Source type: BYD Auto South Africa
BYD SEALION 6 DM-i vs KIA Sorento
A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
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BYD SEALION 6 DM-i
Premium DM-i AWD
Plug-in Hybrid
e-CVT
Current
ZAR 799,900
ex-showroom
⚡ 96 kW
🔧 220 Nm
⛽ 17.2 km/l
VS
KIA Sorento
2.2 CRDi SXL AWD DCT
Diesel
8-Speed DCT
Current
ZAR 1,299,995
ex-showroom
⚡ 148 kW
🔧 440 Nm
⛽ 15.6 km/l
＋
Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
BYD SEALION 6 DM-i vs KIA Sorento: the short answer
SEALION 6 DM-i and Sorento are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
SEALION 6 DM-i starts ZAR 360,095 cheaper
SEALION 6 DM-i from ZAR 639,900 · Sorento from ZAR 999,995
Five key differences
Exact selected derivativesSwipe sideways to compare every column
| Specification | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Power | SEALION 6 DM-i96 kW @ 5200 rpm | Sorento148 kW @ 3800 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | SEALION 6 DM-i220 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm | Sorento440 Nm @ 1750 rpm |
| Engine Size | SEALION 6 DM-i1497 cc | Sorento2151 cc |
| Combined Fuel Economy | SEALION 6 DM-i17.2 km/l | Sorento15.6 km/l |
| Ground Clearance | SEALION 6 DM-i180 mm | Sorento185 mm |
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Source type: Official OEM South Africa
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
SEALION 6 DM-i
Strengths
- Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
- Less powerful engine setup
- Fewer listed safety features
- Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:
Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Sorento
Strengths
- More powerful engine output
- Stronger listed safety equipment
- Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
- Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:
Published Performance
Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
SEALION 6 DM-i
- Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Sorento
- Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
- Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
- Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Model Introduced Year | 2024 | 2021 |
| Generation | First South African SEALION 6 DM-i generation | Fourth generation (MQ4); global launch 2020, SA 2021 |
| Facelift History | No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026 | Fourth generation (MQ4) launched SA 2021; updated spec 2024 |
| Facelift Launched Since | Original current-generation version | 2024 |
| Facelift Version Ending | Current | Current |
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Model Year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Production Status | Active | active |
| Segment | Medium SUV | SUV |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger vehicle | SUV |
| Color Note | - | Glacier White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Steel Grey, Interstellar Grey, Gravity Blue |
| Dealer Stock Note | - | Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup |
| Drivetrain Note | - | Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.2 CRDi SXL AWD DCT |
| Tare Mass Kg | - | 1960 kg |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4775 mm | 4810 mm |
| Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Height | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765 mm | 2815 mm |
| Ground Clearance (Default) | 180 mm | 185 mm |
| Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load) | 150 mm | 176 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 l | 67 l |
| Boot/Cargo Space | 425 l | 219 l |
| Kerb Weight | 2100 kg | 1960 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | 2510 kg | 2550 kg |
| Payload Capacity | 410 kg | 620 kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1300 kg | 2000 kg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Rows | 2 rows | 3 rows |
| Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Minimum Turning Radius | 5.5 m | 11.2 m |
| Front Headroom | 980 mm | 1010 mm |
| Rear Headroom | 910 mm | 955 mm |
| Front Legroom | 1120 mm | 1040 mm |
| Rear Legroom | 820 mm | 855 mm |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | 2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel |
| Engine Code | Not Officially Disclosed | D4HB |
| Fuel Type | Plug-in Hybrid | Diesel |
| Hybrid System | Series-Parallel Hybrid | Not Applicable |
| Engine Displacement | 1497 cc | 2151 cc |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Cylinder Layout | Inline | Inline |
| Valves | Not Officially Disclosed | 16 |
| Valves per Cylinder | Not Officially Disclosed | 4 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Fuel System | Not Officially Disclosed | Common Rail Direct Injection |
| Compression Ratio | Not Officially Disclosed | 15.4:1 |
| Bore | Not Officially Disclosed | 85.4 mm |
| Stroke | Not Officially Disclosed | 94 mm |
| Maximum Power | 96 kW @ 5200 rpm | 148 kW @ 3800 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 220 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm | 440 Nm @ 1750 rpm |
| Combined Power | 238 kW | Not Applicable |
| Combined Torque | 550 Nm | Not Applicable |
| Motor Type | Permanent Magnet Synchronous | Not Applicable |
| Number of Motors | 2 | Not Applicable |
| Motor Location | Front + Rear | Not Applicable |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Transmission | e-CVT | 8-Speed DCT |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 200 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.9 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Quarter Mile | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Drive Modes | Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud, Sand, Snow | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Launch Control | Not Officially Disclosed | No |
| Rev Limiter | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 113.3 kW/tonne | 75.5 kW/tonne |
| Torque-to-Weight Ratio | 261.9 Nm/tonne | 224.5 Nm/tonne |
| Battery Capacity | 18.3 kWh | Not Applicable |
| Usable Battery Capacity | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Battery Type | LFP | Not Applicable |
| Battery Voltage | 339.2 V | Not Applicable |
| Electric Range | 70 km (WLTP) | Not Applicable |
| AC Charging Power | 7 kW | Not Applicable |
| DC Charging Power | 18 kW | Not Applicable |
| AC Charging Time | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| DC Charging Time | 35 min (30-80%) | Not Applicable |
| Regenerative Braking | Yes | Not Applicable |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | e-CVT | 8-Speed DCT |
| Drivetrain Layout | Front and rear electric drive units | FWD |
| LSD Available | Not Available | No |
| Transfer Case | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Differential Lock | Not Available | No |
| Paddle Shifters | Not Applicable | Yes |
| Final Drive Ratio | Not Available | 3.63 |
| Number of Gears | Not Applicable | 8 |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Dual Clutch Transmission |
| Clutch Type | Not Applicable | Dry Dual Clutch |
| Gear Shift Indicator | Standard | No |
| Gear Shift Type | Crystal gearshift knob | Automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| 4WD Engagement | Automatic electric all-wheel drive | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Hi Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Lo Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Selector | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Automatic Shift Paddles | Not Applicable | Yes |
| Front Differential Lock | Not Available | Not Applicable |
| Gearbox Type | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission | 8-Speed DCT |
| Low Range Ratio | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Low Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Axle Layout | 4x4 | AWD |
| Rear Differential Lock | Not Available | Not Applicable |
| Transmission Speeds | Not Applicable | 8 |
| Engine Position | - | Front Transverse |
| Steering Turns Lock to Lock | - | 15.2:1 |
| Transfer Case Guard | - | Not Available |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed Mileage | 17.2 km/l | 15.6 km/l |
| City Mileage | 13.3 km/l | 12.8 km/l |
| Highway Mileage | 17.5 km/l | 18.5 km/l |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 l | 67 l |
| Emission Standard | Euro 5 | Euro 6 |
| AdBlue Tank Capacity | Not Applicable | No |
| Auto Start Stop | Integrated hybrid engine stop/start | Yes |
| Real-world Mileage | 17.2 km/l | 15.6 km/l |
| Charging Port Type | Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC | Not Applicable |
| Charging Type | AC and DC | Not Applicable |
| Fuel Tank Litres | 60 | 67 |
| Combined Driving Range | 870 km (WLTP) | Not Applicable |
| Electric Consumption | 179 Wh/km | Not Applicable |
| Range Real World Highway | 1091 km | Not Applicable |
| Range Real World Mixed | 840 km | Not Applicable |
| Low Fuel Warning | - | Yes |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| ABS | Standard | Yes |
| Electronic Stability Control | Standard | Yes |
| Traction Control | Standard | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | Standard | Not Available |
| Hill Start Assist | Standard | Yes |
| Child Safety Lock | Standard | Yes |
| ISOFIX Mounts | Standard | Yes |
| Brake Assist | Standard | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitor | Standard | Yes |
| Engine Immobiliser | Standard | Yes |
| Seatbelt Warning All Seats | Standard | Yes |
| Front Parking Sensors | Standard | Yes |
| AEB | Standard | Yes |
| BA | Standard | Yes |
| Brake Override System | Standard | Yes |
| Curtain Airbags | Standard | Yes |
| Driver Airbag | Standard | Yes |
| EBD | Standard | Yes |
| Engine Immobiliser | Standard | Yes |
| Hill Hold | Standard | Yes |
| Passenger Airbag | Standard | Yes |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Standard | Yes |
| Seatbelt Pretensioners | Standard | Yes |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Standard | Yes |
| Side Airbags | Standard | Yes |
| Stability Control | Standard | Yes |
| TCS | Standard | Yes |
| Knee Airbag | Not Available | Yes |
| ABS EBD | Standard | Yes |
| Alarm System | - | Yes |
| Central Locking | - | Yes |
| Side Impact Beams | - | Yes |
| Speed Alert System | - | Yes |
| Pedestrian Detection AEB | - | Yes |
| Safety Rating | - | 5 |
| Whiplash Protection | - | Yes |
| Lane Change Warning | - | Yes |
| Fatigue Detection | - | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | - | Yes |
| Anti Theft Alarm | - | Yes |
| Driver Front Passenger Airbags | - | 7 |
| Driver Passenger Airbags | - | 7 |
| ESC With Traction Control | - | Yes |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Control | Standard | Yes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Yes |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | Yes |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Standard | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Standard | Yes |
| Rear View Camera | Standard | Yes |
| 360 Degree Camera | Standard | Yes |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking | Standard | Yes |
| Driver Fatigue Alert | Standard | Yes |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | Standard | No |
| Auto Highbeam | Standard | Yes |
| Auto Wipers | Standard | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Standard | Yes |
| Reverse Camera | Standard | Yes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Yes |
| Park Assist | Standard | Yes |
| Around View Monitor | Standard | Yes |
| Blind Spot Warning | Standard | Yes |
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard | Yes |
| Auto Lights | - | Yes |
| Eco Mode | - | Yes |
| EV Mode | - | No |
| Sport Mode | - | Yes |
| Emergency Braking | - | Yes |
| Front Camera | - | Yes |
| Parking Distance Sensors | - | Yes |
| Parking Sensor | - | Yes |
| Automatic High Beam | - | Yes |
| Pre-Collision System | - | Yes |
| Rain Sensor Wipers | - | Yes |
| Rear View Camera | - | Yes |
| Reverse Camera Type | - | Yes |
| Reversing Camera | - | Yes |
| Surround View Camera | Standard | Yes |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material | Synthetic leather | Leather |
| Heated Seats | Standard | Yes |
| Ventilated Seats | Standard | Yes |
| Ambient Lighting | Standard | Yes |
| Steering Wheel Material | Synthetic leather | Leather |
| 60 40 Split Seat | Standard | Yes |
| Driver Seat Adjustment | Electric adjustment | 8-Way Power |
| Passenger Seat Adjustment | Electric adjustment | 4-Way Power |
| Seat Trim | Synthetic leather | Leather |
| Seat Adjustment | - | 8-Way Power |
| Steering Type | - | Yes |
| Steering Adjustment | - | Tilt and Telescopic |
| Folding Rear Seats | - | Yes |
| Front Armrest | - | Centre Armrest |
| Rear Armrest | - | Yes |
| Front Shoulder Room | - | 1405 mm |
| Rear Shoulder Room | - | 1350 mm |
| Cup Holders | - | 6 |
| Rear AC Vents | - | Yes |
| Rear USB Ports | - | Yes |
| Instrument Cluster Type | - | Digital |
| Interior Colour Options | - | Black |
| Driver Lumbar Support | - | Yes |
| Door Map Pockets | - | Yes |
| Adjustable Driver Seat | - | 8-Way Power |
| Adjustable Front Seat | - | 4-Way Power |
| Cooled Seats | - | Yes |
| Fabric Seats | - | No |
| Front Headrest | - | Adjustable |
| Leather Seats | - | Yes |
| Memory Seats | - | Yes |
| Rear Headrest | - | Adjustable |
| Armrest Front | - | Centre Armrest |
| Armrest Rear | - | Yes |
| Boot Space Seats Down | - | 616 |
| Driver Seat | - | 8-Way Power |
| Interior Courtesy Lamps | - | 12.3+12.3-inch panoramic curved display, Bose Premium Sound, dual panoramic sunroof (SX/SXL), 360-degree AVM (SX/SXL), ventilated front seats, heated second row, highway driving assist, 7 seats |
| Interior Trim Colour | - | Black |
| Leather Accented Seat Trim | - | Leather |
| Interior Colours | - | Black |
| Rear Seat Centre Armrest | - | Yes |
| Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest | - | Yes |
| Seat Belt Warning | - | Yes |
| Seat Fold Type | - | Yes |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Control | Automatic | Yes |
| Power Windows | Standard | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Standard | Yes |
| Push Button Start | Standard | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Standard | Yes |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | Yes |
| Electric Tailgate | Standard | Yes |
| Rain Sensing Wipers | Standard | Yes |
| AC Type | Automatic | Yes |
| Load Bed Length | - | Not Applicable |
| Load Bed Width | - | Not Applicable |
| Automatic Headlamps | - | Yes |
| Auto Dimming Mirror | - | Yes |
| Boot Space Seats Folded | - | 616 l |
| Boot Space Seats Folded | - | 616 l |
| Rear Window Defroster | - | Yes |
| Electric Mirror Folding | - | Yes |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | - | Yes |
| Follow Me Home Headlamps | - | Yes |
| 12V Accessory Socket | - | Yes |
| Speed Limiter | - | Yes |
| Adaptive Dampers | - | No |
| Aero Kit | - | No |
| Auto Dimming Irvm | - | Yes |
| Boot Opener | - | Remote |
| Chrome Exterior Highlights | - | No |
| Chrome Grille | - | Yes |
| Climate Zones | - | 2 |
| Door Ajar Warning | - | Yes |
| Drag Coefficient | - | 0.35 |
| Driver Display | - | Digital Cluster |
| Electric Folding Mirrors | - | Yes |
| Engine Check Warning | - | Yes |
| Engine Start Button Illumination | - | Yes |
| Engine Start Stop | Standard | Yes |
| Engine Start Stop Button | Standard | Yes |
| Engine Warranty | - | 7 Years / 150,000 km |
| Front Armrest | - | Centre Armrest |
| Front Power Outlet | - | Yes |
| Fuel Consumption Combined | - | 6.4 |
| Fuel Lid Opener | - | Remote |
| Glovebox Cooling | - | No |
| Headlamp Height Adjust | - | Yes |
| Headlamp Washer | - | No |
| Headrest Adjustable | - | Yes |
| Heads Up Display | - | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | - | Yes |
| Impact Sensing Door Unlock | - | Yes |
| Intercooler | - | Yes |
| Multi Function Steering | - | Yes |
| Panoramic Roof | Panoramic | Yes |
| Performance Data Logger | - | No |
| Power Mirrors | - | Yes |
| Push Button Start | Standard | Yes |
| Rear Defogger | - | Yes |
| Rear Reading Lamps | - | Yes |
| Rear Seat Split | - | Yes |
| Rear Wing | - | Yes |
| Remote Engine Start | - | No |
| Rev Matching | - | No |
| Ride Mode Selection | - | Yes |
| Roof Antenna | - | Yes |
| Seat Type | - | Leather Seats |
| Seatbelt Pre Tensioner | - | Yes |
| Service Reminder | - | Yes |
| Side Steps | - | No |
| Skid Plates | - | No |
| Spare Wheel | Tyre repair kit | Temporary Spare |
| Speed Alert System | - | Yes |
| Stabilizer Bar | - | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | - | Yes |
| Steering Response | - | Normal |
| Tachometer | - | Yes |
| Tail Lamps | - | Yes |
| Telescopic Steering | - | Tilt and Telescopic |
| Tilt Steering | - | Tilt and Telescopic |
| Trip Computer | - | Yes |
| Tyre Repair Kit | - | No |
| Vanity Mirror | - | Yes |
| Voice Command | - | Yes |
| Voice Command Support | - | Yes |
| Accelerator 0 100 | - | 8.5 sec |
| Air Conditioning | Automatic | Yes |
| Automatic High Beam | - | Yes |
| Battery Preconditioning | - | Not Available |
| Bed Extender | - | Not Available |
| Bottle Holders | - | 6 |
| Canopy Fitment | - | Not Available |
| Centre Console | - | Centre Armrest |
| Common Rail Injection | - | Common Rail Direct Injection |
| Diff Lock | - | No |
| Difflock | - | No |
| Digital Speedometer | - | Yes |
| Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors | - | Yes |
| Front Wiper | - | No |
| Front Wipers Type | - | No |
| Glove Box | - | Yes |
| Heated Mirrors | - | Yes |
| Intelligent Battery System | - | Not Available |
| Intelligent Keyless Entry | - | Yes |
| Lift Gate | - | Yes |
| 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 | - | Yes |
| Mirror | - | Electric |
| One Pedal Driving | - | Not Available |
| Passive Entry Start | - | Yes |
| Power Sliding Doors | - | No |
| Power Socket 12v | - | Yes |
| Powered Tailgate | - | Yes |
| Reading Lights Rear | - | Yes |
| Rear Air Conditioning | - | Yes |
| Rear Electric Motor | - | Not Available |
| Rear LED Combination Taillights | - | Yes |
| Rearview Mirror Inside | - | Yes |
| Regenerative Braking Levels | - | Not Available |
| Remote Central Locking | - | Yes |
| Remote Side Mirror | - | Yes |
| Remote Start | - | No |
| Rim Size | 19 | 255/45 R20 |
| Roof Load | - | 100 kg |
| Roof Rack Compatibility | - | Yes |
| Side Impact Bars | - | Yes |
| Sonar | - | Yes |
| Sound System | 10 | 12 |
| Source Model Column | - | sorento |
| Sport Plus Mode | - | Not Available |
| Sports Bar | - | Not Available |
| Stabilizer Bar Front | - | Yes |
| Stabilizer Bar Rear | - | Yes |
| Steering Column Adjustment | - | Tilt and Telescopic |
| Sub Frame | - | Unibody |
| Surround View Monitor | Standard | Yes |
| Tailgate Damper | - | Not Available |
| Tailgate Lock | - | Not Available |
| Tow Bar Type | - | Not Available |
| TPMS | Standard | Yes |
| Trim Level | - | flagship |
| Unlocking | Standard | Yes |
| Vanity Mirror Illuminated | - | Yes |
| Variant Role | - | Flagship / premium derivative |
| Vdc | - | Yes |
| Vehicle To Grid | - | Not Available |
| Vehicle To Load | - | Not Available |
| Walk Away Auto Door Lock | - | Yes |
| Walk Away Lock | - | Yes |
| Wireless Charger | Standard | Yes |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment System | 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen | 12.3-inch Touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay | Standard | Yes |
| Android Auto | Standard | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Standard | Yes |
| Number of Speakers | 10 | 12 |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | Full LCD instrument display | Yes |
| USB Ports | Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports | 4 |
| Infotainment Screen | 15.6 | 12.3 |
| Touchscreen | 15.6 | 12.3 |
| Navigation System | - | Yes |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Standard | Yes |
| Wireless Android Auto | Standard | Yes |
| FM Radio | - | Yes |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | - | Yes |
| Voice Recognition | - | Yes |
| AUX Input | - | No |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 15.6 | 12.3 |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | - | No |
| Audio Controls On Steering | - | Yes |
| Infotainment Display | - | 12.3 |
| Rear Usb | - | Yes |
| Premium Audio | - | Yes |
| Audio | - | Yes |
| Audio Speakers | 10 | 12 |
| Audio System | - | Yes |
| Display Audio | - | 12.3-inch Touchscreen |
| Front Rear USB Charge Ports | - | 4 |
| Head Up Display | - | Yes |
| Multi Information Display | - | Digital |
| Connected Services | - | Yes |
| Voice Control | - | Yes |
| Smartphone Connectivity | - | Yes |
| Radio | - | Yes |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| LED Headlamps | Standard | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lamps | LED | Yes |
| Fog Lamps | Front and rear fog lamps | Yes |
| Roof Rails | Standard | Yes |
| Exterior Colour Options | Time Grey, Arctic White, Delan Black, Smokey Gray | Multiple |
| Headlights | Standard | Yes |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Standard | Yes |
| Alloy Wheel Design | - | Alloy Alloy |
| Chrome Exterior Finish | - | No |
| Body Cladding | - | Yes |
| Rear Spoiler | - | Yes |
| Roof Type | - | Standard |
| Wing Mirror Type | - | Electric |
| Rear Wiper | - | No |
| Door Handle Finish | - | Body Colour |
| Body Type | - | SUV |
| DRL | LED | Yes |
| Fog Lights | - | Yes |
| Front Fog Lights | - | Yes |
| Led Headlights | Standard | Yes |
| Led Taillights | - | Yes |
| Rear Fog Lights | - | Yes |
| Front Overhang | - | 900 mm |
| Rear Overhang | - | 1095 mm |
| Auto Headlights | - | Yes |
| Automatic Headlamps | - | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | LED | Yes |
| Electric Blind Sunroof | - | Standard |
| Exterior Colour Options | - | 5 |
| Exterior Door Handle Colour | - | Body Colour |
| Exterior Mirror Electric | - | Yes |
| Exterior Mirror Folding | - | Yes |
| Front Fog Lamps | Front and rear fog lamps | Yes |
| Headlamp Levelling | - | Yes |
| Headlamps | Standard | Yes |
| Headlight Type | Standard | Yes |
| Load Bed Liner | - | Not Available |
| Active Exhaust | - | Not Available |
| Rear Spoiler | - | Yes |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Approach Angle | 19 deg | 19 deg |
| Departure Angle | 21 deg | 20 deg |
| Wading Depth | 358.8 mm | Not Available |
| Terrain Modes | Mud, Sand, Snow | Not Available |
| Locking Differential | Not Available | No |
| 4WD System Type | Electric all-wheel drive | Not Applicable |
| Breakover Angle | Not Available | 17 deg |
| Underbody Protection | - | Yes |
| Ramp Breakover Angle | - | 17 deg |
| Recovery Hooks | - | No |
| Hill Descent Control | Standard | Not Available |
| Ramp-over Angle | - | 19 deg |
| Approach Angle Deg | - | 19 deg |
| Departure Angle Deg | - | 20 deg |
| Energy Recovery Display | - | Not Available |
| Ground Clearance Max | - | 185 mm |
| Ground Clearance Min | - | 185 mm |
| Off Road Descent Control | - | Not Available |
| Crawl Control | - | Not Available |
| Terrain Response System | - | Not Available |
| Underbody Camera | - | Not Available |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Size | 235/50 R19 | 255/45 R20 |
| Front Brake Type | Ventilated disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Spare Wheel Type | Tyre repair kit | Temporary Spare |
| Wheel Rim Size | 19 | 255/45 R20 |
| Handbrake Type | Electronic parking brake | Electronic |
| Wheel Type | - | Alloy Alloy |
| Front Brake Disc Diameter | - | 340 mm |
| Rear Brake Drum Diameter | - | 305 mm |
| Parking Brake Type | - | Electronic |
| Tyre Load Index | - | 107 |
| Tyre Speed Rating | - | H |
| Brake Type Front | - | Ventilated Disc |
| Brake Type Rear | - | Ventilated Disc |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre repair kit | Temporary Spare |
| Tyre Type | - | Radial |
| Front Tyre Width | - | 235 mm |
| Rear Tyre Width | - | 235 mm |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 | 255/45 R20 |
| Auto Brake Hold | - | Electronic |
| Autonomous Emergency Brake | - | Yes |
| Brakes | - | Ventilated Disc |
| Cornering Brake Control | - | Yes |
| Electric Park Brake | - | Electronic |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | - | Yes |
| Fifth Wheel Prep | - | Not Available |
| Hydraulic Brake Assist | - | Yes |
| Leather Steering Wheel | - | Leather |
| Spare Wheel Size Type | - | Temporary Spare |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | - | Yes |
| Steering Wheel Cruise Controls | - | Yes |
| Steering Wheel Phone Controls | - | Yes |
| Steering Wheel Trim | - | Leather |
| Tyre Pressure Display | - | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Standard | Yes |
| Wheel Material | - | Alloy Alloy |
| Wheel Size Type | - | 255/45 R20 |
| Wheels | - | Alloy Alloy |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension | MacPherson strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Track Width | - | 1640 mm |
| Rear Track Width | - | 1644 mm |
| Chassis Type | - | Unibody |
| Power Steering | - | Yes |
| Steering Column | - | Adjustable |
| Front Spring Type | - | Coil Spring |
| Rear Spring Type | - | Coil Spring |
| Front Anti-Roll Bar | - | Yes |
| Rear Anti-Roll Bar | - | Yes |
| Shock Absorber Type | - | Telescopic |
| Chassis Material | - | Unibody |
| Front Suspension Type | MacPherson strut | MacPherson Strut |
| MagneRide Damping | - | Not Available |
| Rear Axle Type | - | Multi-Link |
| Rear Suspension Type | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Shock Absorbers | - | Telescopic |
| Suspension | - | MacPherson Strut |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 Emissions | 32 g/km | 167 g/km |
| Start Stop System | - | Yes |
| Hybrid System Type | - | Not Available |
| Noise Level | - | 69 dB |
| Variable Valve Timing | - | No |
| Fuel Octane Requirement | - | B7 Diesel |
| Particulate Filter | - | DPF |
| Euro Emission Standard | - | Euro 6 |
| Green NCAP Rating | - | 5 |
| Idle CO2 Output | - | 175 |
| Fuel Evaporation Control | - | No |
| CO2 Emissions G Km | - | 167 |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Service Plan | 5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan | 3 Years / 45,000 km |
| Service Interval | - | 15000 |
| Approx Service Cost | - | R4,200 per service |
| Battery Warranty | - | 7 Years / 150,000 km |
| Maintenance Plan | - | 3 Years / 45,000 km |
| Engine Oil Capacity | - | 6.0 l |
| Engine Oil Change Interval | - | 15000 |
| First Service At | - | 15000 |
| Service Plan Duration | 5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan | 3 Years / 45,000 km |
| Service Plan Distance | 5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan | 3 Years / 45,000 km |
| Anti-Rust Treatment | - | Yes |
| Alternator | - | Yes |
| Service Intervals | - | 15000 |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Role | flagship all-wheel-drive derivative | Flagship |
| Price Zar | 799900 ZAR | 1299995 ZAR |
| Pricing Role | flagship all-wheel-drive derivative | Current listed price |
| Starting Price | 799900 | 1299995 |
| Starting Price Zar | 799900 | 1299995 |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit | 7 Years / 150,000 km |
| Warranty Years | 5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit | 7 Years / 150,000 km |
| Warranty Kilometers | 5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit | 7 Years / 150,000 km |
| Roadside Assistance | - | 5 Years |
| Anti-Corrosion Warranty | - | 5 Years |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit | 7 Years / 150,000 km |
| Roadside Assistance | - | 5 Years |
| Warranty Roadside Assistance | - | 5 Years |
| Spec | SEALION 6 DM-i | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Real-world City Mileage Min | - | 10.9 l/100km |
| Real-world City Mileage Max | - | 14.1 l/100km |
| Real-world Highway Mileage Min | - | 16.7 l/100km |
| Real-world Highway Mileage Max | - | 19.4 l/100km |
In depth: how these cars differ
This SEALION 6 DM-i and Sorento comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: SEALION 6 DM-i 58 vs Sorento 74.
Efficiency index: SEALION 6 DM-i 75 vs Sorento 61.
Safety-equipment index: SEALION 6 DM-i 99 vs Sorento 100.
Practicality index: SEALION 6 DM-i 59 vs Sorento 64.
Ownership-cover index: SEALION 6 DM-i not separately scored vs Sorento 71.
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.
Model imagery
SEALION 6 DM-i and Sorento image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
BYD SEALION 6 DM-i
View 8 more SEALION 6 DM-i images
KIA Sorento
View 8 more Sorento images
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence-index readout
Sorento leads by 3 points
SEALION 6 DM-i and Sorento are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Evidence leader
75
/100
Lead
3
points
Data
99%
source coverage
75
#1
Evidence leader
Sorento
99% source coverage
3 strong categories
Best at
Safety 100
Check
Efficiency 61
Performance
74
Efficiency
61
Safety
100
Practicality
64
Ownership
71
Leads by 3 points
72
#2
SEALION 6 DM-i
83% source coverage
2 strong categories
Best at
Safety 99
Check
Performance 58
Performance
58
Efficiency
75
Safety
99
Practicality
59
Performance 24%
Safety 22%
Practicality 22%
Efficiency 17%
Ownership 15%
Category leaders
What moves the verdict
Performance
Sorento +16
Efficiency
SEALION 6 DM-i +14
Safety
Sorento +1
Practicality
Sorento +5
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this score View full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Sorento
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
100/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
71/100
SEALION 6 DM-i
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
75/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
59/100
What the evidence means
Evidence index
KIA Sorento
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 72 pts for SEALION 6 DM-i
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Sorento leads. However, SEALION 6 DM-i may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
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SEALION 6 DM-i vs Sorento questions
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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.