VS
At a Glance
Power
156 kW
85 kW
Torque
300 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
5.6 l/100km
Towing
—
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.3 s
10.2 s
Engine
1498 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 5 and the Volkswagen T-Cross is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 5 delivers 156 kW while the Volkswagen T-Cross produces 85 kW. On fuel, the Sealion 5 returns 1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km while the T-Cross uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R509 900 for the Sealion 5 and R511 300 for the T-Cross. 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
85 kW
Torque
300 Nm
200 Nm
0-100 kph
8.3 s
10.2 s
Top Speed
170 Km/h
193 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
52 litre + 13.0 kWh l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
27 when hybrid battery charged g/km
126 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4738 mm
4135 mm
Width
1860 mm
1760-1993 mm
Height
1710 mm
1573 mm
Wheelbase
2712 mm
2551 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
188 mm
Kerb Weight
1675 Kg
1291 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
463-1410 l
385-455-1281 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1200 Kg
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
3
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3
Service Plan Distance
—
45000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Sealion 5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 5
Fuel Economy
Sealion 5
Value
Sealion 5
Practicality
T-Cross
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 5
More powerful engine (156 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R509 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.3 ss)
No factory service plan
Volkswagen T-Cross
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (5.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 156 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 5 or T-Cross?
The Sealion 5 uses 1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km and the T-Cross uses 5.6 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 T-Cross?
The Sealion 5 produces 156 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the T-Cross delivers 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The Sealion 5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 5 and T-Cross?
The Sealion 5 starts from R509 900 and the T-Cross from R511 300. The Sealion 5 is cheaper by R1 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 5 or T-Cross?
The Sealion 5 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the T-Cross can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 5 or the T-Cross?
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.