BYD Sealion 6 v Kia Sportage SX HEV 2024 Comparison

First let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. Yes, we wanted both entry-level mid-size Asian hybrid SUV variants to face-off, however sometimes the world conspires against you.

The result is that the 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Premium enters the ring with the loftier price tag of $52,990 before on-road cost (ORCs). Forgo a turbocharger, an electric motor on the rear axle as well as a head-up display and you’ll end up with the $48,990 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic (before ORCs).

So, it’s the more established brand that offers the cheaper price with the 2024 Kia Sportage SX HEV asking $45,990 (before ORCs). If the most expensive version is more your style then the aesthetically identical top-spec Kia Sportage GT-Line HEV is $55,420 before ORCs.

It would be remiss not to suggest the ever-popular, and now exclusively hybrid, Toyota RAV4 as their main rivals in the mid-size SUV space.

The competitively priced GWM Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-POWER are two other reasonably-priced hybrid examples in a segment filled with choice.

Being the top spec model-grade, there isn’t much that’s left out of the BYD Sealion 6’s artillery – it comes fully loaded.

As standard there’s LED lighting front and rear, 19-inch alloy wheels, faux-leather upholstery, heated/cooled and electrically operated front seats, dual-zone climate control, NFC key-card access, keyless entry and start, electric tailgate and a panoramic glass sunroof.

A high level of perceived quality remains in the 2024 Kia Sportage SX HEV and it looks the part with LED lighting, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch wheels shared with the GT-Line.

Yet there are reminders you’re not in the top-spec model with the, ahem, key to that fact being you need to use a physical key in an ignition barrel to start the car. Cloth seats with manual adjustment and the blank buttons where the heated/cooled seat controls are further evidence.

The BYD Sealion 6 Premium is covered by a six-year/150,000km warranty while the BYD Blade high-voltage battery pack falls under an eight-year/160,000km arrangement. There’s also 12-months of roadside assist included and servicing is required every 12 months or 20,000km.

However, as we’ve mentioned previously, the BYD warranty’s fine print is worth reading given there are some strange exceptions.

The Kia Sportage SX HEV is covered by the brand’s impressive seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with seven years/105,000km capped-price servicing. Servicing intervals are every 12-months or 15,000km, although the battery warranty isn’t quite as generous in the Kia, at seven-years/150,000km.

Both the 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Premium and 2024 Kia Sportage SX HEV gain a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with the former only recently being awarded.

Highlights of BYD’s extensive safety suite includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), front and rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, speed sign recognition, intelligent cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, door opening warning, trailer stability control and a head-up display.

The calibration of the active safety systems is appreciably higher than other Chinese offerings, but there are still some niggles. On three occasions the forward collision warning slammed on the brakes despite there being no obstructions ahead.

Despite being the cheaper Sportage variant, Kia hasn’t skimped on active safety tech with the SX gaining all the gear fitted to the GT-Line, including seven airbags.

Therefore, the key features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist and pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, active cruise control, lane keeping assist with steering intervention, blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, trailer sway control and hill decent control.

While better than the Sealion 6, the Sportage HEV’s lane keep assist also nibbles at the steering wheel. Thankfully, Kia has ironed out the incessant audible warnings for speed signs found in other products from the Hyundai/Kia group.

The BYD dazzles when it comes to showroom appeal, the Sealion 6’s huge 15.6-inch, 90-degree swivelling infotainment screen and fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster setting a high standard, both with excellent visual clarity and refresh rates.

The 2024 BYD Sealion 6 is also capable of over the air updates while the native sat-nav system can direct you to the nearest charging location. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature (taking up all the oversized touch-screen’s acreage which is impressive) and DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity are in there too.

A unique addition is the inclusion of dual 15W wireless charging pads, yet there are still USB-A and C ports for front and back seat occupants. Saying “Hi BYD” also allows you to perform a wide range of tasks via voice activation.

Gripes are few, but the HUGE infotainment screen requires an acclimatisation period to understand how to get the best out of the ergonomics and the Sealion 6’s countless settings. While it would be nice to see some more HVAC buttons, you can adjust temperature and fan speed through the steering wheel and instrument cluster.

The Sportage SX HEV doesn’t have quite as much wow factor. However, the instrument cluster does a great job of appearing as a 12.3-inch digital display despite only being a meagre 4.0-inches. It sits next to the 12.3-inch infotainment system which utilises appealing fonts and graphics compared to the BYD’s themes.

USB-A and C ports are available, of which you’ll require the former to access the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – wired only for this model-grade. The Sportage has native sat-nav as well as DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth and voice recognition. A wireless charging pad isn’t included in the SX, however.

Taking care of internal combustion in the BYD Sealion 6 Premium is a diminutive 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 96kW and 220Nm.

It’s paired with two electric motors, one each for the front and rear axles that produce 150kW/300Nm and 120kW/250Nm respectively. They draw power from an 18.3kWh BYD Blade battery pack, with the petrol engine aiding the regenerative process more so than facilitating drive.

The combined system output is a healthy 238kW and 550Nm, which is fed to all four wheels via a single speed automatic transmission. Despite weighing 2100kg, the BYD boasts a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds. And there’s even an on-board timer to test out the Sealion 6’s pace.

For the Sportage it’s the familiar set-up already used within the Hyundai/Kia family, one that pairs a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with the 44kW/264Nm electric motor and 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Combined, a total of 169kW and 350Nm is channelled to the front wheels alone via a six-speed automatic transmission.

While the hybrid application reaps efficiency benefits, it also adds extra muscle and our independent testing showed both vehicles were pretty much identical in the 0-100km/h sprint.

Even though there’s a significant difference in power outputs, both powertrains feel far peppier thanks to their respective hybrid gubbins but it’s the Sportage’s lower 1707kg kerb weight that means it covers ground just as swiftly as the BYD Sealion 6 SUV.

That said, the Kia is more vocal, with the introduction of the conventional petrol engine being far more perceptible. In fact, if the BYD didn’t offer a smart graphic showing when the turbo-petrol is being used, you’re hard-pressed to know it’s in action.

The BYD Sealion 6 Premium claims the headline fuel consumption figure of just 1.4L/100km. However, that’s with more than 25 percent battery charge remaining, meaning you’ll be using all the 81km (WLTP) EV range to achieve it.

With less than 25 percent charge the claimed consumption is 5.8L/100km.

Both AC (7kW) and DC (18kW) charging are available, with the former taking around 2.5 hours to reach 100 percent and about an hour for the latter.

The Sealion 6 also has vehicle to load capability, so you plug in household appliances or camping gear via a supplied adapter.

While the Sealion 6 returned an average of 5.7L/100km on the test route for the video review, an extended 250km run through city, country and highway conditions improved that figure by 0.7L/100km. However, it must be stressed that was starting from a full charge.

At a claimed 4.9L/100km, the Kia Sportage SX HEV can’t match the BYD’s headline figure. It’s capable of running in a full EV state up to about 70km/h for short periods, so the HEV does its best work when confined to the city.

Alternatively, the BYD has a dedicated EV or HEV mode and can drive above 100km/h using its e-motors.

But you never have to remember to charge the Sportage because the regenerative system does the work for you. Our time with the SX HEV resulted in an impressive 5.8L/100km.

Appreciably, the Kia accepts 91 RON fuel, whereas the BYD requires at least 95.

The 2024 Kia Sportage SX HEV has the BYD Sealion 6 Premium covered dynamically, but the latter isn’t totally outclassed in the areas that matter to those purchasing within the mid-size SUV segment.

Ride quality, in terms of how it deals with the lumps and bumps of low-speed CBD driving, is appreciably supple in the Sealion 6 Premium. The refinement level is high, too, with general NVH being nicely quelled; there’s a general feeling of solidity and it’s pleasant to drive in most conditions.

However, venture onto country roads and the Sealion 6 can’t escape physics given its hefty kerb weight.

Body roll is prominent when cornering in the BYD, yet it’s the rebound effect caused by smooth undulations that is the least controlled. The lack of recovery and the amount of vertical movement from the suspension at speed is noticeable.

Despite lacking its own bespoke Aussie tuning – HEV models retain the same suspension and steering calibration as the diesel variants, given they’re similar in weight – the hybrid Kia is far more composed and engaging to drive.

Ride quality is a touch firmer in the Korean-built Kia, but also more controlled. It’s just a shame the HEV doesn’t gain all-wheel drive as the front axle can struggle to harness all 350 Newtons.

There’s also prominent kickback through the wheel when encountering sharp potholes with steering lock applied – something not experienced in the BYD.

But overall, the Kia’s added layers of damping sophistication endow it with an edge behind the wheel.

If the badges were covered, most would be hard-pressed to guess the origins of the BYD Sealion 6 Premium. There’s a level of Euro-chic design and build quality that’s hard to fault.

The leather-like materials in use offer upmarket tactility, the mood lighting works a treat at night and the crystal-esque gear selector takes inspiration from BMW and Volvo.

The interior aesthetic of the Kia Sportage SX HEV isn’t as flashy but excellence is found in the details and finishing.

While the rotary dial gear selector might not be to all preferences, the touch-sensitive panel that can alternate between infotainment and HVAC controls is pleasing to use, a case of form meeting function.

Practicalities are essential given the lifestyle a medium SUV is likely to facilitate, and both the Sealion 6 and Sportage HEV accommodate rear-seat passengers comfortably. They tick boxes regarding knee and headroom, while also offering a reclining backrest, central armrest and air vents.

While the BYD has greater external dimensions, the Kia offers a bigger boot – 574 litres plays 586 litres respectively. You’ll find 60/40-split folding rear seats in both and when they’re stowed flat there’s 1600 litres in the Sealion 6 and 1872 litres in the Sportage.

Only the Kia has a spare tyre, a space saver type wheel.

This comparison started life as a test of Chinese SUV mettle against a segment leader, yet it morphed into a discussion that transcends the country of origin. Which powertrain fits your lifestyle holds greater gravitas – taking into consideration where you live, where you work and how you drive.

Having off-street parking and the ability to charge from home/work is not a luxury afforded to all buyers in this market and having to rely on public infrastructure can be tiresome.

Of course, there’s the BYD’s accompanying combustion engine acting as a literal generator to save the day despite its weight hampering efficiency when in full EV mode.

Hybrid technology isn’t new – just ask Toyota. However, for some it’s a needed halfway house. The fact you don’t have to change how you operate or refuel the Sportage HEV while maintaining efficiency gains is impressive. And very appealing.

There is a place for both hybrid solutions, it just depends on the context.

Overall, the BYD Sealion 6 Premium is clearly a giant step forward for Chinese offerings, yet it shouldn’t be defined by that synopsis. For those shopping in the mid-size SUV segment it stands as a genuinely appealing product that mixes forward-thinking tech with pragmatic luxury.

However, it fails to clear Kia’s high bar.

The Sportage SX HEV is easy to live with, it’s dynamically proficient and comes with a warranty devoid of tricky fine print. The hybrid powertrain simply adds to the breadth of the Sportage’s known aptitude.

Although with the next-gen BYD Sealion 6 and updated Kia Sportage on the horizon, we’re already salivating at the idea of a rematch.

2024 BYD Sealion 6 Premium at a glance:
Price: $52,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid
Output: 96kW/220Nm (e-motors: front 150kW/300Nm, rear 120kW/250Nm)
Combined Output: 238kW/550Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Battery: 18.3kWh lithium-ion (LFP)
EV Range: 81km (WLTP)
Fuel: 1.4L/100km
CO2: 32g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five star (ANCAP 2023)

2024 Kia Sportage SX HEV at a glance:
Price: $45,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid
Output: 132kW/265Nm (e-motor: 44kW/264Nm)
Combined Output: 169kW/350Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Battery: 1.49kWh lithium-ion
EV Range: N/A
Fuel: 4.9L/100km
CO2: 110g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five star (ANCAP 2022)

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