VS
At a Glance
Power
359 kW
179 kW
Torque
675 Nm
239+e Nm
Fuel
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 co
5.0 combined l/100km
Towing
—
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
7.7 s
Engine
1498 cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the BYD Atto 8 and the Lexus NX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Atto 8 delivers 359 kW while the Lexus NX produces 179 kW. On fuel, the Atto 8 returns 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 combined l/100km while the NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 259 900 for the Atto 8 and R1 264 900 for the NX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
359 kW
179 kW
Torque
675 Nm
239+e Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
7.7 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 co
5.0 combined l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 35.6 kWh l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
42 when hybrid battery charged g/km
114 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
5040 mm
4660 mm
Width
1996 mm
1865 mm
Height
1760 mm
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2950 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
184 mm
195 mm
Kerb Weight
2580 Kg
1790-1870 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
270 / 960 / 1960 l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Atto 8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Atto 8
Fuel Economy
Atto 8
Value
Atto 8
Practicality
NX
Pros & Cons
BYD Atto 8
More powerful engine (359 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 259 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Lexus NX
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (5.0 combined l/100km)
Less power than rival (179 kW vs 359 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Atto 8 or NX?
The Atto 8 uses 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 combined l/100km and the NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The Atto 8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Atto 8 or NX?
The Atto 8 produces 359 kW and 675 Nm of torque while the NX delivers 179 kW and 239+e Nm of torque. The Atto 8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Atto 8 and NX?
The Atto 8 starts from R1 259 900 and the NX from R1 264 900. The Atto 8 is cheaper by R5 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Atto 8 or NX?
The Atto 8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the NX can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Atto 8 or the NX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.