Nissan Qashqai vs BYD Sealion 5
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 Nissan Qashqai starts from $34,665 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 5 opens at $33,990. That makes the BYD Sealion 5 the more affordable entry point by $675.
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 $38,132 and $37,389 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 5 by roughly $7,555 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan Qashqai and BYD Sealion 5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan Qashqai and 89% for the BYD Sealion 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 5 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Nissan Qashqai.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan Qashqai and 7 in the BYD Sealion 5.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan Qashqai features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Sealion 5 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Qashqai uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 5 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 156kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 5 has the clear power advantage at 156kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 5 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Qashqai measures 4,425mm long on a 2,665mm wheelbase, 313mm shorter than the BYD Sealion 5 at 4,738mm (2,765mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 430L in the Nissan Qashqai and 400L in the BYD Sealion 5, giving the Nissan Qashqai a 30L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan Qashqai leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai and $342/year for the BYD Sealion 5. That is a $1,511 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 5.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai) vs $342 (BYD Sealion 5). The BYD Sealion 5 saves you roughly $1,511 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan Qashqai) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 5). The BYD Sealion 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 5 if: You want the lower entry price, 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 5 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Sealion 5 will save you roughly $1,511 a year in fuel. The BYD Sealion 5 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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