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Vauxhall Frontera vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (20,700 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Frontera or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Vauxhall Frontera vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Vauxhall Frontera

4.4 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more electric range
  • markedly more trunk space
details

BYD Dolphin Surf

  • barely cheaper
  • only slightly more power
  • barely more efficient
  • only 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

Frontera

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

BYD Dolphin Surf is barely cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Vauxhall Frontera costs 20,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,029 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin Surf is barely more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 15.8 kWh/100km for the Vauxhall Frontera. That’s a difference of about 0.3 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Vauxhall Frontera offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 408 km, about 86 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 BYD Dolphin Surf offers only slightly more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 11 HP more horsepower.

Both models accelerate almost equally fast – 9.1 s from 0 to 100 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Vauxhall Frontera delivers very slightly more torque with 230 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 10 Nm more.

Frontera

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: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is only slightly lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,394 kg. The difference is around 100 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Vauxhall Frontera offers markedly more boot space – 460 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 152 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries visibly more – 570 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 226 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Vauxhall Frontera 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 £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
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Frequently compared as well

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Vauxhall Frontera
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera is a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that balances off-road capability with comfortable everyday driving. It offers straightforward mechanics and a practical cabin, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value durability over flash.

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NewOpelFronteraElectric (2)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (3)
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Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.4 (6 Reviews)
rate
Roch
18 May 2026, 10:12:50

Automatic gearbox and certain features, like the windshield wipers that aren’t optional; the trunk capacity is larger on the 5-seat Frontera.

Wolfgang
6 May 2026, 04:24:52

I just like the Opel better (maybe only because I'm very disappointed in VW and therefore also in its subsidiaries).

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
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 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

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

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Vauxhall Frontera
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
308 - 408 km
Electric Range
220 - 322 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
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
436 - 570 kg
Payload
344 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
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
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.