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 $33,000. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $3,010.
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 $36,300 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 Hyundai Inster hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 70% for the Hyundai Inster.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Inster packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. 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 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 BYD Dolphin is 0.1s 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 diameter
Good
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 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 9 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.
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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