Kia EV5 vs BYD Sealion 7
What's the difference?

Kia EV5

$49,990 - $76,698

2025 price

View pricing & specs

BYD Sealion 7

$48,990 - $68,888

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2025 Kia EV5

2025 BYD Sealion 7

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Looks the part of a premium SUV
Well-equipped with comfort and safety
Oodles of passenger room

Dislikes

Artificially heavy steering
Noticeable wind noise at times
Uncomfortable cabin materials

Some tech gremlins still to sort out
Exterior design too similar to Porsche
Multimedia display houses all functions

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

2025 BYD Sealion 7 Summary

Looking across BYD's line-up, you'd think you were reading the attractions for the local aquarium! And now the Sealion 7 has entered the splash zone, or more accurately, the most popular car segment - the mid-size SUV.

It fights for pole position against the long-running electric favourite, the Tesla Model Y but newcomer Cupra Tavascan also offers some sporty competition.

For this review we're testing the flagship Performance grade to see whether or not it offers family-friendly fun.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia EV5 2025 BYD Sealion 7

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.

Verdict

The BYD Sealion 7 Performance is well-priced and well-equipped. It more than holds its own against its mid-size electric SUV rivals. It has great motor outputs and it handles comfortably on the road. There's a lot to like here but some of the technology needs to be tweaked.

Kia EV5 vs BYD Sealion 7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia EV5 vs BYD Sealion 7
What's the difference?