VS
At a Glance
Power
238 kW
132 kW
Torque
550 Nm
265 Nm
Fuel
5.8 combined l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
—
1650 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.9 s
8.8 s
Engine
1498 cc
1598 cc
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 238 kW while the Kia Sportage produces 132 kW. On fuel, the Sealion 6 returns 5.8 combined l/100km while the Sportage uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R799 900 for the Sealion 6 and R766 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
238 kW
132 kW
Torque
550 Nm
265 Nm
0-100 kph
5.9 s
8.8 s
Top Speed
—
201 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 combined l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.3 kWh l
54 l
CO2 Emissions
32 when hybrid battery charged g/km
149 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4775 mm
4515 mm
Width
1890 mm
1865 mm
Height
1670 mm
1650 mm
Wheelbase
2765 mm
2680 mm
Ground Clearance
—
170 mm
Kerb Weight
2100 Kg
1497 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
425-1440 l
591-1780 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1650 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
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ 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
—
6
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
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
More powerful engine (238 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.8 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.9 ss)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Kia Sportage
Lower starting price (R766 995)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (132 kW vs 238 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 6 or Sportage?
The Sealion 6 uses 5.8 combined l/100km and the Sportage uses 6.3 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 Sportage?
The Sealion 6 produces 238 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the Sportage delivers 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque. The Sealion 6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 6 and Sportage?
The Sealion 6 starts from R799 900 and the Sportage from R766 995. The Sportage is cheaper by R32 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 1650 Kg. 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.