Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs BYD Sealion 6
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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts from $53,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 6 opens at $42,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 6 the more affordable entry point by $11,000.
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 $59,389 and $47,289 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.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 6 by roughly $1,485 in electricity alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 89% for the BYD Sealion 6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 7 in the BYD Sealion 6.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a Petrol producing 98kW and 195Nm 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 98kW. 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.
Battery: 20kWh (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 18.3kWh (BYD Sealion 6), giving WLTP ranges of 84km and 92km. DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 150kW (BYD Sealion 6).
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV measures 4,710mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 65mm 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 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 400L in the BYD Sealion 6, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 78L advantage. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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, electricity costs roughly $350/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and $53/year for the BYD Sealion 6. That is a $297 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 6.
Estimated annual total: $350 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs $53 (BYD Sealion 6). The BYD Sealion 6 saves you roughly $297 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 6 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 6 takes 7 of 11 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Sealion 6 will save you roughly $297 a year in electricity. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6?
The BYD Sealion 6 is the cheapest at $42,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by $11,000.
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 — Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the largest boot at 478L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k 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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