@ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
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BYD Seal U vs Ford Kuga – Differences & prices compared

Two cars, one duel: BYD Seal U meets Ford Kuga.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

BYD Seal U vs. Ford Kuga: A Battle of Modern SUVs

In the ever-evolving automotive market, the SUV segment is experiencing fierce competition, as automakers strive to achieve the perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and innovation. The BYD Seal U and Ford Kuga are two such contenders trying to carve out their niche by offering advanced technology and versatile capabilities. Join us as we dive into the technical aspects and innovations of these modern SUVs to help you understand what sets them apart.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Performance and Power: A Comparative Look

The BYD Seal U offers a variety of options with its Plugin Hybrid and Electric engine types, featuring power outputs ranging from 218 HP to 324 HP. In comparison, the Ford Kuga provides petrol, full hybrid, and plugin hybrid options, with horsepower levels between 150 HP and 243 HP.

When acceleration is considered, the Seal U's top-performing model accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, showcasing its electric prowess. The Kuga is not far behind, with its best variant achieving the same feat in 7.3 seconds. However, the Kuga manages a slight edge in terms of maximum speed, reaching 200 km/h compared to the 180 km/h of the Seal U.

Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Efficiency and Range: The Quest for Excellence

Efficiency remains a critical talking point for both SUVs. The BYD Seal U shines with a commendable electric range of up to 500 km, supported by its minimal fuel consumption of 0.9 L/100km in its plugin hybrid model. The Ford Kuga's plugin hybrid also delivers a competitive electric range of 69 km with a similar fuel economy.

In terms of CO2 emissions, the Seal U maintains an eco-friendly edge, with emissions as low as 0 g/km, ensuring a clean and sustainable drive. Meanwhile, the Kuga offers flexibility with emissions ranging from 20 g/km to 145 g/km, depending on the chosen engine variant.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Design and Practicality

Both the BYD Seal U and Ford Kuga are five-door SUVs offering ample space for up to five passengers. The Seal U extends its practicality with a generous trunk capacity of up to 552 liters, slightly more than the Kuga's 412 liters.

Their dimensions reflect their position in the midsize SUV category. The Seal U's length ranges between 4775 mm and 4785 mm, while the Kuga is slightly shorter, with lengths from 4604 mm to 4645 mm. Despite their similarities in height and width, the Seal U offers a more substantial curb weight, contributing to its stable ride experience.

Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Innovations and Technology: Leading the Way

In terms of innovation, both models offer automatic transmission options, but the Seal U emphasizes efficiency with its CVT and reduction gearbox options. The Kuga also provides versatility with both manual and automatic transmissions across its variants.

The advancements in the plugin hybrid sector are a focal point for these SUVs. However, the BYD Seal U takes a slight forward leap with its superior electric and plugin hybrid synergy, delivering comprehensive driving experiences between urban and long-distance travel.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit

The decision between the BYD Seal U and the Ford Kuga comes down to personal preference and priorities. The Seal U stands out with its remarkable electric range, power options, and extended trunk capacity. Meanwhile, the Kuga offers a broader choice of engine types, paired with the flexibility of manual and automatic transmissions.

Ultimately, both SUVs represent the future of automotive design, combining modern technology with the practicality demanded by today's drivers. Whether your focus is on zero-emissions driving or a varied palette of powertrains, both the BYD Seal U and Ford Kuga illustrate that innovation and versatility remain at the heart of the SUV evolution.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Ford Kuga has a barely noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34200 £, while the BYD Seal U costs 34300 £. That’s a price difference of around 35 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: BYD Seal U manages with 0.40 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Ford Kuga with 2.80 L. The difference is about 2.40 L per 100 km.

As for range, the BYD Seal U performs convincingly better – achieving up to 500 km, about 432 km more than the Ford Kuga.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BYD Seal U has a evident edge – offering 324 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 81 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Seal U is distinct quicker – completing the sprint in 5.90 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.30 s. That’s about 1.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Ford Kuga performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 200 km/h, while the BYD Seal U tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BYD Seal U pulls significantly stronger with 550 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 310 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Ford Kuga is clearly perceptible lighter – 1526 kg compared to 1940 kg. The difference is around 414 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BYD Seal U offers evident more room – 552 L compared to 412 L. That’s a difference of about 140 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Ford Kuga performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1534 L, which is about 69 L more than the BYD Seal U.

When it comes to payload, Ford Kuga distinct takes the win – 550 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 140 kg.

Who wins the race?

The BYD Seal U proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
BYD Seal U is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £34,300
Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

BYD Seal U

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 218 - 324 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.4 - 1.2 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 19.9 - 20.5 kWh
  • Electric Range : 70 - 500 km

BYD Seal U

5 (1)
rate

The BYD Seal U pairs a sleek fastback silhouette with a surprisingly roomy, tech-rich cabin, giving electric chic without the showroom pretension. It's a smart pick for buyers after confident handling, sensible practicality and standout value — all wrapped up with a cheeky grin when you put your foot down.

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Ford Kuga

3.5 (2)
rate

The Kuga is Ford’s adaptable family SUV that blends usable space with a surprisingly lively driving character, making daily commutes and weekend escapes equally enjoyable. With smart interior packaging, an easy-to-use infotainment setup and composed road manners, it’s a sensible choice for buyers who want a bit of fun without the fuss.

details
BYD Seal U
Ford Kuga
Seal U @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Costs and Consumption

Price
34300 - 39800 £
Price
34200 - 46300 £
Consumption L/100km
0.4 - 1.2 L
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
19.9 - 20.5 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
70 - 500 km
Electric Range
68 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
1.1 - 14.4 kWh
co2
0 - 26 g/km
co2
55 - 154 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
60 L
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1940 - 2147 kg
Curb weight
1526 - 1859 kg
Trunk capacity
425 - 552 L
Trunk capacity
412 L
Length
4775 - 4785 mm
Length
4604 - 4645 mm
Width
1890 mm
Width
1882 mm
Height
1668 - 1670 mm
Height
1673 - 1681 mm
Max trunk capacity
1440 - 1465 L
Max trunk capacity
1534 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
541 - 550 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
218 - 324 HP
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 9.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Max Speed
170 - 180 km/h
Max Speed
195 - 200 km/h
Torque
300 - 550 Nm
Torque
240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
160 - 238 kW
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Engine capacity
1497 - 1498 cm3
Engine capacity
1496 - 2488 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
Brand
BYD
Brand
Ford
What drive types are available for the BYD Seal U?

The BYD Seal U is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.