VS
At a Glance
Power
238 kW
185kW@5000
Torque
550 Nm
360Nm@3600
Fuel
5.8 combined l/100km
10.7
Towing
—
2000
0-100 km/h
5.9 s
—
Engine
1498 cc
2457
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 6 and the SUBARU FORESTER is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Sealion 6 delivers 238 kW while the SUBARU FORESTER produces 185kW@5000. On fuel, the Sealion 6 returns 5.8 combined l/100km while the FORESTER uses 10.7 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R799 900 for the Sealion 6 and R369 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.
Performance
Power Output
238 kW
185kW@5000
Torque
550 Nm
360Nm@3600
0-100 kph
5.9 s
—
Top Speed
—
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2457
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
10.7
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.3 kWh l
60
CO2 Emissions
32 when hybrid battery charged g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4775 mm
4485
Width
1890 mm
1735
Height
1670 mm
1585
Wheelbase
2765 mm
2525
Ground Clearance
—
200
Kerb Weight
2100 Kg
1525
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
425-1440 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000
Load Capacity
410 l
1692
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
7
4
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
✓ 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
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
25000
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)
Higher starting price
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R369 000)
Higher fuel consumption (10.7)
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 10.7 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 FORESTER?
The Sealion 6 produces 238 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the FORESTER delivers 185kW@5000 and 360Nm@3600 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 6 and FORESTER?
The Sealion 6 starts from R799 900 and the FORESTER from R369 000. The FORESTER is cheaper by R430 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 2000. 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.