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Vauxhall Frontera vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (20,700 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Frontera or BYD Dolphin?

Vauxhall Frontera vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

Vauxhall Frontera

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • somewhat lighter
  • visibly more trunk space
details

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • only slightly more electric range
  • visibly 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

Frontera

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Vauxhall Frontera is significantly cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,957 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Vauxhall Frontera is very slightly more efficient: consuming 15.8 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 0.1 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers only slightly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 19 km more than the Vauxhall Frontera.

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 visibly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 59 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 2.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers visibly more torque with 310 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.

Frontera

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: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is somewhat lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 264 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Vauxhall Frontera offers visibly more boot space – 460 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 115 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries noticeably more – 570 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 160 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Vauxhall Frontera comes out modestly 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 £20,700
Frontera

Vauxhall Frontera

  • Engine Type : Electric, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 110 - 145 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.8 - 18.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 308 - 408 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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
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 …
Vauxhall Frontera
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera wears its rugged, go-anywhere intentions proudly, serving up a simple, no-nonsense package that feels as comfortable off the beaten track as it does at the supermarket. It won’t set hearts racing with glamour, but its honest practicality and rugged charm make it a smart pick for buyers who prefer substance over style.

details
NewOpelFronteraElectric
NewOpelFronteraElectric (1)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (2)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (3)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (4)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (5)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (7)

Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
Gilbert
14 Apr 2026, 08:19:17

I bought the Opel Frontera GS 145PS after also testing the VW T‑Roc; so far I've driven about 5,800 km in it.

My purchase decision was based on the following criteria:
- modern design that stands out from the crowd
- low fuel consumption
- very good seats and plenty of space front and rear
- large, practical boot
- good performance characteristics
- very easy to get into
- simple controls, partly with physical buttons
- clear, well‑laid‑out cockpit

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
H. P.
19 Dec 2025, 13:27:19

Opel has clearly skimped here. Misaligned panel gaps, no position/parking light, patchy workmanship and ill‑fitting parts — for example the partition between the passenger footwell and the engine bay — the owner's manual is inadequate and at times reads like a fairy tale; many of the functions it describes are nowhere to be found. They simply don't exist. And the claimed fuel consumption? Even with normal driving — that is, without acceleration orgies — it's unattainable.

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

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

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In a head-to-head comparison, the Citroen C3 Aircross showcases its compact versatility and modern styling, appealing to urban drivers seeking practicality without compromising on flair. On the other hand, the Opel Frontera offers rugged capability and a robust design, perfect for those craving …
Opel Frontera
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The Opel Frontera is a rugged, old-school SUV that trades creature comforts for go-anywhere attitude—perfect for buyers after analogue charm, simple mechanics and mud under the wheel arches. The Opel Mokka is the polished city slicker: compact, efficient and loaded with modern tech and safety …
Opel Frontera
Opel Grandland
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The Frontera feels like a bruiser from the analogue era — raw, rugged and surprisingly capable off-road, ideal if you crave adventure and don't mind a bit of mechanical charm. The Grandland, by contrast, is a slick, family-friendly crossover loaded with modern tech, efficient engines and a …
Opel Frontera
Suzuki Vitara
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The Opel Frontera and Suzuki Vitara are both compact SUVs that appeal to buyers who want a capable, practical vehicle, but they take different approaches — the Frontera leans toward a sturdier, more spacious package while the Vitara focuses on light off-road ability, efficiency and city-friendly …
BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
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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 …
Kia Sportage
Opel Frontera
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The Kia Sportage and Opel Frontera compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Opel Frontera
Renault R4
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The Opel Frontera and Renault R4 compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Opel Frontera
Peugeot 2008
VS
If you want unashamedly rugged, the Opel Frontera still wears its rough‑and‑ready off‑road badge with chunky looks and simple, go‑anywhere mechanics, whereas the Peugeot 2008 plays the smarter, city‑first crossover with sleek styling and the tech you actually use every day. Pick the Frontera for …
Vauxhall Frontera
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
308 - 408 km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 119 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
436 - 570 kg
Payload
410 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Vauxhall
Brand
BYD
What drivetrain options does the Vauxhall Frontera have?

The Vauxhall Frontera 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.