BYD Sealion 6 PHEV vs Mazda CX-5 2.5: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

Considering switching to an EV? This comprehensive comparison between the BYD Sealion 6 PHEV and the Mazda CX-5 2.5 will help you make the right decision for your wallet and lifestyle in South Africa.

📊 Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	BYD Sealion 6 PHEV	Mazda CX-5 2.5
Purchase Price	R699,900	R750,000
5-Year Fuel Cost	R70,684	R131,100
5-Year Maintenance	R15,000	R40,000
Total Cost of Ownership	R785,584	R921,100
Winner	EV wins by R135,516!

💰 The Real Cost: 5-Year Ownership Analysis

Here’s where electric vehicles shine. While the BYD Sealion 6 PHEV costs R699,900 upfront compared to the Mazda CX-5 2.5’s R750,000, the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Fuel Costs Breakdown

BYD Sealion 6 PHEV electricity cost: R14,137/year = R70,684 over 5 years
Mazda CX-5 2.5 petrol cost: R26,220/year = R131,100 over 5 years
Fuel savings with EV: R60,416 over 5 years

Maintenance Costs

BYD Sealion 6 PHEV: R15,000 (minimal – no oil changes, less brake wear)
Mazda CX-5 2.5: R40,000 (regular servicing, oil, filters, etc.)
Maintenance savings with EV: R25,000

🎯 Who Should Buy the BYD Sealion 6 PHEV?

The BYD Sealion 6 PHEV is perfect for you if:

💰 Budget-conscious long-term: Save R2,259 per month on running costs
🏠 Home charging available: Wake up to a “full tank” every morning for just R1,178/month
🌆 City/suburban driving: Perfect for the 100km range on a single charge
🔧 Low maintenance priority: No oil changes, no exhaust systems, minimal brake wear
🌍 Environmental responsibility: Zero tailpipe emissions in SA’s cities
⚡ Modern technology: Latest infotainment, over-the-air updates, advanced safety features

🎯 Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-5 2.5?

The Mazda CX-5 2.5 makes sense if:

💵 Lower upfront cost needed: R50,100 cheaper to purchase
⛽ Long-distance flexibility: Refuel anywhere in 5 minutes with petrol stations everywhere
🚗 Heavy towing/off-road: 2.5L engine provides proven capability
📍 Rural/remote areas: No charging infrastructure concerns
🔋 No home charging option: Petrol stations remain more accessible for now
👴 Familiar technology: Comfortable with traditional vehicle ownership

💡 Key Decision Factors

Choose the BYD Sealion 6 PHEV if you:

✅ Drive less than 100km per day on average
✅ Have access to home charging or workplace charging
✅ Want to save R2,259 per month on running costs
✅ Prioritize lower maintenance and running costs
✅ Want zero tailpipe emissions
✅ Can manage the higher upfront cost

Choose the Mazda CX-5 2.5 if you:

✅ Need maximum flexibility for long-distance travel
✅ Don’t have reliable charging access
✅ Drive more than 100km daily
✅ Need to minimize upfront costs
✅ Prefer the familiarity of petrol stations
✅ Live in an area with limited charging infrastructure

🔋 Charging Infrastructure in South Africa

South Africa’s EV charging network is growing rapidly, with over 500 public charging points nationwide. Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have excellent coverage.

Home charging is the game-changer: Installing a home charger (R15,000-R30,000) gives you a “full tank” every morning at a fraction of petrol costs.

📈 Long-Term Value

Over 5 years of ownership (15,000km/year):

Total savings with BYD Sealion 6 PHEV: R135,516
Monthly savings: R2,259
Cost per kilometer – BYD Sealion 6 PHEV: R10.47
Cost per kilometer – Mazda CX-5 2.5: R12.28

🌍 Environmental Impact

By choosing the BYD Sealion 6 PHEV over the Mazda CX-5 2.5, you’ll prevent approximately 13,167kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere over 5 years.

🏁 The Verdict

Clear Winner: BYD Sealion 6 PHEV

The numbers speak for themselves. Despite the higher purchase price, the BYD Sealion 6 PHEV will save you a staggering R135,516 over 5 years compared to the Mazda CX-5 2.5. That’s R2,259 per month back in your pocket.

If you have access to home charging and drive within the 100km daily range, the BYD Sealion 6 PHEV is the smarter financial choice. The fuel and maintenance savings alone make it worthwhile.

💰 Calculate Your Own Savings

Want to see how much you could save based on your specific driving habits? Use our EV Cost Savings Calculator to input your exact annual kilometers, electricity rate, and more.

🚗 Ready to Make the Switch?

Need help installing a home charger for your new EV? Get a free quote for professional EV charger installation anywhere in South Africa.

Last updated: December 2025