GWM Haval Jolion vs BYD Sealion 5
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 GWM Haval Jolion starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 5 opens at $33,990. That makes the GWM Haval Jolion the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
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 $26,389 and $37,389 respectively.
The BYD Sealion 5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The GWM Haval Jolion, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 5 by roughly $8,120 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Haval Jolion and BYD Sealion 5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the GWM Haval Jolion and 89% for the BYD Sealion 5.
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 6 in the GWM Haval Jolion and 7 in the BYD Sealion 5.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Haval Jolion features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Sealion 5 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Haval Jolion stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 5. The BYD Sealion 5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Haval Jolion uses a Petrol producing 105kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 5 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 156kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 5 has the clear power advantage at 156kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 5 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Haval Jolion measures 4,472mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 266mm shorter than the BYD Sealion 5 at 4,738mm (2,765mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the GWM Haval Jolion and 400L in the BYD Sealion 5.
For towing, the GWM Haval Jolion 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.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m 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, fuel costs roughly $1,682/year for the GWM Haval Jolion and $58/year for the BYD Sealion 5. That is a $1,624 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 5.
Estimated annual total: $1,682 (GWM Haval Jolion) vs $58 (BYD Sealion 5). The BYD Sealion 5 saves you roughly $1,624 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval Jolion) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 5). The GWM Haval Jolion has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Haval Jolion if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 5 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The GWM Haval Jolion and BYD Sealion 5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BYD Sealion 5 will save you roughly $1,624 a year in fuel. The GWM Haval Jolion 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, GWM Haval Jolion and BYD Sealion 5?
The GWM Haval Jolion is the cheapest at $23,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 5 by $10,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 5 uses the least fuel at 1.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Haval Jolion and BYD Sealion 5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Haval Jolion has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Haval Jolion has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 5 makes the most power at 156kW. The BYD Sealion 5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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