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BYD Dolphin vs Toyota RAV4 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 309 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Toyota RAV4?

BYD Dolphin vs Toyota RAV4: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
details

Toyota RAV4

4.8 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally 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.

BYD Dolphin is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Toyota RAV4 costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,014 £.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers significantly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 290 km more than the Toyota RAV4.

RAV4

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 Toyota RAV4 offers visibly more power – delivering 309 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 105 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Toyota RAV4 is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 5.8 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 1.2 s quicker.

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, Toyota RAV4 is marginally lighter – 1,655 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 3 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Toyota RAV4 offers visibly more boot space – 514 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 169 L.

When it comes to payload, the Toyota RAV4 carries noticeably more – 610 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 200 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin comes out clearly 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 £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 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
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
Toyota RAV4

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

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a well-rounded compact SUV that pairs everyday practicality with a comfortable, composed ride and generous cargo space, making it a sensible choice for families and active lifestyles. Its strong reputation for reliability, efficient drivetrains, and straightforward technology gives it wide appeal whether you value economy, comfort, or capability.

details
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Reviews Toyota RAV4

4.8 (8 Reviews)
rate
Mariana González
5 Jan 2026, 23:15:27

I love it — it’s super comfortable, I’ve never had any trouble with it, very reliable and stable.

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

Frequently compared as well

BYD Seal U
Toyota RAV4
VS
BYD Seal U is a sleek, driver‑focused electric newcomer that delivers brisk, silent acceleration, cutting‑edge tech and impressive running‑cost savings — it’s the car that makes you forget what an internal‑combustion soundtrack sounded like. The Toyota RAV4 sticks to its strengths: rugged, roomy …
BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
VS
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 …
Toyota RAV4
Volvo XC60
VS
The Toyota RAV4 is the no-nonsense, go-anywhere compact SUV that scores on reliability, fuel economy and roomy practicality — ideal if you want low fuss, sensible running costs and maximum value. The Volvo XC60 swaps thrift for Scandinavian refinement, with a classier cabin, advanced safety tech …
Toyota RAV4
Dacia Bigster
VS
Put the ever-reliable Toyota RAV4 next to the newcomer Dacia Bigster and you get two sensible SUVs with very different appeals: the RAV4 delivers years of refinement, hybrid efficiency and a quietly premium cabin, while the Bigster trades polish for cavernous space and a wallet-friendly price. If …
Skoda Kodiaq
Toyota RAV4
VS
If you need seven seats, cavernous boot space and a grown-up ride, the Škoda Kodiaq is the sensible family hero that gets the job done without drama; it’s spacious, refined and embarrasses smaller SUVs at the supermarket run. The Toyota RAV4, meanwhile, is the rugged, hybrid-savvy all-rounder — …
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
Toyota RAV4
VS
The Corolla Touring Sports is the pragmatic estate: lower, nimbler and generally more economical, with a clever loadbay that keeps luggage organized without the SUV tax. The RAV4, by contrast, gives you a taller driving position, more interior room and light off‑road chops — it's the tougher, more …
Mercedes GLC
Toyota RAV4
VS
Choosing between the Mercedes GLC and the Toyota RAV4 comes down to whether you prioritize luxury and driving refinement or practicality and low running costs. The GLC brings a more premium cabin, sharper handling and advanced tech, while the RAV4 focuses on reliability, fuel efficiency and …
Suzuki Across
Toyota RAV4
VS
The Suzuki Across feels like the RAV4's cheeky twin — the same sharp plug‑in hybrid drivetrain and near-identical performance, just wearing Suzuki's badge and a slightly different face. If you want proven Toyota ubiquity and resale strength, stick with the RAV4; if you fancy the same tech with a …
BYD Dolphin
Toyota RAV4

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
37,700 - 54,200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
133 - 137 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
30 - 121 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
1,655 - 1,960 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
446 - 514 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,880 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
515 - 610 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
185 - 309 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 - 8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
136 - 227 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D, B
Brand
BYD
Brand
Toyota
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.