BYD Sealion 8 vs Kia EV5
What's the difference?

BYD Sealion 8

$56,990 - $70,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Kia EV5

$49,990 - $76,698

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 BYD Sealion 8

2025 Kia EV5

By Emily Agar

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.5L

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

1.0L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Value
Efficiency
Performance

Very comfortable and capable drive experience
Entry-level pricing on point
Strong warranty offering and $350 a year servicing

Dislikes

No physical spare tyre
Underwhelming drive experience
Clunky media system

Artificially heavy steering
Noticeable wind noise at times
Uncomfortable cabin materials

2026 BYD Sealion 8 Summary

As the flagship variant, the BYD Sealion 8 Premium all-wheel drive makes a big first impression as it arrives with seven seats, a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a features list that reads like a wish list.

It’s also stepping into a competitive space, lining up against the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid, Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV and Mazda CX-80 P50e Azami - all promising similar blends of efficiency, space and value for Australian families.

The Sealion 8 Premium looks like a strong contender on paper … but does that translate to the real world?

View full pricing & specs

2025 Kia EV5 Summary

Make no mistake, you are looking at the biggest challenge the all-conquering Tesla Model Y has ever faced in Australia.

It’s the Kia EV5, a mid-size, all-electric SUV the Korean brand thinks will be its best-selling EV by some margin.

Oh, and it’s cheaper than the Tesla, by more than a little bit.

So, is this the electric SUV that might finally put an end to Tesla’s winning run in Australia?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 BYD Sealion 8 2025 Kia EV5

Verdict

There’s no denying the value the BYD Sealion 8 Premium offers as it packs a lot in for the price. Its efficiency and inoffensive looks add up to a good package and reflect what it does well. That said, the underwhelming driving experience and clunky media system are noticeable. Whether they're deal breakers is up to you.

Verdict

The size is right, the price is right and the drive is right – three things that make the Kia EV5 a pretty formidable foe, and the kind of vehicle that might finally be able to break through the wall of the temple of Tesla in Australia.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

BYD Sealion 8 vs Kia EV5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BYD Sealion 8 vs Kia EV5
What's the difference?