VS
At a Glance
Power
156 kW
90 kW
Torque
300 Nm
142+e Nm
Fuel
1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
4.3 l/100km
Towing
—
400 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.3 s
—
Engine
1498 cc
1798 cc
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 5 and the Toyota Corolla Cross is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 5 delivers 156 kW while the Toyota Corolla Cross produces 90 kW. On fuel, the Sealion 5 returns 1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km while the Corolla Cross uses 4.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R569 900 for the Sealion 5 and R569 700 for the Corolla 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
90 kW
Torque
300 Nm
142+e Nm
0-100 kph
8.3 s
—
Top Speed
170 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1798 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
4.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
52 litre + 13.0 kWh l
36 l
CO2 Emissions
27 when hybrid battery charged g/km
98 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4738 mm
4460 mm
Width
1860 mm
1825 mm
Height
1710 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2712 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
161 mm
Kerb Weight
1735 Kg
1385 / 1430 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
463-1410 l
434 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
400 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
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
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 5
Fuel Economy
Sealion 5
Value
Corolla Cross
Practicality
Corolla 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)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota Corolla Cross
Lower starting price (R569 700)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (4.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (90 kW vs 156 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 5 or Corolla Cross?
The Sealion 5 uses 1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km and the Corolla Cross uses 4.3 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 Corolla Cross?
The Sealion 5 produces 156 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Corolla Cross delivers 90 kW and 142+e Nm of torque. The Sealion 5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 5 and Corolla Cross?
The Sealion 5 starts from R569 900 and the Corolla Cross from R569 700. The Corolla Cross is cheaper by R200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 5 or Corolla Cross?
The Sealion 5 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Corolla Cross can tow 400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 5 or the Corolla 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.