Spanish rivals clash: ebro s400 beats dr 5 in head-to-head showdown

The compact SUV segment is heating up, particularly with new contenders emerging from China. Ebro and DR 5 are locked in a battle for Spanish buyers, and the results favor the domestic brand.

Ebro s400 vs. dr 5 full hybrid: a detailed comparison

The Ebro S400, a newcomer to the Spanish market last year, has quickly gained traction, racking up 2,873 registrations. Even more impressive, it’s already logged 2,061 deliveries in the first two months of 2026. The DR 5, a refreshed version of the previous DR 5.0, boasts a similar aesthetic but differs in its powertrain foundation. While visually similar, the Ebro S400 is based on the Chery Tiggo 4, while the Italian-backed DR 5 utilizes the Changan CS35 Plus.

Both vehicles share the crucial ECO label from the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) thanks to their hybrid powertrains. This puts them directly in competition with established players like the Kia Sportage, a familiar name for many Spanish families.

The Ebro S400 measures 4.32 meters in length, 1.83 meters in width, and 1.64 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.61 meters. Pricing starts at €23,457, with financing options bringing the price down to €19,990. Its design is understated, a departure from some rivals. Inside, the Ebro S400 offers a minimalist and modern aesthetic, featuring a clean dashboard dominated by dual 12.3-inch digital screens. Physical buttons for climate control are a welcome addition.

Space inside the Ebro S400 is adequate, offering sufficient legroom and average headroom for its class. The trunk capacity of 430 liters surpasses that of its Italian counterpart. The overall impression of quality is solid, especially in the Excellence trim, which incorporates synthetic leather on the steering wheel and upholstery. A 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with an electric motor delivers a combined 211 horsepower, sending power to the front wheels via an automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.3 l/100 km.

The Ebro S400 comes in two trims: Premium and Excellence. The Premium model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, bucket seats, the dual 12.3-inch display, rear parking sensors, a four-speaker sound system, voice assistant, and various driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The Excellence adds tinted windows, power-folding and heated mirrors, LED headlights and taillights, ambient lighting, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a four-speaker sound system, driving modes, hill-start assist, electronic parking brake, a 540° camera, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.

The DR 5 Full Hybrid mirrors the Ebro S400's dimensions closely – 4.32 meters long, 1.83 meters wide, and 1.65 meters high. However, the Italian model’s trunk is smaller, offering only 340 liters. Its powertrain combines a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 204 horsepower. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The DR 5 is available in standard and Collection trims. Standard features include multiple airbags, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a sunroof, power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a digital instrument cluster, and a touchscreen infotainment system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features encompass dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, an electronic parking brake, keyless entry and start, central locking with remote, ambient lighting, a driver's seat with electric adjustments, and a multifunction steering wheel.

The choice between the Ebro S400 and the DR 5 Full Hybrid is clear: the Ebro S400 emerges as the winner. While the DR 5 offers a familiar silhouette, the Ebro S400 benefits from being a Spanish brand (albeit one with a new identity) and a more competitive price point. Crucially, it offers more trunk space, a significant advantage for most families considering a new SUV. This isn't just about specs; it’s about value and practicality – qualities that resonate powerfully with the Spanish car-buying public.