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 280,000 cheaperGrand Vitara from ZAR 359,900 · SEALION 6 DM-i from ZAR 639,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 6 DM-i
Maximum Power
76 kW @ 6000 rpm
96 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque
137 Nm @ 4400 rpm
220 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
Engine Size
1462 cc
1497 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
17.9 km/l
17.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
210 mm
180 mm
Boot / Load Bay
310 l
425 l
Airbags
6
7
Kerb Weight
1225 kg
2100 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
SEALION 6 DM-i has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Grand Vitara remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
SEALION 6 DM-i
+24 pts
Efficiency
SEALION 6 DM-i
+2 pts
Safety
SEALION 6 DM-i
+11 pts
Practicality
Grand Vitara
+3 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 6 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 6 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 6 DM-i
Model Introduced Year
2022
2024
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 6 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
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 6 DM-i
Infotainment System
9-inch Touchscreen
15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Android Auto
Wired Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
10
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
15.6
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Not Available
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Standard
-
Infotainment Display
9-inch Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
2
-
Audio
Standard
-
Audio Speakers
6
10
Audio System
Standard
-
Display Audio
9-inch Touchscreen
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2
-
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
15.6
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
15.6
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 6 DM-i
LED Headlamps
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED DRLs
LED
Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lamps
Front and rear fog lamps
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
Time Grey, Arctic White, Delan Black, Smokey Gray
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
Front and rear fog lamps
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 6 DM-i
Approach Angle
19 deg
19 deg
Departure Angle
21 deg
21 deg
Wading Depth
0 mm
358.8 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Mud, Sand, 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
Electric all-wheel drive
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 6 DM-i
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
235/50 R19
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
19
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
19
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 6 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
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Plan Distance
Not Included
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Rust Protection
-
Service Plan
Not Included
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Intervals
15,000 km or 12 Months
-
Spec
Grand Vitara
SEALION 6 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 6 DM-i
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
75/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
59/100
Grand Vitara
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
62/100
Ownership
71/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD SEALION 6 DM-i
leads the catalogue index with 72 pts
vs 64 pts for Grand Vitara
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, SEALION 6 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 6 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 6 DM-i 58.
Efficiency index: Grand Vitara 73 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 75.
Safety-equipment index: Grand Vitara 88 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 99.
Practicality index: Grand Vitara 62 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 59.
Ownership-cover index: Grand Vitara 71 vs SEALION 6 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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