VS
At a Glance
Power
156 kW
114kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
200Nm@4000
Fuel
1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
6.9
Towing
—
1000
0-100 km/h
8.3 s
9.5
Engine
1498 cc
1998
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 5 and the MAZDA CX-5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 5 delivers 156 kW while the MAZDA CX-5 produces 114kW@6000. On fuel, the Sealion 5 returns 1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km while the CX-5 uses 6.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R569 900 for the Sealion 5 and R397 400 for the CX-5. 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
114kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
200Nm@4000
0-100 kph
8.3 s
9.5
Top Speed
170 Km/h
187
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1998
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
6.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
52 litre + 13.0 kWh l
56
CO2 Emissions
27 when hybrid battery charged g/km
161
Dimensions
Length
4738 mm
4555
Width
1860 mm
-1840
Height
1710 mm
1670
Wheelbase
2712 mm
2700
Ground Clearance
150 mm
150
Kerb Weight
1735 Kg
1479
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
463-1410 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000
Load Capacity
—
1390
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
BEAM
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
48
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
120000
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 5
Fuel Economy
Sealion 5
Value
CX-5
Practicality
CX-5
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 5
Better fuel economy (1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.3 ss)
Higher starting price
MAZDA CX-5
Lower starting price (R397 400)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 5 or CX-5?
The Sealion 5 uses 1.4 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined l/100km and the CX-5 uses 6.9 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 CX-5?
The Sealion 5 produces 156 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the CX-5 delivers 114kW@6000 and 200Nm@4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 5 and CX-5?
The Sealion 5 starts from R569 900 and the CX-5 from R397 400. The CX-5 is cheaper by R172 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 5 or CX-5?
The Sealion 5 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CX-5 can tow 1000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 5 or the CX-5?
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.