Hyundai Santa Fe vs BYD Sealion 8
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 Hyundai Santa Fe starts from $53,000 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 8 opens at $56,990. That makes the Hyundai Santa Fe the more affordable entry point by $3,990.
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 $58,300 and $62,689 respectively.
The BYD Sealion 8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Hyundai Santa Fe, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 8 by roughly $9,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and BYD Sealion 8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe and 89% for the BYD Sealion 8.
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 6 in the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 9 in the BYD Sealion 8. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Santa Fe misses.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Sealion 8 gets a 15.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with Apple CarPlay and BOSE audio that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 8. The BYD Sealion 8 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and ventilated seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses a Petrol producing 141kW and 232Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 8 responds with a Petrol Turbo PHEV making 205kW and 315Nm, paired to a 1-speed auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 8 has the clear power advantage at 205kW vs 141kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Santa Fe is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Santa Fe measures 4,830mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 210mm shorter than the BYD Sealion 8 at 5,040mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 625L in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 400L in the BYD Sealion 8, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 225L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg 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 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,938/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe and $53/year for the BYD Sealion 8. That is a $1,885 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 8.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs $53 (BYD Sealion 8). The BYD Sealion 8 saves you roughly $1,885 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 8). The BYD Sealion 8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Sealion 8 will save you roughly $1,885 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Santa Fe 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, Hyundai Santa Fe and BYD Sealion 8?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheapest at $53,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 8 by $3,990.
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 — Hyundai Santa Fe and BYD Sealion 8 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the largest boot at 625L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
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 Hyundai Santa Fe is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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