BYD Seal 6 vs Subaru WRX
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.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Seal 6 starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,190. That makes the BYD Seal 6 the more affordable entry point by $13,200.
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 $53,009 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Seal 6 by roughly $12,400 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Seal 6 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
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 5 in the Subaru WRX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. 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 WRX. The Subaru WRX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Seal 6 uses a Hybrid producing 130kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Subaru WRX responds with a Petrol making 202kW and 350Nm, paired to a manual driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW 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, 240mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,600mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Seal 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 491L in the BYD Seal 6 and 441L in the Subaru WRX, giving the BYD Seal 6 a 50L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 11.0m 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 $342/year for the BYD Seal 6 and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $2,480 annual difference in favour of the BYD Seal 6.
Estimated annual total: $342 (BYD Seal 6) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The BYD Seal 6 saves you roughly $2,480 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 WRX). The BYD Seal 6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Seal 6 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Seal 6 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Seal 6 will save you roughly $2,480 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BYD Seal 6 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
