VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
130kW@4000
Torque
300 Nm
392Nm@1800
Fuel
4.8 combined l/100km
7.5
Towing
—
1600
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
9.9
Engine
1498 cc
1995
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 6 and the KIA SPORTAGE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 6 delivers 160 kW while the KIA SPORTAGE produces 130kW@4000. On fuel, the Sealion 6 returns 4.8 combined l/100km while the SPORTAGE uses 7.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R639 900 for the Sealion 6 and R389 995 for the SPORTAGE. 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
160 kW
130kW@4000
Torque
300 Nm
392Nm@1800
0-100 kph
8.5 s
9.9
Top Speed
170 Km/h
195
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1995
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
DIESEL
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 combined l/100km
7.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.3 kWh l
58
CO2 Emissions
24 when hybrid battery charged g/km
198
Dimensions
Length
4775 mm
4445
Width
1890 mm
1855
Height
1670 mm
1635
Wheelbase
2765 mm
2640
Ground Clearance
—
172
Kerb Weight
1930 Kg
1609
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
425-1440 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1600
Load Capacity
410 l
1887
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
60
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 6
Fuel Economy
Sealion 6
Value
SPORTAGE
Practicality
SPORTAGE
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 6
Better fuel economy (4.8 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.5 ss)
Higher starting price
KIA SPORTAGE
Lower starting price (R389 995)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 6 or SPORTAGE?
The Sealion 6 uses 4.8 combined l/100km and the SPORTAGE uses 7.5 on the combined cycle. The Sealion 6 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 6 or SPORTAGE?
The Sealion 6 produces 160 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the SPORTAGE delivers 130kW@4000 and 392Nm@1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 6 and SPORTAGE?
The Sealion 6 starts from R639 900 and the SPORTAGE from R389 995. The SPORTAGE is cheaper by R249 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 6 or SPORTAGE?
The Sealion 6 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the SPORTAGE can tow 1600. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 6 or the SPORTAGE?
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.