BYD Sealion 5 vs Skoda Kamiq
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.
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 Sealion 5 starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Kamiq opens at $29,990. That makes the Skoda Kamiq the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $32,989 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 Skoda Kamiq, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 5 by roughly $7,045 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 5 and Skoda Kamiq hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 5 and 96% for the Skoda Kamiq.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 5 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Skoda Kamiq.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.8-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Kamiq gets a 8.3-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Skoda Kamiq. The Skoda Kamiq counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Sealion 5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Skoda Kamiq offers cloth.
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 Skoda Kamiq responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 5 has the clear power advantage at 156kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 5 is 3.2s 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, 497mm longer than the Skoda Kamiq at 4,241mm (2,651mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 5 and 400L in the Skoda Kamiq.
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 $216/year for the BYD Sealion 5 and $1,625/year for the Skoda Kamiq. That is a $1,409 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 5.
Estimated annual total: $216 (BYD Sealion 5) vs $1,625 (Skoda Kamiq). The BYD Sealion 5 saves you roughly $1,409 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 (Skoda Kamiq). The Skoda Kamiq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 5 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Kamiq if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The BYD Sealion 5 will save you roughly $1,409 a year in fuel. The Skoda Kamiq 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 Skoda Kamiq?
The Skoda Kamiq is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 5 by $4,000.
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 Skoda Kamiq all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Kamiq has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 5 makes the most power at 156kW. The BYD Sealion 5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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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