BYD Sealion 7 vs Subaru Solterra
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 7 starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Solterra opens at $76,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 7 the more affordable entry point by $27,000.
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 $84,689 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 7 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Dynaudio audio that you will not find on the Subaru Solterra. The Subaru Solterra counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 4.5 seconds.
The Subaru Solterra responds with a Electric Motor making 252kW and 455Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Subaru Solterra has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 230kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 7 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 82.6kWh (BYD Sealion 7) vs 74.7kWh (Subaru Solterra), giving WLTP ranges of 482km and 517km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 7) vs 150kW (Subaru Solterra).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 7 measures 4,830mm long on a 2,930mm wheelbase, 140mm longer than the Subaru Solterra at 4,690mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 7 and 452L in the Subaru Solterra, giving the Subaru Solterra a 52L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
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
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 Solterra). The BYD Sealion 7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 7 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Solterra if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Solterra takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Subaru Solterra 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 Solterra?
The BYD Sealion 7 is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Solterra by $27,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Subaru Solterra has the most range at 517km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BYD Sealion 7 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Sealion 7 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Solterra has the largest boot at 452L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Sealion 7 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Solterra makes the most power at 252kW. The BYD Sealion 7 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
