BYD Seal vs Kia EV4

The BYD Seal starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV4 opens at $49,990. That makes the Kia EV4 the more affordable entry point by $3,000.

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 $58,289 and $54,989 respectively.

Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.

Both the BYD Seal and Kia EV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Seal and 84% for the Kia EV4.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BYD Seal, against 4 on the Kia EV4.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The BYD Seal features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV4 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BYD Seal stands out with Dynaudio audio — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV4. The Kia EV4 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The BYD Seal uses a Electric producing 230kW and 360Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.

The Kia EV4 responds with a Electric Motor making 150kW and 283Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The BYD Seal has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BYD Seal is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 82.6kWh (BYD Seal) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV4), giving WLTP ranges of 570km and 630km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Seal) vs 140kW (Kia EV4).

The BYD Seal measures 4,800mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 70mm longer than the Kia EV4 at 4,730mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Seal generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 400L in the BYD Seal and 490L in the Kia EV4, giving the Kia EV4 a 90L advantage.

For towing, the BYD Seal leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Seal) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV4). The Kia EV4 has longer coverage.