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.
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota RAV4 starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 7 opens at $54,990. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $9,000.
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 $60,489 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
80kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota RAV4 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BYD Sealion 7 gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. 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.
Interior trim differs: the Toyota RAV4 gets cloth upholstery while the BYD Sealion 7 offers leather.
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 6.7 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 7 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 143kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 7 is 1.7s 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 705L in the Toyota RAV4 and 500L in the BYD Sealion 7, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 205L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota RAV4 leads with a 800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 50kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.7m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (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, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 7 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 7 takes 4 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 $9,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 705L.
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 6.7s.
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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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