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Hyundai Kona vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (23,600 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai Kona or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Hyundai Kona vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Hyundai Kona

4.6 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • barely more efficient
  • noticeably more electric range
  • somewhat quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
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BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
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  • moderately cheaper
  • barely lighter
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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

Kona

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 moderately cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Hyundai Kona costs 23,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,866 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Hyundai Kona is barely more efficient: consuming 14.6 kWh/100km compared to 15.5 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin Surf. That’s a difference of about 0.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Hyundai Kona offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 510 km, about 188 km more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

Dolphin Surf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Hyundai Kona offers markedly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 48 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Hyundai Kona is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 8.1 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Kona delivers slightly more torque with 265 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 45 Nm more.

Kona

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.

Seats: Hyundai Kona offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is barely lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,370 kg. The difference is around 76 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Hyundai Kona offers visibly more boot space – 466 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 158 L.

When it comes to payload, the Hyundai Kona carries markedly more – 490 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 146 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Kona 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 £23,600
Kona

Hyundai Kona

  • Engine Type Petrol, Full Hybrid, Electric
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 115 - 204 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.6 - 7 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.6 - 16.1 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 380 - 510 km
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Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin Surf
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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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Hyundai Kona
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a compact crossover that pairs bold styling with practical everyday usability, offering a comfortable cabin and intuitive tech for modern drivers. Available in both conventional and electrified versions, Kona brings lively handling and strong value for buyers who want crossover versatility and standout character.

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Reviews Hyundai Kona

4.6 (9 Reviews)
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OLGA
12 Jun 2026, 00:41:55

I feel very safe driving the Kona. I’ve been driving since I was 24 and I’m 76. I’ve had many brands — BMW X3, BMW X5, Ford, Peugeot, Renault — all very good brands, but the Kona seduced me and I don’t want to change; it’s just that the 2026 version isn’t coming into Argentina.

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
Paul Corkish
8 Jun 2026, 11:47:29

About to buy my new 3rd Kona (2nd N line Hybrid)

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
Austin
21 May 2026, 19:30:33

Better fit for is 6'3" people

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
TOTO
20 May 2026, 11:23:42

The Kona is an SUV that delivers, especially in terms of driving comfort. It's noticeably easier to get into and settle into as you get older. Less feisty than the MG4 but slightly more economical.

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
Hans
23 Apr 2026, 11:02:05

More modern car with much more advanced technology than the S-Cross. The S-Cross is functional, economical and good, but dated.

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

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

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Hyundai Kona
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
23,600 - 41,900 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
4.6 - 7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.6 - 16.1 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
380 - 510 km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 163 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,370 - 1,773 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
466 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
420 - 490 kg
Payload
344 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 204 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 11.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
200 - 265 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
998 - 1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E, F, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
BYD
Is the Hyundai Kona offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-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.