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Kia Niro vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (138 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Niro or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Kia Niro vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more trunk space
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BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
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  • substantially cheaper
  • slightly more power
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly 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

Niro

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 substantially cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Kia Niro costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,429 £.

Dolphin Surf

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 Surf offers slightly more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 18 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin Surf is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 9.1 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia Niro delivers somewhat more torque with 265 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 45 Nm more.

Niro

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Kia Niro offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is slightly lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,474 kg. The difference is around 180 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Niro offers markedly more boot space – 451 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 143 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Niro carries markedly more – 466 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 122 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin Surf is decisively 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 £19,700
Dolphin Surf

BYD Dolphin Surf

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 88 - 156 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 220 - 322 km
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Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin Surf
MG MG4 Urban
VS
The BYD Dolphin Surf and the MG4 Urban are compact electric hatchbacks that target buyers who want a practical, tech-rich EV without blowing the budget. This comparison focuses on range, performance, interior space, and value to help you pick the better fit for daily driving and city life.
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 …
Kia Niro
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

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Kia_Niro_HEV_22
Kia_Niro_HEV_05
Kia_Niro_HEV_13

Reviews Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
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.

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

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin Surf
Renault Twingo
VS
We pit the cheeky BYD Dolphin Surf against the compact Renault Twingo to find out which small car deserves your city-driving crown. The Dolphin Surf brings electric refinement and modern tech to the party, while the Twingo trades on nimble handling and fuss-free simplicity — your choice depends on …
Hyundai Inster
BYD Dolphin Surf
VS
The Hyundai Inster and the BYD Dolphin Surf are two fresh contenders in the compact car segment, each taking a different approach to styling, technology and everyday practicality. This comparison will highlight the key differences in comfort, efficiency, driving feel and value so you can pick the …
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The Kia EV3 arrives like a tech-savvy upstart — all-electric, sharp to drive and crammed with the latest infotainment and safety kit, ideal if you want a compact crossover that feels like the future. The Niro, meanwhile, stays the sensible all‑rounder: proven, roomy and available as a hybrid, …
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It's the compact-crossover face-off that asks whether you crave wallet-friendly efficiency or a bit more personality: the Kia Niro goes toe-to-toe with the Kia XCeed. One is all about hybrid thrift and everyday practicality; the other flirts with sharper styling and a livelier drive — both sensible …
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Toyota Yaris Cross
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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 …
Kia Niro
Kia Stonic
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The Kia Niro and Kia Stonic step into the compact crossover ring with very different tricks up their sleeves — the Niro is the sensible, efficiency-first all-rounder, while the Stonic is the cheeky, city-savvy funster with a pocket-sized personality. Which one suits your life — long motorway miles …
Dacia Spring
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Dacia Spring and BYD Dolphin Surf 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 Dacia Spring or the …
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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 …
Kia Niro
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 111 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
1,474 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
451 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
466 kg
Payload
344 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
138 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
102 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3
Engine capacity
-

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

The Kia Niro is offered with 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.