BYD Sealion 6 vs KGM Actyon
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 6 starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the KGM Actyon opens at $44,500. That makes the BYD Sealion 6 the more affordable entry point by $1,510.
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 $48,950 respectively.
The BYD Sealion 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The KGM Actyon, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 6 by roughly $9,700 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the KGM Actyon gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 6 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the KGM Actyon. The KGM Actyon counters with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Sealion 6 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the KGM Actyon offers leather.
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 8.5 seconds.
The KGM Actyon responds with a Turbo GDi making 120kW and 280Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 6 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 6 is 4.0s 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, 35mm longer than the KGM Actyon at 4,740mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 6 and 668L in the KGM Actyon, giving the KGM Actyon a 268L advantage.
For towing, the KGM Actyon leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $226/year for the BYD Sealion 6 and $2,166/year for the KGM Actyon. That is a $1,940 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 6.
Estimated annual total: $226 (BYD Sealion 6) vs $2,166 (KGM Actyon). The BYD Sealion 6 saves you roughly $1,940 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 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Actyon). The KGM Actyon 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 KGM Actyon if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 6 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Sealion 6 will save you roughly $1,940 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the KGM Actyon has a clear edge. The KGM Actyon 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 6 and KGM Actyon?
The BYD Sealion 6 is the cheapest at $42,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the KGM Actyon by $1,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 6 uses the least fuel at 1.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Sealion 6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The KGM Actyon has the largest boot at 668L.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Actyon has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The KGM Actyon has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 6 makes the most power at 160kW. The BYD Sealion 6 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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