BYD Sealion 6 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $53,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 6 the more affordable entry point by $11,000.
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 $59,389 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.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 6 by roughly $1,485 in electricity alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 6 and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
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 6 and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display. 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 98kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 6 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 98kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 6 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.3kWh (BYD Sealion 6) vs 20kWh (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV), giving WLTP ranges of 92km and 84km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 6) vs 50kW (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 6 measures 4,775mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 65mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 6 and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 78L advantage. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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, electricity costs roughly $53/year for the BYD Sealion 6 and $350/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $297 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 6.
Estimated annual total: $53 (BYD Sealion 6) vs $350 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The BYD Sealion 6 saves you roughly $297 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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 6 takes 7 of 11 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Sealion 6 will save you roughly $297 a year in electricity. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The BYD Sealion 6 is the cheapest at $42,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by $11,000.
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 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the largest boot at 478L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k 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 7.9s.
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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