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BYD Dolphin vs Kia Picanto comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 68 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 15,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Kia Picanto?

BYD Dolphin vs Kia Picanto: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h

Kia Picanto

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • clearly lighter

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 Picanto is considerably cheaper – starting at 15,300 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,391 £.

Picanto

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 substantially more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 68 HP. That’s roughly 136 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Kia Picanto takes 14.6 s. That’s about 7.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers clearly more torque with 310 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 214 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 Picanto is clearly lighter – 1,124 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 534 kg.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin carries moderately more – 410 kg compared to 332 kg. That’s a difference of about 78 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin stands well ahead of its rival 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 is a zippy, compact EV built for urban life — efficient, easy to park and kind on the wallet, making it a brilliant daily driver for city dwellers. The BYD Atto 2 swaps hatchback frugality for crossover comfort and tech, offering more space, range and kit for buyers who value …
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 Picanto

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
E3343F48-6402-43F6-BA2F-1FB1F8EFCE7F
000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6

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 Picanto

Kia Picanto is a cheeky city hatch that squeezes surprising style, practicality and a smile-inducing drive into a pocket-friendly package. It’s ideal for urban buyers who want fuss-free running, effortless parking and a car that punches above its class without pretending to be anything it’s not.

details
Kia_Picanto_GT_Line_MJ21_01
Kia_Picanto_GT_Line_MJ21_03
Kia Picanto X-Line_02
Kia_Picanto_MJ22_Innen_01

Reviews Kia Picanto

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate

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

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
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If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
Kia Picanto
Toyota Aygo
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Kia Picanto is the sensible choice — roomier, better equipped and more grown-up to drive, so it suits buyers who want a proper small car without compromises. The Toyota Aygo is the cheeky, city-savvy toy: cheaper to run and full of character, but falls short on space and refinement compared with …
Kia Picanto
Toyota Yaris
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The Kia Picanto is a cheeky city sparrow: tiny, cheap to buy and park, and surprisingly fun to hustle through tight streets if you don’t need boot space or long‑distance refinement. The Toyota Yaris, meanwhile, feels grown‑up by comparison — roomier, safer and available as an economical hybrid, so …
BYD Dolphin
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In the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market, the BYD Dolphin and Kia EV3 stand out with their unique features and modern designs. The Dolphin boasts impressive range and efficiency, catering to eco-conscious drivers, while the EV3 impresses with its sporty handling and advanced …
BYD Dolphin
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In a head-to-head comparison, the BYD Dolphin and VW ID.3 stand out in the rapidly evolving EV market, each offering unique strengths. The Dolphin impresses with its affordability and efficiency, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for great range and technological …
Hyundai i20
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In the highly competitive subcompact segment, the Hyundai i20 and Kia Picanto both offer a blend of style, efficiency, and advanced technology. While the i20 impresses with its spacious interior and robust performance, the Picanto stands out with its nimble handling and vibrant aesthetics. …
Kia Picanto
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When comparing the Kia Picanto and the Kia Stonic, both models showcase the brand's commitment to stylish design and impressive efficiency. The Picanto stands out with its compact size, making it perfect for urban driving, while the Stonic offers a more rugged look and additional cargo space, …
BYD Dolphin
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The BYD Dolphin and Hyundai Kona compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
BYD Dolphin
Kia Picanto

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
15,300 - 19,300 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 5.9 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
126 - 134 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,124 - 1,131 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
4,290 mm
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,595 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
253 - 332 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
68 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
14.6 - 17.2 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
96 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
50 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
998 cm3

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
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.