VS
At a Glance
Power
230 kW
147kW@3800
Torque
380 Nm
422Nm@1800
Fuel
19.8 kWh/100km l/100km
6.6L/100km
Towing
—
2000kg
0-100 km/h
6.7 s
9.6s
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 6.6L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 109 900 for the Sealion 7 and R431 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.
Specification
BYD Sealion 7Premium 2025 - From R1 109 900
KIA Sorento2.2 4x4 7-Seater 2009 - From R431 995
Performance
Power Output
230 kW
147kW@3800
Torque
380 Nm
422Nm@1800
0-100 kph
6.7 s
9.6s
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
MANUAL
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
6.6L/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
1890kg
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 (6.6L/100km)
Lower starting price (R431 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 6.6L/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 422Nm@1800 of torque. The Sealion 7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sealion 7 and Sorento?
The Sealion 7 starts from R1 109 900 and the Sorento from R431 995. The Sorento is cheaper by R677 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.