Toyota Fortuner vs BYD Sealion 7
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 Toyota Fortuner starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 7 opens at $49,990. That makes the Toyota Fortuner the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $50,589 and $54,989 respectively.
The BYD Sealion 7 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota Fortuner, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Fortuner and BYD Sealion 7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Toyota Fortuner and 89% for the BYD Sealion 7.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 7 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Toyota Fortuner.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota Fortuner and 7 in the BYD Sealion 7.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Fortuner features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Sealion 7 gets a 15.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota Fortuner stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 7. The BYD Sealion 7 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate and Dynaudio audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Fortuner uses a Diesel producing 150kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 7 responds with a Electric making 230kW and 380Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 7 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 7 is 5.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Fortuner measures 4,795mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 35mm shorter than the BYD Sealion 7 at 4,830mm (2,930mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 200L in the Toyota Fortuner and 400L in the BYD Sealion 7, giving the BYD Sealion 7 a 200L advantage. The Toyota Fortuner seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Fortuner leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,000kg 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Fortuner) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 7). The BYD Sealion 7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Fortuner if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 7 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 7 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 7 has a clear edge. The BYD Sealion 7 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, Toyota Fortuner and BYD Sealion 7?
The Toyota Fortuner is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 7 by $4,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Fortuner uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota Fortuner and BYD Sealion 7 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Sealion 7 has the largest boot at 400L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Fortuner has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Sealion 7 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 7 makes the most power at 230kW. The BYD Sealion 7 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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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