EVCostIQ

The EV cost intelligence platform

BYD Atto 3 vs Hyundai Tucson: 5-year cost to own (Australia)

Over 5 years in Australia (12,000 km/yr), as of July 9, 2026, the Hyundai Tucson stays the cheaper car to own — about $51,974 vs $58,314 for the BYD Atto 3, a $6,340 difference over 5 years.

Novated lease (FBT exemption): for a salary-packaged EV the federal FBT exemption can cut the cost substantially — it depends on your income and tax, so it is not in the totals above. Source: ATO.

Cheaper to own over 5 years · AustraliaHyundai Tucson · $51,974 total · $6,340 less than the BYD Atto 3

BYD Atto 3 vs Hyundai Tucson — where the money goes

5-year total cost of ownership by component, by vehicle (AUD). Estimates; sources dated in the methodology.
Cost componentElectric · BYD Atto 3Petrol · Hyundai Tucson
Depreciation (estimated)$24,638 (42%)$17,986 (35%)
Charging / fuel$4,534 (8%)$7,922 (15%)
↳ of which charging loss12% (~$544)
Maintenance$4,752 (8%)$6,402 (12%)
Insurance$12,725 (22%)$8,500 (16%)
Financing interest$7,290 (13%)$6,789 (13%)
Registration & fees$4,375 (8%)$4,375 (8%)
Total cost of ownership$58,314$51,974

When does the BYD Atto 3 win?

The Hyundai Tucson wins decisively here — $6,340 cheaper over 5 years; at typical assumptions this isn't a close call.

Only heavy drivers flip this one: the BYD Atto 3 needs more than about 27,000 km/yr to beat the Hyundai Tucson.

What decides the BYD Atto 3 vs Hyundai Tucson verdict

One line outweighs everything else here: depreciation. It costs $24,638 on the BYD Atto 3 against $17,986 on the Hyundai Tucson — a $6,652 swing to the Hyundai Tucson, bigger than the $6,340 that separates the two 5-year totals. On the BYD Atto 3, depreciation alone is 42% of its $58,314 total; on the Hyundai Tucson it is 35% of $51,974.

  • Insurance: BYD Atto 3 $12,725, Hyundai Tucson $8,500 — $4,225 more in the Hyundai Tucson's favor.
  • Energy: $4,534 of charging for the BYD Atto 3 vs $7,922 of petrol for the Hyundai Tucson — $3,388 the other way, to the BYD Atto 3.
  • Maintenance: BYD Atto 3 $4,752, Hyundai Tucson $6,402 — $1,650 the other way, to the BYD Atto 3.

Energy is the BYD Atto 3's strong suit: $3,388 back, 53% of the Hyundai Tucson's lead — just not enough to turn it. The BYD Atto 3 starts $2,660 behind the Hyundai Tucson at the dealer, and ownership widens it — the 5-year gap grows to $6,340. The Hyundai Tucson is ahead by $2,113 after the first year and more than doubles that lead — $6,340 by year 5.

BYD Atto 3 vs Hyundai Tucson, side by side

Electric

BYD Atto 3

5-yr total cost
$58,314
Cost / month
$972
Cost / km
$0.97
Starting price
$41,760
Powertrain
Electric
Efficiency
15.5 kWh/100km
Petrol Lower 5-yr cost

Hyundai Tucson

5-yr total cost
$51,974
Cost / month
$866
Cost / km
$0.87
Starting price
$39,100
Powertrain
Petrol
Efficiency
8.1 L/100km
Australia electricity
33.00c/kWh AER
Petrol (Australia)
$1.63/L AIP

FAQ

Is the BYD Atto 3 or the Hyundai Tucson cheaper to own over 5 years in Australia?

The Hyundai Tucson stays the cheaper car to own — about $51,974 vs $58,314 for the BYD Atto 3, a $6,340 difference over 5 years.

When does the BYD Atto 3 become cheaper than the Hyundai Tucson?

Only heavy drivers flip this one: the BYD Atto 3 needs more than about 27,000 km/yr to beat the Hyundai Tucson.

How much more does the BYD Atto 3 cost to buy than the Hyundai Tucson?

The BYD Atto 3 starts at $41,760 — $2,660 more than the Hyundai Tucson ($39,100). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $6,340 in favour of the Hyundai Tucson.

Which costs less per km — the BYD Atto 3 or the Hyundai Tucson?

The Hyundai Tucson: $0.87 vs $0.97 per km all-in ($866 vs $972 per month).

Full breakdowns