The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market in Australia is heating up, with Chinese manufacturers like Jaecoo and BYD offering compelling options for budget-conscious families seeking fuel-efficient, tech-laden SUVs. The 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential are two standout contenders in the mid-size SUV segment, both priced under $50,000 and packed with modern features. But which one offers the best value for modern family life? This article dives into a detailed comparison of their design, performance, practicality, safety, and technology to help you decide.
Overview of the Contenders
Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit
Jaecoo, a premium sub-brand of Chery, enters the Australian market with the J7 SHS Summit, a PHEV variant priced at $47,990 drive-away. Built on Chery’s T1X platform, it combines rugged, Range Rover-inspired styling with a plug-in hybrid powertrain designed for efficiency and versatility. With a claimed electric-only range of 90-106 km (WLTP) and a total range of up to 1200 km, the J7 SHS aims to balance everyday EV usability with long-distance capability.
BYD Sealion 6 Essential
BYD, a dominant player in Australia’s PHEV market, offers the Sealion 6 Essential (previously Dynamic) as the country’s most affordable plug-in mid-size SUV, starting at $42,990 before on-road costs. Known for its bold interior design and strong sales performance, the Sealion 6 Essential delivers a 92 km electric-only range and a combined range of around 1100 km. Its blend of affordability and tech makes it a fierce competitor.
Design and Styling
Exterior
The Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit sports a bold, boxy design with slim LED headlights, a chequered-pattern grille, and a floating roofline, giving it a premium, Range Rover-esque appearance. Its compact dimensions (4500 mm long, 1865 mm wide, 2672 mm wheelbase) make it slightly smaller than rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander, but its taut styling adds visual appeal.
In contrast, the BYD Sealion 6 Essential has a more conventional, rounded SUV look. Measuring 4775 mm in length and 1890 mm in width, it’s larger than the Jaecoo, but its design is less distinctive, often described as “generic” compared to the J7’s unique flair. However, its sleek lines and modern lighting ensure it doesn’t fade into the background.
Interior
Inside, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit offers a minimalist, premium cabin with soft-touch materials, a 14.8-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic sunroof that enhances the sense of space. However, its reliance on touchscreen controls for functions like side mirror adjustments can be impractical. The J7’s unique centre console and door linings set it apart from its petrol-only siblings, but rear-seat space is tighter for taller passengers.
The BYD Sealion 6 Essential counters with a bold, tech-heavy interior featuring a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, a brown-on-black color scheme, and a sweeping dashboard layout. Its cabin feels more spacious, particularly in the rear, but the darker headliner makes it slightly less airy than the Jaecoo. The Sealion 6’s voice control system, capable of hundreds of commands, adds a practical tech edge.
Performance and Powertrain
Both SUVs pair a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and an 18.3 kWh battery, but their performance characteristics differ slightly.
Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit
The J7 SHS combines a 105 kW/215 Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a 150 kW/310 Nm electric motor, delivering a claimed combined output of 255 kW and 525 Nm. It operates in four modes—pure electric, series, parallel, and energy recovery—offering flexibility for urban and highway driving. Its electric-only range is 90-106 km (WLTP), with a combined fuel consumption of 1.0-4.0 L/100 km. The J7 SHS can run as a pure EV up to 120 km/h, but its power delivery can feel inconsistent, and it lacks the dynamism of some rivals.
BYD Sealion 6 Essential
The Sealion 6 Essential’s 1.5-litre petrol engine and single front-mounted electric motor produce a combined 160 kW and 300 Nm. Its electric-only range is 92 km (WLTP), with a combined range of around 1100 km and fuel consumption of 1.4 L/100 km. The Sealion 6 feels smoother and more settled in urban driving, though its soft suspension can make it less composed on twisty roads.
Comparison Table: Powertrain and Performance
|
Feature |
Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit |
BYD Sealion 6 Essential |
|---|---|---|
|
Petrol Engine |
1.5L Turbo, 105 kW/215 Nm |
1.5L, 71 kW/125 Nm |
|
Electric Motor |
150 kW/310 Nm (Front) |
145 kW/300 Nm (Front) |
|
Combined Output |
255 kW/525 Nm |
160 kW/300 Nm |
|
Electric Range (WLTP) |
90-106 km |
92 km |
|
Combined Range (NEDC) |
1200 km |
1100 km |
|
Fuel Consumption |
1.0-4.0 L/100 km |
1.4 L/100 km |
|
Drive Type |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
|
Charging (DC, 30-80%) |
40 kW, ~20 min |
Not specified |
|
Charging (AC, 25-100%) |
6.6 kW, ~160 min |
Not specified |
Practicality and Space
Both SUVs are designed for family use, offering seating for five and decent cargo capacity, but their layouts differ.
Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit
The J7’s longer wheelbase (2672 mm) provides ample rear-seat legroom, matching the Sealion 6, but its 340-litre boot is smaller, comparable to a small hatchback. The seats fold flat, aiding versatility for larger items, but fitting three adults or child seats in the rear may be tight due to its narrower width.
BYD Sealion 6 Essential
The Sealion 6’s larger dimensions translate to a more spacious boot (425-552 litres, depending on configuration), making it better suited for families needing extra cargo space. Its rear seats don’t fold fully flat, which may limit loading larger items. The cabin offers generous headroom and rear-seat space, with practical storage solutions like cupholders and power outlets.
Safety and Technology
Safety
Both vehicles boast five-star ANCAP safety ratings, reflecting robust safety suites. The Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit includes eight airbags (including driver’s knee and centre airbags), a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Its built-in dashcam is a unique feature.
The BYD Sealion 6 Essential has seven airbags, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and similar driver aids. The Premium AWD variant adds front sensors and a surround-view camera, but the Essential lacks these. Its safety suite is comprehensive but slightly less extensive than the Jaecoo’s.
Technology
The Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit is loaded with tech, including a 14.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof. However, its touchscreen-heavy controls can be distracting.
The BYD Sealion 6 Essential counters with its signature 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, voice control for hundreds of commands, and dual wireless phone chargers (in Premium models). Its tech feels more intuitive, though climate controls buried in menus are a drawback.
Pricing and Value
Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit
Priced at $47,990 drive-away, the J7 SHS Summit is a single, range-topping PHEV variant. It undercuts competitors like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ($57,290) and offers premium features like ventilated seats, a head-up display, and an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (including the battery). However, its smaller boot and less dynamic driving experience may deter some buyers.
BYD Sealion 6 Essential
At $42,990 before on-roads, the Sealion 6 Essential is Australia’s cheapest PHEV SUV. The Premium AWD variant ($52,990 before on-roads) adds all-wheel drive and more equipment, but the Essential’s value proposition is unmatched. It comes with a six-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.
Driving Experience
The Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit offers a refined, quiet ride, particularly in EV mode, but its power delivery can be unpredictable, and it lacks the sharpness of rivals like the Sealion 6. Its firm suspension and light steering make it less engaging on twisty roads.
The BYD Sealion 6 Essential feels smoother in urban settings, with a softer suspension that prioritizes comfort but can feel floaty at higher speeds. Its brake pedal is more consistent, enhancing driver confidence.
Verdict
The Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential are compelling PHEV options for Australian families, each with distinct strengths. The Jaecoo impresses with its premium styling, longer electric range, and extensive standard equipment, making it ideal for buyers seeking a refined, feature-packed SUV. However, its smaller boot and less intuitive controls may frustrate some.
The BYD Sealion 6 Essential wins on price and practicality, offering a larger boot and a more spacious cabin at a lower cost. Its tech is user-friendly, and its driving dynamics are better suited to urban environments. However, its less distinctive exterior and fewer airbags may be drawbacks.
For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing space and affordability, the Sealion 6 Essential is the better choice. For those valuing premium design and a longer EV range, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit edges ahead. Test-driving both is recommended to find the best fit for your needs.
