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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 7 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$39,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$42,990RRP
- with the Mazda CX-5's standard kit: $42,990 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the Mazda CX-5 & BYD Sealion 6
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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.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 6 by roughly $9,410 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 90% for the Mazda CX-5 and 88% for the BYD Sealion 6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BYD Sealion 6, against 5 on the Mazda CX-5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Mazda CX-5
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000898 · published 19 Mar 2020The daytime running lights (DRL) may flicker or fail to illuminate while driving.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- REC-000894 · published 10 Oct 2019The affected vehicles may accumulate carbon deposits in the intake shutter valve, in addition to premature wear of certain engine components.Year range on the notice: 2012 - 2018
- 2 more on the model page.
BYD Sealion 6
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
18.3kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 18kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 18kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
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 and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-5 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the BYD Sealion 6. The BYD Sealion 6 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda CX-5 gets cloth upholstery while the BYD Sealion 6 offers synthetic leather.
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 8.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 6 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 132kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BYD Sealion 6 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,690mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 85mm shorter than the BYD Sealion 6 at 4,775mm (2,765mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the Mazda CX-5 and 425L in the BYD Sealion 6, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 41L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $227/year for the BYD Sealion 6. That is a $1,882 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 6.
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
Mazda CX-5: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 74
The Mazda CX-5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 74), taking 3 of 7 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: technology (Mazda CX-5 ahead by 32), value (BYD Sealion 6 ahead by 11), practicality (Mazda CX-5 ahead by 8). The BYD Sealion 6 will save you roughly $1,882 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
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 on crash rating: 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 466L with the seats up (1,594L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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 8.5s.
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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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