VS
At a Glance
Power
156 kW
120 kW
Torque
300 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
7.2 l/100km
0-100 km/h
8.3 s
—
Engine
1498 cc
1499 cc
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 5 and the Mitsubishi Destinator is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 5 delivers 156 kW while the Mitsubishi Destinator produces 120 kW. On fuel, the Sealion 5 returns 1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km while the Destinator uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R509 900 for the Sealion 5 and R489 990 for the Destinator. 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
156 kW
120 kW
Torque
300 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
8.3 s
—
Top Speed
170 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1499 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
52 litre + 13.0 kWh l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
27 when hybrid battery charged g/km
172 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4738 mm
4680 mm
Width
1860 mm
1840 mm
Height
1710 mm
1780 mm
Wheelbase
2712 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
214 mm
Kerb Weight
1675 Kg
1455 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
463-1410 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
5
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
75000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 5
Fuel Economy
Sealion 5
Value
Destinator
Practicality
Destinator
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 5
More powerful engine (156 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mitsubishi Destinator
Lower starting price (R489 990)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (120 kW vs 156 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 5 or Destinator?
The Sealion 5 uses 1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km and the Destinator uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sealion 5 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 Sealion 5 or Destinator?
The Sealion 5 produces 156 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Destinator delivers 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The Sealion 5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 5 and Destinator?
The Sealion 5 starts from R509 900 and the Destinator from R489 990. The Destinator is cheaper by R19 910 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Sealion 5 or the Destinator?
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.