BYD Sealion 5 vs GWM Haval H6

What's the difference?

VS
BYD Sealion 5
BYD Sealion 5

$33,990 - $37,990

2026 price

GWM Haval H6
GWM Haval H6

$34,490 - $49,490

2026 price

Summary

2026 BYD Sealion 5
2026 GWM Haval H6
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

-
Fuel Efficiency
4.5L/100km (combined)

-
Seating
5

0
Dislikes
  • Engine noisy under load
  • Driving position not quite right
  • Sometimes feels unsettled at high speed

  • Reliance on touchscreen
  • Wallowy ride
  • Disappointing rear visibility
2026 BYD Sealion 5 Summary

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.

@carsguide.com.au Don’t want an EV yet? The 2026 BYD Sealion 5 might be the answer to rising fuel prices. #BYD #Sealion5 #ev #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au
View full pricing & specs
2026 GWM Haval H6 Summary

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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 BYD Sealion 5 2026 GWM Haval H6

Change vehicle