BYD Sealion 5 vs Haval Jolion
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Haval Jolion wins on money kept: 64% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 48 363 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Sealion 5 | Jolion | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 509 900 | R 348 950 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 8 912/m | R 6 099/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 64% |
| Value after 3 years | R 270 098 | R 221 735 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 239 802 | R 127 215 |
| Value after 5 years | R 194 060 | R 173 120 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (established) |
BYD Sealion 5 →
Launched in late 2025 at R499,900, the Sealion 5 arrived as one of the cheapest plug-in hybrids in SA. A 1.5-litre petrol engine pairs with an electric motor for 156kW combined. It goes after Haval Jolion and Chery Tiggo buyers on price while offering a plug.
Known for: plug-in hybrid family suv around r500k
Haval Jolion →
The Jolion is the car that made Haval mainstream in South Africa, regularly appearing in the top ten best-seller lists since 2021. Buyers get far more equipment than similarly priced rivals, though resale values trail the Toyota and VW alternatives. The original car remains on sale alongside the newer Jolion Pro as a cheaper entry point.
Known for: big spec for corolla cross money
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Sealion 5 or the Haval Jolion?
The Haval Jolion. It keeps about 64% of its price after three years against 53% for the BYD Sealion 5, a gap of 11 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BYD Sealion 5 loses about R 239 802 over three years and the Haval Jolion loses about R 127 215. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BYD Sealion 5 runs about R 8 912 per month and the Haval Jolion about R 6 099, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.