VS
At a Glance
Power
205 kW
227 kW
Torque
315 Nm
227+e Nm
Fuel
2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 co
1.3 combined l/100km
Towing
—
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.6 s
6.3 s
Engine
1498 cc
2487 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 205 kW while the Lexus NX produces 227 kW. On fuel, the Atto 8 returns 2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 combined l/100km while the NX uses 1.3 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 059 900 for the Atto 8 and R1 414 600 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
205 kW
227 kW
Torque
315 Nm
227+e Nm
0-100 kph
8.6 s
6.3 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2487 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
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 co
1.3 combined l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 19.0 kWh l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
56 when hybrid battery charged g/km
29 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
2315 Kg
1990-2070 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
Lexus NX
3 / 4 categories
Performance
NX
Fuel Economy
NX
Value
Atto 8
Practicality
NX
Pros & Cons
BYD Atto 8
Lower starting price (R1 059 900)
Higher fuel consumption (2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 combined l/100km)
Less power than rival (205 kW vs 227 kW)
Lexus NX
More powerful engine (227 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.3 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Atto 8 or NX?
The Atto 8 uses 2.9 when hybrid battery charged / 6.9 combined l/100km and the NX uses 1.3 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The NX 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 205 kW and 315 Nm of torque while the NX delivers 227 kW and 227+e Nm of torque. The NX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Atto 8 and NX?
The Atto 8 starts from R1 059 900 and the NX from R1 414 600. The Atto 8 is cheaper by R354 700 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.