VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
136 kW
Torque
300 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
4.8 combined l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
—
Engine
1498 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 6 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 6 delivers 160 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the Sealion 6 returns 4.8 combined l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R639 900 for the Sealion 6 and R699 000 for the Forester. 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
136 kW
Torque
300 Nm
247 Nm
0-100 kph
8.5 s
—
Top Speed
170 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 combined l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.3 kWh l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
24 when hybrid battery charged g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4775 mm
4655 mm
Width
1890 mm
1830 mm
Height
1670 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2765 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
—
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1930 Kg
1595 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
425-1440 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
410 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
9
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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ 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
150000 Km
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Sealion 6
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 6
Fuel Economy
Sealion 6
Value
Sealion 6
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 6
More powerful engine (160 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.8 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R639 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Forester
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 160 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 6 or Forester?
The Sealion 6 uses 4.8 combined l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km 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 Forester?
The Sealion 6 produces 160 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The Sealion 6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 6 and Forester?
The Sealion 6 starts from R639 900 and the Forester from R699 000. The Sealion 6 is cheaper by R59 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 6 or Forester?
The Sealion 6 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 6 or the Forester?
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.