VS
At a Glance
Power
390 kW
147kW@3800
Torque
690 Nm
437Nm@1800
Fuel
21.2 kWh/100km l/100km
7.2
Towing
—
2000
0-100 km/h
4.5 s
9.7
Engine
electric cc
2199
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 7 and the KIA SORENTO is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 7 delivers 390 kW while the KIA SORENTO produces 147kW@3800. On fuel, the Sealion 7 returns 21.2 kWh/100km l/100km while the SORENTO uses 7.2 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 319 900 for the Sealion 7 and R415 995 for the SORENTO. 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
390 kW
147kW@3800
Torque
690 Nm
437Nm@1800
0-100 kph
4.5 s
9.7
Top Speed
215 Km/h
190
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2199
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
DIESEL
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
all
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
21.2 kWh/100km l/100km
7.2
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
82.6 kWh l
70
CO2 Emissions
—
233
Dimensions
Length
4830 mm
4685
Width
1925 mm
-1885
Height
1620 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2930 mm
2700
Ground Clearance
140 mm
185
Kerb Weight
2340 Kg
1733
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
58 front + 500-1769 rear l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000
Load Capacity
410 l
2052
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
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
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
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
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA SORENTO
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 7
Fuel Economy
SORENTO
Value
SORENTO
Practicality
SORENTO
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 7
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (21.2 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA SORENTO
Better fuel economy (7.2)
Lower starting price (R415 995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 7 or SORENTO?
The Sealion 7 uses 21.2 kWh/100km l/100km and the SORENTO uses 7.2 on the combined cycle. The SORENTO 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 7 or SORENTO?
The Sealion 7 produces 390 kW and 690 Nm of torque while the SORENTO delivers 147kW@3800 and 437Nm@1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 7 and SORENTO?
The Sealion 7 starts from R1 319 900 and the SORENTO from R415 995. The SORENTO is cheaper by R903 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 7 or SORENTO?
The Sealion 7 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the SORENTO can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 7 or the SORENTO?
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.