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Kia Picanto vs BYD Dolphin comparison

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

Kia Picanto vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

Kia Picanto

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • considerably lighter
details

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
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

Picanto

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

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 £.

Dolphin

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 BYD Dolphin offers clearly 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 significantly 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 substantially more torque with 310 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 214 Nm more.

Picanto

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Picanto is considerably lighter – 1,124 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 534 kg.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin carries somewhat 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 is clearly superior 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 £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 …
Kia Picanto
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate

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

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

Frequently compared as well

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 …
BYD Dolphin
VW ID.3
VS
Comparing the BYD Dolphin and the Volkswagen ID.3 gives a clear picture of two distinct approaches to compact electric hatchbacks: the Dolphin emphasizes value, efficiency and clever packaging, while the ID.3 leans on refinement, driving dynamics and European build quality. If you prioritise range, …
Kia Picanto
Suzuki Swift
VS
The Kia Picanto and Suzuki Swift are two popular small hatchbacks that balance low running costs with practical, city-friendly dimensions. This comparison focuses on real-world usability, ownership costs and driving experience to help you pick the right one.
Kia Picanto
Toyota Yaris
VS
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 …
Kia Picanto
Opel Corsa
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The Kia Picanto and Vauxhall Corsa are two of the UK’s most popular small hatchbacks, aimed at buyers who want low running costs and easy urban driving. This comparison focuses on practicality, comfort, economy and equipment to help you pick which one suits your needs best.
Kia Picanto
Kia Stonic
VS
The Kia Picanto and Kia Stonic are closely related but aimed at different needs: the Picanto is a pint-sized city hatch built for nimble urban driving and low running costs, while the Stonic is a small crossover that adds higher seating, extra boot space and a more rugged presence. This comparison …
Dacia Sandero
Kia Picanto
VS
Comparing the Dacia Sandero and the Kia Picanto: both are budget-friendly small cars but they appeal to different priorities — the Sandero emphasizes space and low running costs, while the Picanto focuses on compact agility and city-friendly maneuverability. If you need roomy practicality and …
BYD Dolphin
Nissan Micra
VS
Comparing the BYD Dolphin and the Nissan Micra helps buyers choose between a modern electric hatchback and a long-standing compact city car. The Dolphin brings EV range, advanced tech and a fresh design, while the Micra offers proven fuel efficiency, low running costs and familiar practicality.
Kia Picanto
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
15,300 - 19,300 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 5.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
126 - 134 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

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

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

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Kia
Brand
BYD
What drivetrain options does the Kia Picanto have?

The Kia Picanto 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.