Gridly
EV Comparison
BYD Sealion 5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric SR: Which Is Better in 2026?
Side-by-side comparison of specs, pricing, range, charging, and features to help you choose the right electric vehicle.
Quick Verdict
The BYD Sealion 5 is 26% cheaper at $33,990. The Hyundai Kona Electric SR offers 290 km more range. Only the BYD Sealion 5 can tow (1,500 kg). The Hyundai Kona Electric SR adds vehicle-to-load.
Side-by-Side Specs
BYD
Sealion 5
Hyundai
Kona Electric SR
Key Differences
Price
The BYD Sealion 5 starts at $33,990, while the Hyundai Kona Electric SR comes in at $45,990. That is a difference of $12,000, which could influence your decision if budget is a priority.
Range
The Hyundai Kona Electric SR delivers 370 km of WLTP range compared to 80 km for the BYD Sealion 5. That gap is significant for longer trips or regional driving.
Charging Speed
The Hyundai Kona Electric SR charges faster with a peak DC rate of 100 kW versus 40 kW. Faster DC charging means less time waiting at public chargers on road trips.
Towing
The BYD Sealion 5 supports towing up to 1,500 kg, while the Hyundai Kona Electric SR has no towing capacity. If you need to tow a trailer, boat, or caravan, the BYD Sealion 5 is the only option here.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
The Hyundai Kona Electric SR includes V2L, letting you power appliances, tools, or camping gear directly from the car's battery. The BYD Sealion 5 does not offer this feature.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the BYD Sealion 5 if...
- ✓ You want a lower price point ($33,990 vs $45,990)
- ✓ You need towing capacity (1,500 kg)
- ✓ You want quicker acceleration (7.5s vs 8.8s)
Choose the Hyundai Kona Electric SR if...
- ✓ You need more range (370 km vs 80 km)
- ✓ Faster DC charging matters to you (100 kW vs 40 kW)
- ✓ Vehicle-to-load (V2L) for powering devices on the go is important