BYD Sealion 6 vs Hyundai Kona Electric
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 6 starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona Electric opens at $40,500. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $2,490.
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 $47,289 and $44,550 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 6 and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 6 and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 6 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Sealion 6 and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with wireless charging and heated front seats that the BYD Sealion 6 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 6 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona Electric responds with a Electric making 99kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 6 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 6 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.3kWh (BYD Sealion 6) vs 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 92km and 395km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 6) vs 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 6 measures 4,775mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 425mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 6 and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the BYD Sealion 6 a 39L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona Electric leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m 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 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). The BYD Sealion 6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 6 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 6 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 6 has a clear edge. The BYD Sealion 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
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