BYD Sealion 8 vs Suzuki e Vitara
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.
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 8 starts from $56,990 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki e Vitara opens at $46,700. That makes the Suzuki e Vitara the more affordable entry point by $10,290.
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 $62,689 and $51,370 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
Both the BYD Sealion 8 and Suzuki e Vitara hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 8 and 77% for the Suzuki e Vitara.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 8 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Suzuki e Vitara.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Suzuki e Vitara misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 8 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Suzuki e Vitara. The Suzuki e Vitara counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 205kW and 315Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.
The Suzuki e Vitara responds with a Electric Motor making 128kW and 189Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 8 has the clear power advantage at 205kW vs 128kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 8 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 19kWh (BYD Sealion 8) vs 49kWh (Suzuki e Vitara), giving WLTP ranges of 103km and 344km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 8) vs 129kW (Suzuki e Vitara).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 8 measures 5,040mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 765mm longer than the Suzuki e Vitara at 4,275mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 8 and 306L in the Suzuki e Vitara, giving the BYD Sealion 8 a 94L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the BYD Sealion 8 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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 10.4m 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 8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Suzuki e Vitara). The BYD Sealion 8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki e Vitara if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 8 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 8 has a clear edge. The BYD Sealion 8 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 8 and Suzuki e Vitara?
The Suzuki e Vitara is the cheapest at $46,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 8 by $10,290.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 8 uses the least fuel at 1.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Sealion 8 and Suzuki e Vitara all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Sealion 8 has the largest boot at 400L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Sealion 8 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 8 makes the most power at 205kW. The BYD Sealion 8 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.6s.
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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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