BYD Sealion 6 vs Jaecoo J7 SHS
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 6 starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the Jaecoo J7 SHS opens at $43,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 6 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $47,289 and $48,389 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 6 and Jaecoo J7 SHS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 6 and 81% for the Jaecoo J7 SHS.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Jaecoo J7 SHS packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BYD Sealion 6.
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 8 in the Jaecoo J7 SHS. The Jaecoo J7 SHS adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Sealion 6 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Jaecoo J7 SHS gets a 13.2-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jaecoo J7 SHS counters with wireless charging 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 Jaecoo J7 SHS responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 145kW and 325Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 6 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 145kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 6 is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 6 measures 4,775mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 275mm longer than the Jaecoo J7 SHS at 4,500mm (2,672mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 6 and 431L in the Jaecoo J7 SHS, giving the Jaecoo J7 SHS a 31L advantage.
For towing, the Jaecoo J7 SHS 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 11.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $314/year for the BYD Sealion 6 and $342/year for the Jaecoo J7 SHS. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 6.
Estimated annual total: $314 (BYD Sealion 6) vs $342 (Jaecoo J7 SHS). The BYD Sealion 6 saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6) vs 8 years / 999,999km (Jaecoo J7 SHS). The Jaecoo J7 SHS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 6 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Jaecoo J7 SHS if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Jaecoo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 6 takes 5 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Sealion 6 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Jaecoo J7 SHS has a clear edge. The Jaecoo J7 SHS adds peace of mind with a longer 8-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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