Mazda CX-5 vs BYD Sealion 6
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 Mazda CX-5 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 6 opens at $42,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
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 $43,989 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 Mazda CX-5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 6 by roughly $10,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and BYD Sealion 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 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 5 in the Mazda CX-5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-5 and 7 in the BYD Sealion 6.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the BYD Sealion 6 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-5 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.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-5 uses a Petrol producing 132kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 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 132kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 6 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,575mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 200mm 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 522L in the Mazda CX-5 and 400L in the BYD Sealion 6, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 122L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 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 $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $53/year for the BYD Sealion 6. That is a $2,056 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 6.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $53 (BYD Sealion 6). The BYD Sealion 6 saves you roughly $2,056 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6). The BYD Sealion 6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 6 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 BYD Sealion 6 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The BYD Sealion 6 will save you roughly $2,056 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 has a clear edge. The BYD Sealion 6 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, Mazda CX-5 and BYD Sealion 6?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 6 by $3,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 6 uses the least fuel at 1.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-5 and BYD Sealion 6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-5 has the largest boot at 522L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Sealion 6 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 6 makes the most power at 160kW. The BYD Sealion 6 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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