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BYD Seal U vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (324 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (34,300 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Seal U or Subaru Forester?

BYD Seal U vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

BYD Seal U

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly cheaper
  • substantially more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly more trunk space
details

Subaru Forester

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Seal U

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

BYD Seal U is very slightly cheaper – starting at 34,300 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 428 £.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BYD Seal U offers substantially more power – delivering 324 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 188 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Seal U is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 5.9 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 6.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Seal U delivers clearly more torque with 550 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 368 Nm more.

Seal U

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is somewhat lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 1,940 kg. The difference is around 247 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Seal U offers only slightly more boot space – 552 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 44 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries a bit more – 492 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 82 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Seal U is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £34,300
Seal U

BYD Seal U

  • Engine Type : Electric, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 218 - 324 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 12.1 - 20.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 70 - 500 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Seal U
BYD Sealion 7
VS
The BYD Seal U brings crossover practicality and a higher driving position for buyers after everyday versatility, while the sleeker BYD Sealion 7 swaps that raised stance for a lower, sportier profile and crisper road manners. Choose the Seal U for family-friendly space and comfort, or the Sealion …
BYD Seal U
Toyota RAV4
VS
BYD Seal U is a sleek, driver‑focused electric newcomer that delivers brisk, silent acceleration, cutting‑edge tech and impressive running‑cost savings — it’s the car that makes you forget what an internal‑combustion soundtrack sounded like. The Toyota RAV4 sticks to its strengths: rugged, roomy …
BYD Seal U
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BYD Seal U

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.

details
BYD SEAL U 157
BYD SEAL U 061
BYD SEAL U 079

Reviews BYD Seal U

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
Emily
20 Jan 2026, 22:52:34

Broke down at 200 KM

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Frequently compared as well

BYD Seal U
MG HS
VS
Fresh from BYD’s EV revolution, the sleek Seal U brings range, tech and bold styling to spar with the MG HS/EHS — MG’s faithful family crossover offered as a petrol and a plug‑in hybrid that plays the safe, sensible card. Which one gives you the best mix of space, running costs and grin‑per‑mile?
BYD Atto 3
BYD Seal U
VS
If you want a friendly, practical EV that looks like it drinks coffee in a hipster cafe and carries everything from groceries to weekend bikes, the BYD Atto 3 is the sensible, value-packed choice. The BYD Seal U, by contrast, dresses up the electric experience with sleeker lines, sharper handling …
BYD Seal U
BYD Seal 6
VS
Think of the BYD Seal U as the nimble, slightly sharper hatchback that’s happier darting through city streets, while the BYD Seal 6 is the sleeker, longer-legged cruiser built for relaxed motorway miles and extra range. If you want playful agility and everyday practicality go Seal U, but if …
BYD Seal U
BYD Seal
VS
The BYD Seal U trades the low-slung, swoopy charm of the BYD Seal for a taller, more practical shape — think crossover comfort, easier loading and a higher driving position without giving up the EV's brisk acceleration. If you want sportier looks and the slickest aero for maximum range, choose the …
BYD Seal U
Kia Sportage
VS
In one corner, the sleek, spoiler-tinged BYD Seal U — an electric fastback that flirts with sports-car dynamics while packing a tech-bomb of range and gadgets; in the other, the practical, ever-adaptable Kia Sportage — a compact SUV that blends comfort, space and sensible running costs into a tidy …
BYD Seal U
Lynk & Co 08
VS
The BYD Seal U feels like a sleek, tech‑forward EV with impressive performance-to-price ratio, while the Lynk & Co 08 plays the role of bold, spacious SUV that prioritizes comfort and presence. If you want sporty agility and cutting‑edge battery tech, go Seal U; if you need family practicality, …
BYD Seal U
Tesla Model Y
VS
The BYD Seal U punches above its price with a sleek fastback profile, surprisingly sporty handling and a tech-packed interior that makes it a compelling foil to the more familiar Tesla Model Y. If you prize Supercharger convenience, software polish and stronger resale you’ll gravitate to the Model …
BYD Seal U
Porsche Cayenne
VS
Put simply: the BYD Seal U is a slick, value-packed electric newcomer that trades brand pedigree for cutting-edge tech, impressive range and a price that makes you rethink running on petrol, while the Porsche Cayenne remains the benchmark for SUV dynamics, luxury and towing practicality with a …
BYD Seal U
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,300 - 39,800 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
12.1 - 20.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
70 - 500 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 71 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,940 - 2,147 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
425 - 552 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,890 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
218 - 324 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 9.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
300 - 550 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
160 - 238 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,497 - 1,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BYD
Brand
Subaru
What drivetrain options does the BYD Seal U have?

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

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.