BYD Sealion 7 vs Subaru Outback
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 7 starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Subaru Outback 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 $54,989 and $53,889 respectively.
The BYD Sealion 7 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Outback, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 7 and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 7 and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
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 7 and 9 in the Subaru Outback.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 7 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 7 stands out with Dynaudio audio that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Sealion 7 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 7 uses a Electric producing 230kW and 380Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 7 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 137kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 7 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 7 measures 4,830mm long on a 2,930mm wheelbase, 40mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 7 and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 575L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Outback 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.
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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). The BYD Sealion 7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 7 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Sealion 7 and Subaru Outback trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The BYD Sealion 7 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Sealion 7 and Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 7 by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Outback uses the least fuel at 8.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Sealion 7 and Subaru Outback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Sealion 7 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 7 makes the most power at 230kW. The BYD Sealion 7 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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