VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
163 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221+e Nm
Fuel
4.8 combined l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
—
Engine
1498 cc
2487 cc
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 6 and the Toyota RAV4 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 6 delivers 160 kW while the Toyota RAV4 produces 163 kW. On fuel, the Sealion 6 returns 4.8 combined l/100km while the RAV4 uses 4.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R639 900 for the Sealion 6 and R858 500 for the RAV4. 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
163 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221+e Nm
0-100 kph
8.5 s
—
Top Speed
170 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2487 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 combined l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.3 kWh l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
24 when hybrid battery charged g/km
109 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4775 mm
4600 mm
Width
1890 mm
1855 mm
Height
1670 mm
1685 mm
Wheelbase
2765 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
—
195 mm
Kerb Weight
1930 Kg
1730-1750 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
425-1440 l
733 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
410 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
7
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
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota RAV4
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RAV4
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sealion 6
Practicality
RAV4
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 6
Lower starting price (R639 900)
Less power than rival (160 kW vs 163 kW)
No factory service plan
Toyota RAV4
More powerful engine (163 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 6 or RAV4?
The Sealion 6 uses 4.8 combined l/100km and the RAV4 uses 4.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The RAV4 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 RAV4?
The Sealion 6 produces 160 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the RAV4 delivers 163 kW and 221+e Nm of torque. The RAV4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 6 and RAV4?
The Sealion 6 starts from R639 900 and the RAV4 from R858 500. The Sealion 6 is cheaper by R218 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 6 or RAV4?
The Sealion 6 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the RAV4 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 6 or the RAV4?
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.