BYD Sealion 5 vs Jaecoo J7
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Jaecoo J7 wins on money kept: 56% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 40 594 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Sealion 5 | J7 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 509 900 | R 549 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 8 912/m | R 9 611/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 75% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 56% |
| Value after 3 years | R 270 098 | R 310 692 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 239 802 | R 239 208 |
| Value after 5 years | R 194 060 | R 230 582 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
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
Jaecoo J7 →
Jaecoo's first South African model launched in April 2024 and found buyers quickly with its upmarket, Range Rover-ish styling. The SHS plug-in hybrid added in 2025 at R689,900 claims well over 1,000 km of combined range. Sales volumes have been strong for a brand this new, which helps its used-market liquidity.
Known for: range rover looks at haval money
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Sealion 5 or the Jaecoo J7?
The Jaecoo J7. It keeps about 56% of its price after three years against 53% for the BYD Sealion 5, a gap of 4 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 Jaecoo J7 loses about R 239 208. 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 Jaecoo J7 about R 9 611, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.