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BYD Dolphin vs Vauxhall Frontera comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 145 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 20,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Vauxhall Frontera?

BYD Dolphin vs Vauxhall Frontera: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • marginally more efficient
  • very slightly more electric range
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • moderately lighter
  • markedly 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:

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

Vauxhall Frontera is substantially cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,957 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is marginally more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 16.7 kWh/100km for the Vauxhall Frontera. That’s a difference of about 0.8 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers very slightly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 27 km more than the Vauxhall Frontera.

Frontera

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 145 HP. That’s roughly 59 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 2.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers visibly more torque with 310 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.

Dolphin

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: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is moderately lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 264 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Vauxhall Frontera offers markedly more boot space – 460 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 115 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries clearly more – 570 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 160 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Vauxhall Frontera has only a minor advantage 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 £20,700
Frontera

Vauxhall Frontera

  • Engine Type Electric, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 110 - 145 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.2 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 308 - 400 km
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Frequently compared as well

Opel Frontera
Opel Mokka
VS
Comparing the Opel Frontera and the Opel Mokka highlights two very different takes on the SUV idea: the Frontera is a rugged, older off‑road capable SUV, while the Mokka is a modern compact crossover built for city life and efficiency. This short guide will walk through their real‑world strengths …
BYD Dolphin
BYD Atto 2
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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
Vauxhall Frontera

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.

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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

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera is a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that balances off-road capability with comfortable everyday driving. It offers straightforward mechanics and a practical cabin, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value durability over flash.

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NewOpelFronteraElectric
NewOpelFronteraElectric (1)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (2)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (3)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (4)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (5)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (7)

Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
Pascal
5 Jun 2026, 04:10:37

A thoroughly bad cheap car. Feels like a C3 Aircross for the poor.

That's a reason to change employers! Terrible car.

It already has a nickname, "Klapperchen"

I think any Dacia is better!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Roch
18 May 2026, 10:12:50

Automatic gearbox and certain features, like the windshield wipers that aren’t optional; the trunk capacity is larger on the 5-seat Frontera.

Wolfgang
6 May 2026, 04:24:52

I just like the Opel better (maybe only because I'm very disappointed in VW and therefore also in its subsidiaries).

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
Gilbert
14 Apr 2026, 08:19:17

I bought the Opel Frontera GS 145PS after also testing the VW T‑Roc; so far I've driven about 5,800 km in it.

My purchase decision was based on the following criteria:
- modern design that stands out from the crowd
- low fuel consumption
- very good seats and plenty of space front and rear
- large, practical boot
- good performance characteristics
- very easy to get into
- simple controls, partly with physical buttons
- clear, well‑laid‑out cockpit

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
H. P.
19 Dec 2025, 13:27:19

Opel has clearly skimped here. Misaligned panel gaps, no position/parking light, patchy workmanship and ill‑fitting parts — for example the partition between the passenger footwell and the engine bay — the owner's manual is inadequate and at times reads like a fairy tale; many of the functions it describes are nowhere to be found. They simply don't exist. And the claimed fuel consumption? Even with normal driving — that is, without acceleration orgies — it's unattainable.

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

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The Frontera feels like a bruiser from the analogue era — raw, rugged and surprisingly capable off-road, ideal if you crave adventure and don't mind a bit of mechanical charm. The Grandland, by contrast, is a slick, family-friendly crossover loaded with modern tech, efficient engines and a …
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The Dacia Duster is the sensible new-school pick — affordable, economical and surprisingly well packaged with modern safety and infotainment for the money; the Opel Frontera, meanwhile, is a proper old-school body-on-frame bruiser that still appeals to buyers who prize simple, rugged off-road …
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 …
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The Ford Puma feels like a sprightly urban fox — compact, efficient and packed with modern tech, perfect if you want lively handling and low running costs for daily driving. The Opel Frontera is all rugged charm and chunky presence, built for dirt tracks and weekend hauls rather than tight city …
Kia Sportage
Opel Frontera
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The Kia Sportage and Vauxhall Frontera take very different approaches to the SUV market — the Sportage emphasizes everyday practicality, refinement and value, while the Frontera leans toward rugged capability and simple, go-anywhere robustness. In this head-to-head we’ll compare driving feel, …
MG ZS
Opel Frontera
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The MG ZS and Opel Frontera make very different promises: the ZS is a modern, budget-friendly compact SUV focused on efficiency and daily comfort, while the Frontera is a more traditional, rugged SUV aimed at tougher terrain and towing. Below I’ll compare them across space, driving dynamics, …
BYD Dolphin
Vauxhall Frontera

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
308 - 400 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 - 118 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
460 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
436 - 570 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
Brand
BYD
Brand
Vauxhall
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.