Hyundai Kona Electric vs BYD Sealion 7
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 Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $54,000 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 7 opens at $54,990. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $990.
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 $59,400 and $60,489 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 Hyundai Kona Electric and BYD Sealion 7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 89% for the BYD Sealion 7.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 7 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 7 in the BYD Sealion 7.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BYD Sealion 7 gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless charging, heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 7. The BYD Sealion 7 counters with power tailgate and Dynaudio audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona Electric gets cloth upholstery while the BYD Sealion 7 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 7 responds with a Electric making 230kW and 380Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 7 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 99kW. 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.
Battery: 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 82.6kWh (BYD Sealion 7), giving WLTP ranges of 395km and 482km. DC fast charging peaks at 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 150kW (BYD Sealion 7).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 480mm shorter than the BYD Sealion 7 at 4,830mm (2,930mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 400L in the BYD Sealion 7, giving the BYD Sealion 7 a 39L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona Electric leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 7). The BYD Sealion 7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 7 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 7 takes 8 of 11 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 7 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, Hyundai Kona Electric and BYD Sealion 7?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $54,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 7 by $990.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Sealion 7 has the most range at 502km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BYD Sealion 7 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona Electric and 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 BYD Sealion 7 has the largest boot at 400L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
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.
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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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