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BYD Dolphin Surf vs Kia Niro comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 138 HP), boot space and price (19,700 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin Surf or Kia Niro?

BYD Dolphin Surf vs Kia Niro: Key differences

BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • a bit more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit lighter
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Kia Niro

4.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more trunk space
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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

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

Dolphin Surf

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BYD Dolphin Surf is considerably cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Kia Niro costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,429 £.

Niro

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BYD Dolphin Surf offers a bit more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 18 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin Surf is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 9.1 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia Niro delivers a bit more torque with 265 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 45 Nm more.

Dolphin Surf

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

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

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is a bit lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,474 kg. The difference is around 180 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Niro offers clearly more boot space – 451 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 143 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Niro carries noticeably more – 466 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 122 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin Surf is decisively ahead 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 £19,700
Dolphin Surf

BYD Dolphin Surf

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 88 - 156 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 220 - 322 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin Surf
Renault Twingo
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We pit the cheeky BYD Dolphin Surf against the compact Renault Twingo to find out which small car deserves your city-driving crown. The Dolphin Surf brings electric refinement and modern tech to the party, while the Twingo trades on nimble handling and fuss-free simplicity — your choice depends on …
BYD Dolphin Surf
MG MG4 Urban
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The BYD Dolphin Surf and the MG4 Urban are compact electric hatchbacks that target buyers who want a practical, tech-rich EV without blowing the budget. This comparison focuses on range, performance, interior space, and value to help you pick the better fit for daily driving and city life.
BYD Dolphin Surf
Kia Niro

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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Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
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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 Niro

The Kia Niro is a practical crossover that blends economy and everyday versatility without sacrificing comfort. With a roomy, well-laid-out cabin and calm, composed handling, it’s an easy-to-live-with choice for commuters and families.

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Kia_Niro_HEV_22
Kia_Niro_HEV_05
Kia_Niro_HEV_13

Reviews Kia Niro

4.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
pip
11 Jul 2026, 08:42:12

nice size, roomy for passengers, lots of bells and whistles as standard, magnificent fuel economy,well made , 7 year warranty

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
Archi
25 Mar 2026, 13:11:41

Efficient, functional, understated, spacious and comfortable. No surprises: it delivers what it promises and does its job without fanfare. Good buy.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Wolfgang Schäfer
21 Oct 2025, 14:01:32

I've been driving the Kia Niro since 2019 and am still very happy with this car.

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin Surf
VS
The BYD Dolphin and the sportier Dolphin Surf share the same efficient electric bones, but the Surf adds visual muscle, slightly firmer suspension and sharper steering for anyone craving a bit more attitude. Inside they’re twins — clever packaging, roomy rear seats and a useful boot — so the Surf’s …
Kia EV3
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The Kia EV3 arrives like a tech-savvy upstart — all-electric, sharp to drive and crammed with the latest infotainment and safety kit, ideal if you want a compact crossover that feels like the future. The Niro, meanwhile, stays the sensible all‑rounder: proven, roomy and available as a hybrid, …
Hyundai Inster
BYD Dolphin Surf
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The Hyundai Inster and the BYD Dolphin Surf are two fresh contenders in the compact car segment, each taking a different approach to styling, technology and everyday practicality. This comparison will highlight the key differences in comfort, efficiency, driving feel and value so you can pick the …
Toyota Yaris
BYD Dolphin Surf
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Comparing the Toyota Yaris and the BYD Dolphin gives a clear look at two small cars taking very different paths—one built on proven compact efficiency, the other pushing electric innovation and fresh styling. If you’re weighing traditional reliability and fuel economy against modern EV tech and …
Kia Niro
Toyota Yaris Cross
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The Kia Niro feels like the sensible crossover hero — roomy, composed and blessed with a polished hybrid system that trims fuel bills without stripping comfort. The Toyota Yaris Cross is smaller and cheekier, nailing city agility and frugal running costs, so pick the Niro for family practicality …
BYD Dolphin Surf
Leapmotor T03
VS
The BYD Dolphin Surf and Leapmotor T03 are compact electric city cars that compete on price, practicality and range but take different approaches: the Dolphin Surf leans toward longer range, more interior space and richer features, while the T03 focuses on ultra-affordability, low running costs and …
BYD Dolphin Surf
Kia EV2
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BYD Dolphin Surf and Kia EV2 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the BYD Dolphin Surf or the …
Kia Niro
Toyota C-HR
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Choosing between the Kia Niro and the Toyota C-HR comes down to whether you prioritize efficiency and practicality or bold styling and a sportier ride. This quick comparison highlights the Niro’s roomy, fuel-efficient approach versus the C-HR’s striking design and agile feel to help you pick the …
BYD Dolphin Surf
Kia Niro

Costs and Consumption
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
102 - 111 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
4
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Curb weight
1,474 kg
Trunk capacity
308 L
Trunk capacity
451 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,720 mm
Width
1,825 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
344 kg
Payload
466 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Power HP
138 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Torque
265 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Power kW
102 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
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.