Which Chinese Family SUV Should You Buy in Australia?

The BYD Sealion 5 delivers a smooth, quiet electric-first drive; the petrol engine kicks in seamlessly for longer trips, providing effortless highway cruising with minimal noise. The Haval H6 Hybrid feels planted and composed on Australian roads—its suspension absorbs bumps well, and the hybrid powertrain transitions smoothly between electric and petrol modes. The BYD Sealion 7 is a dedicated EV, offering instant torque, near-silent operation and a low centre of gravity for confident cornering; regenerative braking is adjustable to suit your preference.

Both BYD models offer generous second-row legroom and a flat floor, making three-across seating comfortable for kids or adults. The Sealion 5 has a spacious boot with a low loading lip, ideal for prams and shopping. The Sealion 7 provides similar space with a front trunk for extra storage. The Haval H6 also boasts a large, well-shaped boot and rear seats that recline, plus plenty of cubbies and cup holders. All models have ISOFIX points and top-tether anchors for child seats.

The BYDs feature a large rotating touchscreen with intuitive menus, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a clear 360-degree camera system that aids parking. The Sealion 5 and 7 also include a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, handy for camping or powering appliances. The Haval H6’s infotainment is slightly less responsive but still functional, with wired smartphone mirroring and a head-up display available. Voice control works reasonably well on all three.

BYD is building a national dealership and service network in Australia, and early owner reports indicate good reliability. The Haval H6 benefits from an established presence with more service centres; it shares many mechanicals with other Great Wall products, so parts availability is solid. Chinese brands generally offer competitive warranty periods (often 5-7 years) and capped-price servicing, which reduces ownership uncertainty. Battery health for EVs and PHEVs is covered by long-term warranties.

For the Sealion 5 PHEV, a standard household socket can fully recharge the battery overnight, and public AC chargers are widely available. The Sealion 7 EV requires a dedicated wallbox for convenient top-ups; fast-charging networks (e.g., Chargefox, Evie) are expanding along major routes, but planning is needed for regional trips. The Haval H6 Hybrid never needs plugging in, making it the most hassle-free option for those without off-street parking.