VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
129kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
241Nm@4000
Fuel
4.8 combined l/100km
12.3
Towing
—
1600
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
13.7
Engine
1498 cc
2656
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 6 and the HYUNDAI TUCSON is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 6 delivers 160 kW while the HYUNDAI TUCSON produces 129kW@6000. On fuel, the Sealion 6 returns 4.8 combined l/100km while the TUCSON uses 12.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R639 900 for the Sealion 6 and R290 900 for the TUCSON. 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
129kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
241Nm@4000
0-100 kph
8.5 s
13.7
Top Speed
170 Km/h
197
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2656
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE V 6
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
LEADED/UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
4
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 combined l/100km
12.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
16.4
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.4
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.3 kWh l
65
CO2 Emissions
24 when hybrid battery charged g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4775 mm
4325
Width
1890 mm
1830
Height
1670 mm
1730
Wheelbase
2765 mm
2630
Ground Clearance
—
195
Kerb Weight
1930 Kg
1781
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
425-1440 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1600
Load Capacity
410 l
1856
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
60
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
150000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 6
Fuel Economy
Sealion 6
Value
TUCSON
Practicality
TUCSON
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 6
Better fuel economy (4.8 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.5 ss)
Higher starting price
HYUNDAI TUCSON
Lower starting price (R290 900)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 6 or TUCSON?
The Sealion 6 uses 4.8 combined l/100km and the TUCSON uses 12.3 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 TUCSON?
The Sealion 6 produces 160 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the TUCSON delivers 129kW@6000 and 241Nm@4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 6 and TUCSON?
The Sealion 6 starts from R639 900 and the TUCSON from R290 900. The TUCSON is cheaper by R349 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 6 or TUCSON?
The Sealion 6 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the TUCSON can tow 1600. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 6 or the TUCSON?
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.