BYD Dolphin vs Hyundai Inster
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 Hyundai Inster opens at $39,000. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $9,010.
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 $42,900 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
The BYD Dolphin holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Inster. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 70% for the Hyundai Inster.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 4 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Inster gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Inster counters with V2L that the BYD Dolphin does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Dolphin gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Hyundai Inster offers cloth.
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 12.3 seconds.
The Hyundai Inster responds with a Electric making 74kW and 147Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.6 seconds.
The Hyundai Inster has the clear power advantage at 74kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Inster is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 42kWh (Hyundai Inster), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 327km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 73kW (Hyundai Inster).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 465mm longer than the Hyundai Inster at 3,825mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 280L in the Hyundai Inster, giving the BYD Dolphin a 28L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Dolphin takes 6 of 11 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Dolphin adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Dolphin and Hyundai Inster?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Inster by $9,010.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Dolphin has the most range at 427km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai Inster accepts the highest DC charging at up to 73kW.
Which is safest?
The BYD Dolphin has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 308L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Inster makes the most power at 74kW. The Hyundai Inster is quickest to 100km/h in 10.6s.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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