BYD Sealion 5 vs GWM Haval H6
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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 Sealion 5 starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Haval H6 opens at $35,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 5 the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $37,389 and $39,589 respectively.
The BYD Sealion 5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The GWM Haval H6, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 5 by roughly $8,120 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 5 and GWM Haval H6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 5 and 90% for the GWM Haval H6.
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. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Sealion 5 and 6 in the GWM Haval H6.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the GWM Haval H6 gets a 14.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Haval H6 counters with panoramic roof and power tailgate that the BYD Sealion 5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 5 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 156kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The GWM Haval H6 responds with a Petrol making 170kW and 380Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The GWM Haval H6 has the clear power advantage at 170kW vs 156kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 5 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 5 measures 4,738mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 35mm longer than the GWM Haval H6 at 4,703mm (2,738mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 5 and 471L in the GWM Haval H6, giving the GWM Haval H6 a 71L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Haval H6 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 $58/year for the BYD Sealion 5 and $1,682/year for the GWM Haval H6. That is a $1,624 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 5.
Estimated annual total: $58 (BYD Sealion 5) vs $1,682 (GWM Haval H6). The BYD Sealion 5 saves you roughly $1,624 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H6). The GWM Haval H6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 5 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Haval H6 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Haval H6 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The BYD Sealion 5 will save you roughly $1,624 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the GWM Haval H6 has a clear edge. The GWM Haval H6 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Sealion 5 and GWM Haval H6?
The BYD Sealion 5 is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Haval H6 by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 5 uses the least fuel at 1.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Sealion 5 and GWM Haval H6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GWM Haval H6 has the largest boot at 471L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Haval H6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Haval H6 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Haval H6 makes the most power at 170kW. The BYD Sealion 5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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