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Kia Picanto vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (68 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (15,100 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Picanto or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Kia Picanto vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Kia Picanto

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • moderately lighter
details

BYD Dolphin Surf

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

Picanto

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Kia Picanto is noticeably cheaper – starting at 15,100 £ , while the BYD Dolphin Surf costs 19,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,628 £.

Dolphin Surf

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 Surf offers significantly more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 68 HP. That’s roughly 88 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin Surf is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 9.1 s, while the Kia Picanto takes 14.6 s. That’s about 5.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin Surf delivers significantly more torque with 220 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 124 Nm more.

Picanto

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: Kia Picanto offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Picanto is moderately lighter – 1,124 kg compared to 1,294 kg. The difference is around 170 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin Surf offers slightly more boot space – 308 L compared to 255 L. That’s a difference of about 53 L.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin Surf carries only slightly more – 344 kg compared to 332 kg. That’s a difference of about 12 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin Surf 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 £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
details

Frequently compared as well

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BYD Dolphin Surf
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Kia Picanto
BYD Dolphin Surf

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.

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Kia Picanto X-Line_02
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Reviews Kia Picanto

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate

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

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)
rate
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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Kia Picanto
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
15,100 - 19,500 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 5.9 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
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
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,124 - 1,131 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
255 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,595 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
253 - 332 kg
Payload
344 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
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
14.6 - 17.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
96 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
50 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
998 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
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.