Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4 starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 7 opens at $49,990. That makes the Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota RAV4 and BYD Sealion 7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Toyota RAV4 and 89% for the BYD Sealion 7.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota RAV4 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BYD Sealion 7.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota RAV4 and 7 in the BYD Sealion 7.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota RAV4 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Sealion 7 gets a 15.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 7 counters with power tailgate and Dynaudio audio that the Toyota RAV4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol Hybrid producing 143kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a cvt (e-cvt) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 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 143kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 7 is 3.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,600mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 230mm 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 580L in the Toyota RAV4 and 400L in the BYD Sealion 7, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 180L advantage.
For towing, the BYD Sealion 7 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 200kg 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years (Toyota RAV4) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 7). The BYD Sealion 7 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 7 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 7 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4 and BYD Sealion 7?
The Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4 uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 580L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Sealion 7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
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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