JAECOO 7 vs. BYD SEAL U: which is better?

JAECOO 7 vs. BYD SEAL U: styling

Split image: Left shows side of a Jaecco 7 car with a red-striped awning in the background; right shows a close-up of a BYD Seal U logo.

Comparing both SUVs side-by-side is a great way to begin narrowing down whether a JAECOO 7 or BYD SEAL U is right for you.

The JAECOO 7 seemingly takes a lot of inspiration from Range Rover, with its large front grille and boxy shape. A lot of ‘trendy’ people are opting for the J7 because of this, and you can’t blame them – it’s a rugged and utilitarian shape in many ways.

The BYD SEAL U, on the other hand, is a more rounded shape that follows most other BYD design language. It’s not as assertive as the JAECOO but still stands out from the crowd if you want it to.

JAECOO 7 vs. BYD SEAL U: what are they like to drive?

Two SUVs driving on scenic roads; one with mountains, and the other with trees. Text below images: "Jaecoo 7" and "BYD Seal U".

A staggering part of new entrants to the UK, such as these, is how good they are to drive already. Usually, it takes a long time for new car brands to grasp British roads, but JAECOO and BYD have done a very good job from the get-go.

The JAECOO 7 is available as a standalone petrol car or a plug-in hybrid (dubbed ‘SHS’ for ‘Super Hybrid System’). The 147hp turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine will be best for most people, but if you want up to 56 miles of electric range, go for the hybrid.

BYD decided to launch the SEAL U DM-i as a plug-in hybrid-only, giving you up to 78 miles of claimed range on electric power alone.

If it’s electric range you’re after, go for the BYD, but if you want a more Range Rover-like drive, then the JAECOO is best for you.

JAECOO 7 vs. BYD SEAL U: interior and technology

Side-by-side interiors of Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U cars, showcasing modern dashboards with large digital displays and sleek designs.

Most modern cars come with high-tech interiors, but JAECOO and BYD take it up a notch with massive screens, ambient lighting, air purification and even a rotating screen in the BYD’s case.

You’ll find a 13.2-inch (14.8 inches in top-spec trims) portrait screen in the JAECOO 7, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a cooled wireless phone charger – just like in the SEAL U.

The BYD, on the other hand, carries on the brand’s aquatic theme – note the crystal design on the gear lever. Plus, it has a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen.

Both cars have crisp and responsive screens, and the rest of the interiors are plush and feel far more expensive than they really are.

JAECOO 7 vs. BYD SEAL U: boot space and practicality

Split image showing a dog sitting in the open trunk of a Jaecoo 7 and the empty trunk of a BYD Seal U, both with purple labels.

Being family SUVs, you need lots of space, and that’s precisely what you get with both cars.

The JAECOO 7 has a 500-litre boot (410 litres in the plug-in hybrid), while the BYD SEAL U DM-i has a 426-litre boot.

Fold the seats down, and the JAECOO 7 gets 1,423 litres, and the SEAL U DM-i gets 1,440 litres – perfect for moving house or transporting longer objects.

Overall, practicality is strong in both cars, with nifty storage solutions under the central armrest and decent-sized door pockets.

JAECOO 7 vs. BYD SEAL U: safety and reliability

Close-up of Jaecco 7 grille and frontal view of BYD Seal U SUV driving on a tree-lined road.

Both cars scored a full five stars in their most recent Euro NCAP safety tests, thanks to a wide range of safety features.

They’re very similar, with a parking camera, attention drowsiness detection, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist, to name a few.

As for reliability, it’s hard to say for the long-term because they’re both so new, but they’ve fared well so far and have received strong customer reviews.

We have no doubt these two brands are here to stay.

JAECOO 7 vs. BYD SEAL U: dimensions JAECOO 7 BYD SEAL U FAQs Is BYD SEAL U fully electric?

No, the BYD SEAL U DM-i is not fully electric. Instead, it’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with up to 78 miles of electric-only range and a combined range of 699 miles.

Does the JAECOO 7 offer similar tech features?

Absolutely. Both cars are packed full of the best tech available. They’re on par when it comes to features, so we’d say it’s down to which interior you prefer the look of.

Which model is better for long-distance driving?

Based on MPG figures alone, you’d be better off with the JAECOO 7, but if part of that includes city driving, the SEAL U may be best because of its longer electric range in Comfort trim.

The JAECOO 7 can achieve up to 50mpg, and the BYD SEAL U DM-i sees 44.6mpg.

Verdict: JAECOO 7 vs. BYD SEAL U: which should you buy?

If you still can’t quite decide which is for you, this may help:

You should buy a JAECOO 7 if…