BYD Seal 6 vs Hyundai Sonata
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
BYD Seal 6
From $34,990
Sedan
Plug-in Hybrid
Petrol Turbo PHEV
130kW
1.1 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
491L
Hyundai Sonata
From $29,990
Sedan
Petrol
—
138kW
8.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Seal 6 starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Sonata opens at $29,990. That makes the Hyundai Sonata the more affordable entry point by $5,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $38,489 and $32,989 respectively.
The BYD Seal 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Hyundai Sonata, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Seal 6 by roughly $10,965 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Seal 6 and Hyundai Sonata hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Seal 6 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Hyundai Sonata.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
10.1kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BYD Seal 6 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Hyundai Sonata. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Seal 6 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 130kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Sonata lines up making 138kW and 241Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 138kW vs 130kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Seal 6 measures 4,840mm long on a 2,790mm wheelbase, 15mm shorter than the Hyundai Sonata at 4,855mm (2,805mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $173/year for the BYD Seal 6 and $2,366/year for the Hyundai Sonata. That is a $2,193 annual difference in favour of the BYD Seal 6.
Estimated annual total: $173 (BYD Seal 6) vs $2,366 (Hyundai Sonata). The BYD Seal 6 saves you roughly $2,193 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Seal 6) vs 5 years (Hyundai Sonata). The BYD Seal 6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Seal 6 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Sonata if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Seal 6 and Hyundai Sonata trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BYD Seal 6 will save you roughly $2,193 a year in fuel. The BYD Seal 6 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Seal 6 and Hyundai Sonata?
The Hyundai Sonata is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Seal 6 by $5,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Seal 6 uses the least fuel at 1.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Seal 6 and Hyundai Sonata all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Sonata has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Seal 6 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 138kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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