiness, keeping body roll well in check while delivering precise and agile steering response. Media road tests note a balanced damping setup that communicates adequate road feel while effectively soaking up harsh impacts over rough tarmac. During high-speed moose tests, body roll is kept within tidy limits, giving drivers commendable confidence behind the wheel.

The steering is an electric power steering (EPS) unit with selectable modes—Light, Comfort, and Sport—to suit varying driving preferences. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Featuring a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) monocoque layout paired with anti-roll bars, the overall handling dynamics outperform segment rivals that still rely on a rear torsion beam semi-independent setup.

Cabin and Features

In terms of smart cabin tech, the T5 EVO Hybrid comes equipped with the FutureLink 4.0 infotainment system. Deeply integrated with Tencent’s TAI automotive suite, it packs high-precision AI voice control alongside native apps such as in-car WeChat, QQ Music, and Tencent Video. The 10.25-inch central touchscreen is standard across all variants, supporting voice control for the air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof, and navigation, alongside smartphone companion app functionality for remote engine start/stop, window operation, and cabin pre-cooling. The 10.25-inch digital meter panel offers three selectable display themes—Classic, Tech, and Sport—tailoring the layout to driver preferences.

On the comfort and convenience front, higher-tier variants feature a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control with rear air vents, leatherette upholstery, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with ventilation and massage functions on selected specs. Practical cabin storage is abundant, with handy cubbies throughout the front centre armrest console, cup holders, and door bins catering well to family outings. Additionally, the system supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates and smartphone connectivity to keep the infotainment feature set fresh.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

For passive safety, the T5 EVO is engineered to meet 5-star crash safety standards, utilising over 76% high-strength steel throughout the body shell. Key structural sections employ hot-stamped steel with tensile strength on par with submarine-grade materials to preserve occupant survival space in severe collisions. Standard active safety equipment includes electronic stability control (ESC/ESP), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and brake assist across the line-up.

Advanced driver assistance is a headline feature on the T5 EVO. The vehicle features a full-speed Level 2+ ADAS suite powered by Mobileye's EyeQ4 vision processing chip. The perception hardware comprises over 30 sensor units—including 4 HD 360-degree cameras, 12 ultrasonic parking sensors, and multiple millimetre-wave radars (some sources cite 17 sensors)—enabling up to 12 intelligent driving functions. Key ADAS features include full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC with stop-and-go from 0–150 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHC), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).

Parking is aided by a fully automated parking system that coordinates the 4 HD surround-view cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to detect marked bays and empty spaces, supporting perpendicular, parallel, and diagonal parking manoeuvres. Top-spec variants also feature a 540-degree panoramic camera system (with a transparent chassis view), easing navigation through tight spots and complex environments. Backed by this comprehensive ADAS suite, the Forthing T5 EVO bagged two gold medals and one silver medal at the 2021 World Intelligent Driving Challenge (WIDC).

Market Performance and Reception

Following its launch, the Dongfeng Forthing T5 EVO attracted strong market interest on the back of its aggressive styling and strong value proposition. Sales figures show that in October 2025, monthly sales of the Forthing T5 EVO reached 2,400 units, making it the top seller within the Dongfeng Forthing brand. Cumulative sales from January to October 2025 stood at approximately 14,000 units, establishing it as a primary sales pillar for the marque. In 2023, full-year sales were 8,951 units, capturing a 17.39% share of total Dongfeng Forthing brand deliveries to rank second internally. However, sales saw notable volatility in early 2025, recording 2,039 units in July before sliding sharply to 437 units in August and rebounding to 1,107 units in September, underlining the intense market competition.

In terms of owner feedback, reviews widely praise the T5 EVO Hybrid for its head-turning design, frugal fuel economy, and generous tech equipment. Drivers highlight its "Front Dynamics" design as a standout in the segment, while the 4.6 L/100 km fuel consumption drastically cuts everyday running costs. Its Level 2+ ADAS and automated parking also punch above their weight in this price bracket. On the flip side, some owners have noted that the swooping fastback roofline slightly compromises boot cargo capacity, wind noise can be audible at highway cruising speeds, and handling limits on non-independent rear suspension configurations are comparatively modest.

Strategically, Dongfeng Forthing is navigating a crucial transformation from a traditional ICE manufacturer into an "all-scenario new energy mobility brand". In 2025, Dongfeng Forthing delivered 96,534 vehicles overall—a 13.5% year-on-year increase—reflecting early dividends from its dual pure EV and hybrid roadmap. The introduction of the T5 EVO Hybrid exemplifies Dongfeng Forthing’s strategy to achieve differentiated competitiveness in the RM100,000–RM150,000 compact SUV segment via hybrid technology. However, with intense rivalry from contenders such as the BYD Song Pro DM-i, Haval H6 DHT, GAC Trumpchi GS8 Hybrid, and Geely Boyue L in the same price territory, the T5 EVO Hybrid’s long-term market momentum will be one to watch.