VS
At a Glance
Power
238 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
550 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
5.8 combined l/100km
10.5L/100km
Towing
—
2000kg
0-100 km/h
5.9 s
7.9s
Engine
1498 cc
2457cc
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 6 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BYD Sealion 6 delivers 238 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the Sealion 6 returns 5.8 combined l/100km while the Forester uses 10.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R799 900 for the Sealion 6 and R452 000 for the Forester. 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.
Specification
BYD Sealion 61.5 Premium AWD (phev) 2025 - From R799 900
Subaru Forester2.5 XT Premium Sportshift 2008 - From R452 000
Performance
Power Output
238 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
550 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
5.9 s
7.9s
Top Speed
-
207km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
-
4
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 combined l/100km
10.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.3 kWh l
60L
CO2 Emissions
32 when hybrid battery charged g/km
248g/km
Dimensions
Length
4775 mm
4560mm
Width
1890 mm
1780mm
Height
1670 mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2765 mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
—
215mm
Kerb Weight
2100 Kg
1525kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
425-1440 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000kg
Load Capacity
410 lkg
1660kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 6
Fuel Economy
Sealion 6
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 6
Better fuel economy (5.8 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R452 000)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 6 or Forester?
The Sealion 6 uses 5.8 combined l/100km and the Forester uses 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle. The Sealion 6 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sealion 6 or Forester?
The Sealion 6 produces 238 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. The Sealion 6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 6 and Forester?
The Sealion 6 starts from R799 900 and the Forester from R452 000. The Forester is cheaper by R347 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 6 or Forester?
The Sealion 6 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 2000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 6 or the Forester?
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.