BYD Sealion 6 vs Kia EV5
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 BYD Sealion 6 starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV5 opens at $49,770. That makes the BYD Sealion 6 the more affordable entry point by $6,780.
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 $47,289 and $54,747 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Sealion 6 and Kia EV5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Sealion 6 and 88% for the Kia EV5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Sealion 6 and 7 in the Kia EV5.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV5 counters with wireless charging, power tailgate and V2L that the BYD Sealion 6 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 6 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.3kWh (BYD Sealion 6) vs 64.2kWh (Kia EV5), giving WLTP ranges of 92km and 511km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (BYD Sealion 6) vs 150kW (Kia EV5).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 6 measures 4,775mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 160mm longer than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Sealion 6 and 460L in the Kia EV5, giving the Kia EV5 a 60L advantage.
For towing, the Kia EV5 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 6) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 6 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV5 takes 7 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Kia EV5 has a clear edge. The Kia EV5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Sealion 6 and Kia EV5?
The BYD Sealion 6 is the cheapest at $42,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV5 by $6,780.
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 — BYD Sealion 6 and Kia EV5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV5 has the largest boot at 460L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
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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