BYD Seal 6 vs Subaru Outback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
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.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Seal 6 starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the BYD Seal 6 the more affordable entry point by $14,000.
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 $53,889 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 Subaru Outback, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Seal 6 by roughly $11,390 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Seal 6 and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Seal 6 and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Seal 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.8-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Seal 6 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. 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 Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 130kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Seal 6 is 1.0s quicker. 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, 30mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Seal 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 491L in the BYD Seal 6 and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 484L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $173/year for the BYD Seal 6 and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $2,278 annual difference in favour of the BYD Seal 6.
Estimated annual total: $173 (BYD Seal 6) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The BYD Seal 6 saves you roughly $2,278 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 / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). The BYD Seal 6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Seal 6 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Seal 6 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Seal 6 will save you roughly $2,278 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. 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 Subaru Outback?
The BYD Seal 6 is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $14,000.
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 Subaru Outback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Seal 6 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW. The BYD Seal 6 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.9s.
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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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