2026 BYD Sealion 6 Essential review

The BYD Sealion 6 is more recognisable than most Chinese mid-size SUVs, largely because it's the leader of Australia's PHEV-olution.

Once a niche technology, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) power is now in vogue and the Sealion 6 is at the forefront of the movement, accounting for 9055 sales last year, or 17 per cent of total PHEV sales.

There are a couple reasons for this, the most obvious being that BYD beat most of its rivals to the punch. And for well south of $50k, the base Sealion 6 Essential still promises modern, safe and flexible family transport, with no requirement for buyers to place their trust in an unfamiliar brand.

That sure sounds like a great deal, especially when you consider a modestly specced Mazda CX-5 completely devoid of electrification commands similar money.

However, the Sealion 6 is no longer alone in promising the world on paper. Several alternatives have arrived since its local launch in May 2024, many of which are even cheaper than BYD's trendsetter.

So, how does the Sealion 6 stack up in 2026? Read on for all the answers.

The Sealion 6 Essential is the most affordable version of the plug-in hybrid medium SUV on sale in Australia, priced from $42,990 plus on-road costs.

Rivals? It has a few. Direct PHEV competitors include (but aren't limited to) the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid , Geely Starray EM-i , Jaecoo J7 SHS , GWM Haval H6 PHEV , Leapmotor C10 Hybrid EV , and MG HS Super Hybrid – all priced from under $50,000 drive-away.

Beyond that, there are an additional 28 mid-size SUVs available for $65,000 or less, leaving prospective buyers spoilt for choice in what is Australia's single biggest new-vehicle segment by both sales volume and model count.

To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

The entry-level Sealion 6 lacks some of the interior wow-factor that has come to define modern Chinese vehicles.

It makes a generally positive first impression, courtesy of widespread soft-touch materials, eye-catching orange accents, and nearly-premium switchgear, all of which are rare in similarly priced Japanese alternatives.

However, the front seats, though colourfully trimmed, are neither heated nor ventilated. Steering wheel heating is absent, too, and the technology suite is fairly subdued by modern standards.

As such, it doesn't quite feel like you're getting a cut-price luxury SUV.