BYD Dolphin vs BYD Atto 1
Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 1 opens at $23,990. That makes the BYD Atto 1 the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $32,989 and $26,389 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 82% for the BYD Atto 1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 1 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Dolphin and 6 in the BYD Atto 1.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Atto 1 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The BYD Dolphin uses a Electric producing 70kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The BYD Atto 1 responds with a Electric making 65kW and 175Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin has the clear power advantage at 70kW vs 65kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 1 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 30.1kWh (BYD Atto 1), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 220km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 60kW (BYD Atto 1).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 300mm longer than the BYD Atto 1 at 3,990mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 440L in the BYD Atto 1, giving the BYD Atto 1 a 132L advantage. The BYD Dolphin seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 1 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 1 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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