BYD Sealion 6 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Both are plug-in hybrid family SUVs, but they sell on opposite strengths: the BYD Sealion 6 on value and electric range, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on all-wheel drive, seven-seat availability and a long track record.

Both carry a five-star ANCAP rating with comprehensive active safety listed as standard, the Outlander's dated 2022. The Outlander is the longer-established design; the Sealion 6 matches the five-star headline. Both are safe family choices.

The Sealion 6 throws in more standard equipment for the money, BYD's rotating touchscreen, synthetic leather and a generous kit list even on lower grades. The Outlander feels the more conventionally finished and better integrated, and steps up to genuinely plush in the higher Exceed grades. Value tips to the BYD; polish and breadth of range to the Mitsubishi.

The decisive number is electric range. The Sealion 6 Dynamic Extended Range claims around 140km on its 26.6kWh battery, well clear of the Outlander's 84km from 22.7kWh, so it covers more of your driving on electricity. The Outlander hits back with standard all-wheel drive (the Sealion 6 is front-drive until you reach the dearer Premium), 185kW and 450Nm against 160kW and 300Nm, and 600kg more towing at 1,600kg braked. Both are quiet in EV mode, and both drink far more on the highway once the battery is depleted, so treat the sub-1.5L/100km combined claims as lab figures rather than what you will pay.

The Outlander is the more practical body, with a 472-litre boot against the Sealion 6's 400. On seats, be careful: the PHEV ES compared here is a five-seater like the BYD. If you want the third row you have to step up to the Outlander PHEV Aspire at $66,790, which is $19,800 above the Sealion 6. If you need to carry more gear the Mitsubishi is the pick; if five seats are plenty, the BYD's price and electric range win.

The Outlander's trump card is ownership confidence: 10 years and 200,000km, conditional on servicing within the Mitsubishi network, plus a proven reliability record and the stronger resale of an established nameplate. The Sealion 6 counters with a six-year vehicle and eight-year battery warranty and a $12,000 lower purchase price. Over a long ownership period the Outlander's warranty and resale narrow the gap; over a shorter one the BYD's lower price and cheaper electric running lead comfortably.