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BYD Dolphin vs Kia Niro comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 138 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Kia Niro?

BYD Dolphin vs Kia Niro: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Kia Niro

4.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • moderately lighter
  • visibly more trunk space
details

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

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.

Kia Niro is marginally cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 557 £.

Niro

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 offers noticeably more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 66 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 4.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers somewhat more torque with 310 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 45 Nm more.

Dolphin

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Niro is moderately lighter – 1,474 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 184 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Niro offers visibly more boot space – 451 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 106 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Niro carries moderately more – 466 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 56 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin is far ahead overall 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 £29,700
Dolphin

BYD Dolphin

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 204 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 427 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
BYD Atto 2
VS
The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2 represent two distinct EV choices from BYD: the Dolphin is a compact, city-oriented hatchback focused on efficiency and nimble urban driving, while the Atto 2 is a compact crossover offering more space, a higher driving position and richer tech. Choose the Dolphin for …
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 …
BYD Dolphin
Kia Niro

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is a cheeky electric hatchback that blends playful styling with surprising practicality, making it a brilliant city companion for buyers who want modern tech without the showroom bravado. It’s comfy, efficient and easy to live with, and while it won’t blind you with supercar drama, it will quietly get the job done with plenty of character.

details
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Reviews BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Mark Kennedy
12 Apr 2026, 17:25:08

Absolute gem of a car, wonderfully smooth and powerful, along with being loaded with tech. By far the best car I've had. Would highly recommend

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
John Maskell
3 Jan 2026, 07:26:24

Loving the dolphin

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
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.

details
Kia_Niro_HEV_08
Kia_Niro_HEV_24
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.

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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 …
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BYD Dolphin
MG MG4 Urban
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As electric hatchbacks aimed at city buyers, the BYD Dolphin and the MG4 Urban offer practical range and strong value but differ in driving character and tech focus. This comparison highlights the key differences in range, interior space, charging, and driving experience so you can pick the better …
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Renault Captur
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In the competitive landscape of compact SUVs, the Kia Niro and Renault Captur both offer distinct advantages catering to urban drivers. The Kia Niro stands out with its hybrid powertrain, delivering remarkable fuel efficiency without compromising on interior space. Meanwhile, the Renault Captur …
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Toyota Yaris
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In the battle of fuel efficiency and practicality, the Kia Niro emerges as a versatile hybrid crossover while the Toyota Yaris stands out as a compact and agile hatchback. The Niro offers a spacious interior and advanced tech features, catering to families and eco-conscious drivers alike, whereas …
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Kia EV2
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Kia Niro 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 Kia Niro or the Kia EV2 is the …
BYD Dolphin
Kia Niro

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
427 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
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,474 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
451 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,825 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 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
204 HP
Power HP
138 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
265 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
102 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
Brand
BYD
Brand
Kia
What drive types are available for the BYD Dolphin?

The BYD Dolphin is available as 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.