VS
At a Glance
Power
230 kW
147kW@3800
Torque
380 Nm
437Nm@1800
Fuel
19.8 kWh/100km l/100km
7.4L/100km
Towing
—
2000kg
0-100 km/h
6.7 s
10s
Engine
electric cc
2199cc
Choosing between the BYD Sealion 7 and the KIA Sorento is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BYD Sealion 7 delivers 230 kW while the KIA Sorento produces 147kW@3800. On fuel, the Sealion 7 returns 19.8 kWh/100km l/100km while the Sorento uses 7.4L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 109 900 for the Sealion 7 and R441 995 for the Sorento. 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
230 kW
147kW@3800
Torque
380 Nm
437Nm@1800
0-100 kph
6.7 s
10s
Top Speed
215 Km/h
190km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2199cc
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
DIESEL
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
-
6
Drive Wheels
rear
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
19.8 kWh/100km l/100km
7.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
82.6 kWh l
80L
CO2 Emissions
-
233g/km
Dimensions
Length
4830 mm
4685mm
Width
1925 mm
1885mm
Height
1620 mm
1710mm
Wheelbase
2930 mm
2700mm
Ground Clearance
140 mm
184mm
Kerb Weight
2225 Kg
1920kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
58 front + 500-1769 rear l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000kg
Load Capacity
410 lkg
1520kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
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
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
60
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sorento
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sealion 7
Fuel Economy
Sorento
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
BYD Sealion 7
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (19.8 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Sorento
Better fuel economy (7.4L/100km)
Lower starting price (R441 995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sealion 7 or Sorento?
The Sealion 7 uses 19.8 kWh/100km l/100km and the Sorento uses 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle. The Sorento 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 7 or Sorento?
The Sealion 7 produces 230 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the Sorento delivers 147kW@3800 and 437Nm@1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 7 and Sorento?
The Sealion 7 starts from R1 109 900 and the Sorento from R441 995. The Sorento is cheaper by R667 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sealion 7 or Sorento?
The Sealion 7 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Sorento can tow 2000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sealion 7 or the Sorento?
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.