Nissan ARIYA vs BYD Sealion 8
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 Nissan ARIYA starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 8 opens at $56,990. That makes the Nissan ARIYA the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $60,489 and $62,689 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan ARIYA and BYD Sealion 8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan ARIYA and 89% for the BYD Sealion 8.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 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 Nissan ARIYA and 9 in the BYD Sealion 8.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA stands out with head-up display that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 8. The BYD Sealion 8 counters with panoramic roof and ventilated seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan ARIYA uses a Electric producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 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 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan ARIYA is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA) vs 19kWh (BYD Sealion 8), giving WLTP ranges of 385km and 103km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (Nissan ARIYA) vs 150kW (BYD Sealion 8).
Space & Comfort
The Nissan ARIYA measures 4,595mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 445mm 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 466L in the Nissan ARIYA and 400L in the BYD Sealion 8, giving the Nissan ARIYA a 66L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.
0Turning 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan ARIYA) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 8). The BYD Sealion 8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Nissan ARIYA and BYD Sealion 8 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Nissan ARIYA 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, Nissan ARIYA and BYD Sealion 8?
The Nissan ARIYA is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 8 by $2,000.
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 — Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA has the largest boot at 466L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
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 Nissan ARIYA is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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