Hyundai Kona vs BYD Sealion 6

The Hyundai Kona starts from $32,500 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 6 opens at $42,990. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $10,490.

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 $35,750 and $47,289 respectively.

The BYD Sealion 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Hyundai Kona, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 6 by roughly $9,140 in fuel alone.

Both the Hyundai Kona and BYD Sealion 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 89% for the BYD Sealion 6.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 6 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Hyundai Kona.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 7 in the BYD Sealion 6.

The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Sealion 6 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Kona stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 6. The BYD Sealion 6 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Hyundai Kona uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.

The BYD Sealion 6 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The BYD Sealion 6 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 6 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Hyundai Kona measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 425mm shorter than the BYD Sealion 6 at 4,775mm (2,765mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 6 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 400L in the BYD Sealion 6, giving the BYD Sealion 6 a 39L advantage.

For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona and $53/year for the BYD Sealion 6. That is a $1,828 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 6.

Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $53 (BYD Sealion 6). The BYD Sealion 6 saves you roughly $1,828 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6). The BYD Sealion 6 has longer coverage.