2026 CarExpert Choice winner: Best Affordable PHEV SUV

The BYD Sealion 6 has been named Australia’s best affordable plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV in the 2026 CarExpert Choice Awards.

It beat out two finalists: the GWM Haval H6 PHEV and the MG HS Super Hybrid.

Chinese brands only started launching PHEVs in Australia in recent years, but they've well and truly made up for lost time, with China becoming the largest source of PHEVs.

And, in classic Chinese automaker fashion, these PHEVs typically undercut rivals from Japan, Korea and Europe. The mid-size SUV segment in particular has a number of PHEV options hailing from China, but we gave the nod to the BYD Sealion 6 for good reason.

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BYD is a PHEV pioneer, launching the first mass-produced PHEV passenger car in China back in 2008 – well before Holden launched its first PHEV in Australia in 2012 with the Volt, which Mitsubishi followed in 2014 with the first Outlander PHEV.

It's no surprise, then, that BYD has finessed its PHEV technology to the point where its vehicles offer powertrains that are among the smoothest and most refined on the market.

There's a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, and standard- or extended-range batteries, with electric-only range of up to 140km (NEDC). Despite this long range, fuel consumption is still as low as 4.7 to 5.8L/100km with a battery level of under 25 per cent.

BYD made changes to the Sealion 6's chassis tuning in Australia after launch, which improved its on-road manners. The Sealion 6 also has a suite of active safety and driver-assist technology that's well-calibrated.

Inside, there's a spacious and distinctive interior, and even the base Essential variant comes with all the... ahem... essentials.

The Sealion 6 well and truly meets the 'affordable' criteria, with a base price of $42,990 before on-road costs and even the top-spec Premium Extended Range flagship ringing up at $52,990 plus on-roads.

There are cheaper Chinese rivals, including in BYD's own showroom with the Sealion 5, but the Sealion 6 stands out as a polished, value-packed offering.

2026 CarExpert Choice Best Affordable PHEV SUV

• Winner – BYD Sealion 6
• Finalist – GWM Haval H6 PHEV
• Finalist – MG HS Super Hybrid

To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here.

MORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 6 showroom