What's the difference?
This is the most affordable plug-in hybrid available in Australia – as this review is published – but it’s got a lot more going for it than just that.
The 2026 BYD Sealion 5 is a mid-size SUV wearing a BYD badge that has been thrust into the public’s awareness by the popular BYD Shark 6 – as well as by widespread criticism of brand's less popular aftersales shortcomings through much of 2025.
It’s also a plug-in hybrid that is showing up as the nation faces a fuel crisis, despite many remaining sceptical of going ‘full EV’.
The Sealion 5 has a long list of features, of course, plus a claimed four-figure driving range. Is this BYD too good to be true?
We grabbed the entry-level Essential to find out.
GWM’s Haval H6 has been a solid budget-oriented mid-size family SUV for years now, but now it might be a better package than ever.
This current model has just received a mid-life update that brings new looks inside and out, new powertrain options, as well as a revised trim level structure.
Competition in the mid-size SUV segment is hotter than ever with fierce rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.
Is the updated GWM Haval H6 worth considering? Read on to find out.
While the BYD Sealion 5 lacks the polish of some more established plug-in hybrids, it has a seriously compelling price advantage over some competitors. It makes a base-model Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV feel positively outdated and it’s $13,800 cheaper.
BYD's lack of ANCAP rating for the Sealion 5 and the uncertainty around it still being a new brand are downsides, even if BYD is quickly moving past the latter. But being the most affordable PHEV available while having this much showroom appeal is bound to work in the Sealion 5’s favour, just don’t expect a dynamic masterpiece once you’re out on the road.
The GWM Haval H6 has always been a value buy as a mid-size family SUV and although it previously wouldn’t have been at the top of my shopping list, this mid-life update has changed my mind.
It’s now more stylish inside and out, has more ergonomic storage and most importantly remains a cut-price offering.
Things aren’t perfect, as you still need to rely on the touchscreen for many key features and the suspension tune isn’t quite right.