A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Recorded price context
Elantra:
last listed from
ZAR 448,900
·
SEAL:
current from
ZAR 1,007,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 6300 rpm
390 kW
Maximum Torque
143 Nm @ 4500 rpm
670 Nm
Engine Size
1497 cc
Not Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
17.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance
130 mm
145 mm
Boot / Load Bay
473 l
400 l
Airbags
6
9
Kerb Weight
1355 kg
2185 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
= leads in this spec
Archived vehicles remain available for comparison. Verified specs stay visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
SEAL holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Elantra.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
SEAL
+64 pts
Efficiency
SEAL
+23 pts
Safety
SEAL
+11 pts
Practicality
Elantra
+7 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Elantra
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Catalogue-index leader
SEAL
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Elantra
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
SEAL
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Model Introduced Year
1990
2024
Generation
Seventh generation Elantra on Hyundai's K3 platform; bold parametric design language marks a clear break from the conservative sixth gen
First South African SEAL generation
Facelift History
Seventh generation launched globally in 2020 and brought to SA; significant leap in styling and interior quality over the previous generation
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
2020
Original current-generation version
Tare Mass Kg
1355 kg
-
Facelift Version Ending
Not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
Sedan
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Production Status
Not confirmed
Active
Segment
Not confirmed
Medium Sedan
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Length
4680 mm
4800 mm
Width
1825 mm
1875 mm
Height
1415 mm
1460 mm
Wheelbase
2720 mm
2920 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
130 mm
145 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
473 l
400 l
Kerb Weight
1355 kg
2185 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1860 kg
2631 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not confirmed
120 mm
Payload Capacity
Not confirmed
446 kg
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
1500 kg
Number of Rows
Not confirmed
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
Not confirmed
5.7 m
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
920 mm
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
1110 mm
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
810 mm
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic
Power Windows
All
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Panoramic
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
-
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
12V
-
AC Type
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic
Boot Opener
Inside
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Standard
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
-
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Power Mirrors
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Spare Wheel
Steel
Tyre repair kit
Tachometer
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Rim Size
17-inch Alloy
19
Sound System
8 Bose Premium
12
Unlocking
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charger
Yes
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not confirmed
Standard
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Dual-motor battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
4
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
16
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 6300 rpm
390 kW
Maximum Torque
143 Nm @ 4500 rpm
670 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Front Induction; Rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
2
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front + Rear
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
180 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
11.2 sec
3.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
62.7 kW/tonne
178.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
105.5 Nm/tonne
306.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
82.56 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
LFP
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
550.4 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
520 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
150 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
8 h 36 min (0-100%)
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
37 min (10-80%)
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Engine Position
Front
-
Gearbox
IVT Intelligent Variable Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front and rear electric drive units
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Available
Number of Gears
Not confirmed
1
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
Crystal gear shifter
Drivetrain
Not confirmed
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
Automatic electric all-wheel drive
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Not confirmed
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
Not confirmed
1
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Claimed Mileage
17.5 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
14.0 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
21.0 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Tank Litres
47
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
17.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Charging Type
Not confirmed
AC and DC
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
520 km (WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
18.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
425 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
510 km
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Airbags
6
9
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Applicable
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Central Locking
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Standard
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
-
BA
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Applicable
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Standard
AEB
No
Standard
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Standard
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Standard
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
No
Standard
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Sport Mode
No
-
360 Degree Camera
Not confirmed
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Park Assist
Not confirmed
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not confirmed
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Standard
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Synthetic leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
-
Heated Seats
Front
Standard
Ventilated Seats
No
Standard
Steering Type
Electric
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Standard
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Rear Armrest
No
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Synthetic leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
-
Cooled Seats
No
-
Fabric Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Yes
-
Leather Seats
No
-
Memory Seats
No
-
Rear Headrest
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Electric adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Electric adjustment
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Synthetic leather
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Infotainment System
10.25-inch Touchscreen
15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
12
Navigation System
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8 Bose Premium
12
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
15.6
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
15.6
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
No
Not Applicable
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
-
Rear Wiper
No
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
-
Body Type
Sedan
-
DRL
LED
LED
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Full LED
Standard
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Front Fog Lamps
LED
Rear fog lamp
Headlamps
Full LED
Standard
Headlight Type
Full LED
Standard
Headlights
Full LED
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
Sky Black, Atlantis Gray, Aurora White, North Ice Blue, Rosemary Gray, Wind Grass Green
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
Standard
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
130 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
130 mm
-
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
13 deg
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
14 deg
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not confirmed
Electric all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Tyre Size
225/45 R17
235/45 R19
Wheel Type
17-inch Alloy
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Tyre repair kit
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
17-inch Alloy
19
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
-
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Spare Tyre
Steel
Tyre repair kit
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
17-inch Alloy
19
Wheels
17-inch Alloy
-
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double wishbone
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Double wishbone
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Multi-link
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
4
5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Plan Distance
4
5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
4
5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Warranty Years
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
0 g/km
Start Stop System
No
-
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Spec
Elantra
SEAL
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Price Zar
Not confirmed
1211900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Starting Price
Not confirmed
1211900
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
1211900
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
SEAL leads by 23 points
SEAL holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Elantra.
Performance
SEAL +64
Efficiency
SEAL +23
Safety
SEAL +11
Practicality
Elantra +7
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
SEAL
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
57/100
Elantra
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
67/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
65/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD SEAL
leads the catalogue index with 86 pts
vs 63 pts for Elantra
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, SEAL leads. However, Elantra may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This Elantra and SEAL comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Elantra 36 vs SEAL 100.
Efficiency index: Elantra 67 vs SEAL 90.
Safety-equipment index: Elantra 87 vs SEAL 98.
Practicality index: Elantra 64 vs SEAL 57.
Ownership-cover index: Elantra 65 vs SEAL not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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