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.
Grand Vitara starts ZAR 150,000 cheaperGrand Vitara from ZAR 359,900 · SEALION 5 DM-i from ZAR 509,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Maximum Power
76 kW @ 6000 rpm
72 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
137 Nm @ 4400 rpm
122 Nm @ 4000-4500 rpm
Engine Size
1462 cc
1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
17.9 km/l
19.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
210 mm
150 mm
Boot / Load Bay
310 l
463 l
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1225 kg
1735 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
The Bottom Line
Grand Vitara and SEALION 5 DM-i are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
SEALION 5 DM-i
+5 pts
Efficiency
SEALION 5 DM-i
+8 pts
Safety
SEALION 5 DM-i
+4 pts
Practicality
Grand Vitara
+1 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Grand Vitara
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
SEALION 5 DM-i
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?
Grand Vitara
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
SEALION 5 DM-i
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
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Model Introduced Year
2022
2026
Generation
Third generation YHB-series Grand Vitara; shared platform with Toyota Urban Cruiser (a partnership-specific platform development); mild-hybrid system uses belt-integrated starter generator technology; all-new design and powertrain versus the previous generation
First South African SEALION 5 DM-i generation
Facelift History
Third-generation Grand Vitara launched in SA in 2022; previous second-generation model discontinued in SA in 2015; current generation is a complete redesign on a new platform shared with the Toyota Urban Cruiser
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
2022
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Color Note
Pearl Arctic White, Metallic Grandeur Grey, Metallic Midnight Blue, Premium Silver, Pearl Burning Red
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip AT
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
Active
Segment
SUV
Medium SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1225 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Length
4345 mm
4738 mm
Width
1795 mm
1860 mm
Height
1645 mm
1710 mm
Wheelbase
2600 mm
2712 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
210 mm
150 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
52 l
Boot/Cargo Space
310 l
463 l
Kerb Weight
1225 kg
1735 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1680 kg
2145 kg
Payload Capacity
530 kg
410 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
6.0 m
Front Headroom
1010 mm
970 mm
Rear Headroom
970 mm
910 mm
Front Legroom
1060 mm
1100 mm
Rear Legroom
935 mm
935 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
150 mm
Towing Capacity
-
0 kg
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Front Track Width
1565 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1565 mm
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
Multi-link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
-
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
-
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
-
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
-
Chassis Material
Monocoque
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson strut
Rear Axle Type
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
-
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
Multi-link
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic Gas Dampers
-
Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
-
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Automatic
Power Windows
All Four Windows
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic Glass Roof
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
708 l
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
708 l
-
Rear Window Defroster
Standard
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
-
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Not Available
-
12V Accessory Socket
1 x 12V Socket
-
Speed Limiter
Standard
-
AC Type
Automatic Climate Control
Automatic
Auto Dimming Irvm
Not Available
-
Climate Zones
Automatic Climate Control
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
All Four Windows
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Not Available
-
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Standard
Engine Warranty
4 Years
-
Front Armrest
Standard Centre Armrest
-
Front Power Outlet
1 x 12V Socket
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.6
-
Glovebox Cooling
All Four Door Pockets
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Panoramic Roof
Panoramic Glass Roof
Panoramic
Power Mirrors
All Four Windows
-
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Rear Defogger
Standard
-
Rear Seat Split
60:40 Split Fold
-
Rear Wing
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Leatherette Seat Trim
-
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
All Seats
-
Spare Wheel
Space Saver Spare
Tyre repair kit
Speed Alert System
Standard
-
Stabilizer Bar
Standard
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Standard
-
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Voice Command
Via Smartphone
-
Voice Command Support
Via Smartphone Mirroring
-
Accelerator 0 100
13.5 sec
-
Air Conditioning
Automatic Climate Control
Automatic
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Bottle Holders
4
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Centre Console
Standard Centre Armrest
-
Common Rail Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection with 12V ISG
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Digital Speedometer
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
-
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
-
Front Wiper
Standard
-
Front Wipers Type
Standard
-
Glove Box
All Four Door Pockets
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Not Available
-
Lift Gate
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Manual Aircon
Automatic Climate Control
-
Mirror
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Passive Entry Start
Not Available
-
Power Socket 12v
1 x 12V Socket
-
Powered Tailgate
Not Available
-
Rear Air Conditioning
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Rearview Mirror Inside
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
-
Remote Side Mirror
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
-
Rim Size
17 Inches
18
Roof Rack Compatibility
Standard Roof Rails
-
Side Impact Bars
Standard
-
Sonar
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
-
Sound System
6
6
Source Model Column
grand-vitara
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Stabilizer Bar Front
Standard
-
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Standard
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Sub Frame
Monocoque
-
Surround View Monitor
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Standard
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
TPMS
Standard
Standard
Trim Level
flagship
-
Unlocking
Not Available
Standard
Variant Role
Performance-focused derivative
-
Vdc
Standard
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Not Available
-
Walk Away Lock
Not Available
-
Wireless Charger
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Standard
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Mild Hybrid
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control (GLX and Hybrid), 360-degree surround view camera (GLX AT and Hybrid), adaptive cruise control (GLX and Hybrid), blind-spot monitoring (GL
-
Interior Trim Colour
2
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leatherette Seat Trim
-
Interior Colours
2
-
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Integrated in Seat Back
-
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Not Available
-
Seat Belt Warning
All Seats
-
Seat Fold Type
60:40 Split Fold
-
Seat Trim
Leatherette Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Infotainment System
9-inch Touchscreen
12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Android Auto
Wired Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Navigation System
Via Smartphone Mirroring
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
9-inch Digital Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
USB Ports
2
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Wired Android Auto
Standard
FM Radio
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
-
Voice Recognition
Via Smartphone
-
AUX Input
Not Available
-
Infotainment Screen Size
9-inch Touchscreen
12.8
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Not Available
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Standard
-
Infotainment Display
9-inch Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
2
-
Audio
Standard
-
Audio Speakers
6
6
Audio System
Standard
-
Display Audio
9-inch Touchscreen
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2
-
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
12.8
Multi Information Display
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Voice Control
Via Smartphone
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Radio
Standard
-
Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
12.8
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
LED Headlamps
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED DRLs
LED
Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
Standard Roof Rails
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Body Cladding
Black Plastic Side Body Cladding
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
Atlantis Grey, Obsidian Black, Snow White, Time Grey
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof
-
Wing Mirror Type
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
-
Rear Wiper
Standard
-
Door Handle Finish
Body-Coloured Door Handles
-
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
LED DRLs
LED
Fog Lights
Front Fog Lamps
-
Front Fog Lights
Front Fog Lamps
-
Led Headlights
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Auto Headlights
Standard
-
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Daytime Running Lights
LED DRLs
LED
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
5
-
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body-Coloured Door Handles
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
All Four Windows
-
Exterior Mirror Folding
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
-
Front Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Headlamp Levelling
LED Projector Headlamps
-
Headlamps
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Headlight Type
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Headlights
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic Glass Roof
Standard
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Sunroof Slide
Not Available
-
Sunroof Tilt
Not Available
-
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Approach Angle
19 deg
18 deg
Departure Angle
21 deg
22 deg
Wading Depth
0 mm
363.6 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Snow
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
Underbody Protection
Skid Plate Under Engine
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
18 deg
-
Recovery Hooks
Front and Rear Tow Hooks
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Ramp-over Angle
18 deg
-
Approach Angle Deg
19 deg
-
Breakover Angle
18 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle Deg
21 deg
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
210 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
210 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Wading Depth Mm
0 mm
-
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
225/60 R18
Wheel Type
17-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
-
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver Spare
Tyre repair kit
Front Brake Disc Diameter
296 mm
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
259 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
-
Tyre Load Index
96
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
17 Inches
18
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
-
Spare Tyre
Space Saver Spare
Tyre repair kit
Tyre Type
215/60 R17
-
Wheel Diameter
17 Inches
18
Auto Brake Hold
Conventional Handbrake
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Not Available
-
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
-
Cornering Brake Control
Standard
-
Electric Park Brake
Conventional Handbrake
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Electronic parking brake
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Standard
-
Leather Steering Wheel
Urethane
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Space Saver Spare
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Urethane
-
Tyre Pressure Display
Standard
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Wheel Material
17-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
-
Wheel Size Type
17 Inches
-
Wheels
17-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
-
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 Months
-
Approx Service Cost
Approx R2,000–R2,500 per Service
-
Battery Warranty
12 Months
-
Maintenance Plan
Not Included
-
Engine Oil Capacity
3.7 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
-
First Service At
1,000 km Inspection
-
Service Plan Duration
Not Included
4 years/60000 km service plan (4 scheduled services)
Service Plan Distance
Not Included
4 years/60000 km service plan (4 scheduled services)
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Rust Protection
-
Service Plan
Not Included
4 years/60000 km service plan (4 scheduled services)
Service Intervals
15,000 km or 12 Months
-
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 5 DM-i
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 Roadside Assistance
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
-
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 Roadside Assistance
-
Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
SEALION 5 DM-i
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
81/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
61/100
Grand Vitara
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
62/100
Ownership
71/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD SEALION 5 DM-i
leads the catalogue index with 67 pts
vs 64 pts for Grand Vitara
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, SEALION 5 DM-i leads. However, Grand Vitara 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 Grand Vitara and SEALION 5 DM-i 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: Grand Vitara 34 vs SEALION 5 DM-i 39.
Efficiency index: Grand Vitara 73 vs SEALION 5 DM-i 81.
Safety-equipment index: Grand Vitara 88 vs SEALION 5 DM-i 92.
Practicality index: Grand Vitara 62 vs SEALION 5 DM-i 61.
Ownership-cover index: Grand Vitara 71 vs SEALION 5 DM-i 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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