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BYD Dolphin Surf vs Kia EV2 comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 147 HP), boot space and price (19,700 £ vs 22,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin Surf or Kia EV2?

BYD Dolphin Surf vs Kia EV2: Key differences

BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • marginally more power
  • markedly lighter
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Kia EV2

3.8 (1 Reviews)
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  • very slightly more efficient
  • noticeably more electric range
  • marginally quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Dolphin Surf

Head-to-head: BYD Dolphin Surf VS Kia EV2 — two small electrics, two different ideas of practicality

The BYD Dolphin Surf and the Kia EV2 occupy the same compact electric space but aim at different buyers: the Dolphin Surf leans hard into city practicality and value, while the EV2 pitches comfort, composure and more usable range for mixed use. BYD sells a bright, well‑equipped city hatchback that sacrifices a conventional five‑seat layout for roomy four‑seat packaging and an aggressive price. Kia answers with a small SUV-shaped package that feels a size up on the road, offers more flexibility in seating and charging, and keeps noise and refinement higher on the priority list. The trade-off is straightforward — BYD trims cost and sharpens urban usability, Kia spends weight and a bit more money to deliver a calmer, more versatile daily driver.

EV2

Character and driving manners

The BYD Dolphin Surf feels light and easy to hustle through town, with a quiet, grown-up electric motor that makes city runs pleasant, but its steering and chassis are tuned for comfort rather than engagement. Kia EV2 prefers serenity: the EV2 feels steadier at pace, with firmer composure and a more planted feel on sweeping roads, even if the steering lacks tactile feedback for enthusiasts. Where BYD’s meek regeneration and cautious brake tuning leave the car feeling a touch disconnected when you push, the EV2’s smarter energy recovery and calmer balance give drivers more predictability on longer stints. Choose BYD if you want nimble, economical city manners; pick the EV2 if you prefer a steadier, more assured cruise beyond the urban grid.

Dolphin Surf

Comfort and long-distance behaviour

On short runs the Dolphin Surf’s soft set-up and quiet cabin make it an easy companion, but that same lightness exposes it to more road noise and an unsettled rear end once speeds climb and motorway distances lengthen. The Kia EV2 is the more convincing long‑distance companion: better insulation, composed damping and a sense of mass make motorway miles less fatiguing even when you cover ground regularly. BYD can be fine for occasional trips, yet its weaker fast-charging envelope and falling efficiency at speed make multi-stop journeys feel more interruptive. If your routine includes regular highway work, the EV2’s temperament and options for extended range pay back in daily usefulness.

Practicality and everyday usability

The Dolphin Surf surprises for its class with comfortable space for four, lots of storage nooks and convenient features like V2L and robust AC charging as standard, but it deliberately omits a middle rear seat and the load area is deep yet narrow with a high lip that complicates bulky cargo. The Kia EV2 offers a more conventional family layout with five-seat capability in most markets, an adaptable boot floor and optional sliding rear seats that increase usefulness for mixed passenger-and-luggage days. BYD’s packaging is cleverly space-efficient for two adults and two children, while Kia’s layout simply fits a broader range of family scenarios and payloads. In short, BYD is the smarter small-car toolbox for urban two-plus-two use; Kia is the more flexible choice if you regularly carry five or bulky items.

Cabin feel, tech and perceived quality

The BYD Dolphin Surf punches above its price with generous standard equipment, a rotating display and surprisingly grown-up materials in high-contact areas, though you'll still find hard plastics and some ergonomics compromises that remind you of its value positioning. The Kia EV2 trades a bit of that early wow for a calmer, cleaner interior with physical climate controls, intuitive screen layouts and generally quieter refinement that reads as more mature. BYD’s driver‑monitoring and some assistance behaviours can feel intrusive in everyday use, whereas Kia’s systems are tuned to be less nagging but hide desirable items behind option packs. If you want a feature-packed cabin straight from the base price, BYD wins for kit; if finish, tactile controls and a more refined ambience matter, the EV2 feels like the small step up.

Who should choose which — buyer fit and next steps

If you’re primarily a city commuter who wants the lowest entry cost, lots of standard safety and tech, frequent home charging and a compact footprint, the BYD Dolphin Surf is the pragmatic pick that rewards urban use and tight budgets. If your week includes longer commutes, heavier loads, or you value a quieter, more comfortable long‑distance experience with the option to scale up charging and range, the Kia EV2 is the more rounded everyday companion. Both cars make logical trade-offs: BYD trades long‑distance polish for price and urban cleverness, Kia trades compact agility and some base kit for refinement and flexibility. Scroll down to the technical comparison to see how those trade-offs translate into range, charging capability, weight and seating configurations so you can match the numbers to your real‑world priorities.

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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Dolphin Surf

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

BYD Dolphin Surf is slightly cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Kia EV2 costs 22,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,095 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Kia EV2 is very slightly more efficient: consuming 15.1 kWh/100km compared to 15.5 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin Surf. That’s a difference of about 0.4 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Kia EV2 offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 453 km, about 131 km more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

EV2

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BYD Dolphin Surf offers marginally more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 147 HP. That’s roughly 9 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia EV2 is marginally quicker – completing the sprint in 8.7 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 0.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia EV2 delivers a bit more torque with 250 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm more.

Dolphin Surf

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Kia EV2 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is markedly lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,620 kg. The difference is around 326 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Kia EV2 carries markedly more – 475 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 131 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia EV2 leads convincingly in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £22,800
EV2

Kia EV2

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 135 - 147 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.1 - 16.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 317 - 453 km
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BYD Dolphin Surf
Kia EV2

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BYD Dolphin Surf

The BYD Dolphin Surf is an intriguing model that combines sleek design with modern electric technology, making it an appealing choice for urban commuters seeking sustainability and style. Its dynamic exterior design is complemented by an interior that prioritizes comfort and functionality, reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation. The model also offers impressive handling and a smooth driving experience, embodying the shift towards eco-friendly transportation.

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BYD_Dolphin_Surf__251_UK05BYD
BYD_Dolphin_Surf__205-1
BYD_Dolphin_Surf__195

Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dieter Schönrock
9 Jun 2026, 07:04:54

The Dolphin Surf is especially appealing because of the entry height and the low step-in. The amount of space is very good. It's a pity it has no towing capacity — around 500–600 kg would be great. The Dolphin Surf is better suited for older people than the R5.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Kia EV2

The Kia EV2 is a compact electric crossover aimed at buyers who want a practical, affordable EV with a modern, well-appointed cabin. It combines comfortable, predictable handling with straightforward tech and efficient everyday usability, making it a sensible choice for daily driving.

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Reviews Kia EV2

3.8 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Price
22,800 - 31,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.1 - 16.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Electric Range
317 - 453 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
4
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Curb weight
1,620 - 1,625 kg
Trunk capacity
308 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,720 mm
Width
1,800 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
344 kg
Payload
400 - 475 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Power HP
135 - 147 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 9.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Torque
250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Power kW
100 - 108 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Kia
What drive types are available for the BYD Dolphin Surf?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.