Toyota RAV4 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.
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota RAV4 starts from $28,490 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 6 opens at $42,990. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $14,500.
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 $31,339 and $47,289 respectively.
The BYD Sealion 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota RAV4, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 6 by roughly $9,840 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota RAV4 and BYD Sealion 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 6 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Toyota RAV4.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota RAV4 and 7 in the BYD Sealion 6.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BYD Sealion 6 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and V2L that the Toyota RAV4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Toyota RAV4 gets cloth upholstery while the BYD Sealion 6 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol producing 107kW and 187Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
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 107kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,570mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 205mm 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 577L in the Toyota RAV4 and 425L in the BYD Sealion 6, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 152L advantage.
For towing, the BYD Sealion 6 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 700kg 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
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 $2,195/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $227/year for the BYD Sealion 6. That is a $1,968 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 6.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Toyota RAV4) vs $227 (BYD Sealion 6). The BYD Sealion 6 saves you roughly $1,968 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota RAV4) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6). The BYD Sealion 6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 6 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 6 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The BYD Sealion 6 will save you roughly $1,968 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota RAV4 and BYD Sealion 6?
The Toyota RAV4 is the cheapest at $28,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 6 by $14,500.
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 — Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 577L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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.
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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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