BYD Dolphin vs Hyundai Kona Electric
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
BYD Dolphin scores higher, 76 vs 70
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 10 Nov 2026, price 14 Nov 2026
BYD Dolphin
16 of 27 standard · no option data · 4 not offered · 7 no dataFrom
$29,990
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- Hatchback
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 70kW
- Energy use
- 15.8 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2023
- Boot (seats up)
- 345L
Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 70
BYD Australia offer: $28,888 drive-away (state not stated), ends 15 Dec 2026. Terms
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Hyundai Kona Electric
16 of 27 standard · no option data · 7 not offered · 4 no dataFrom
$46,000
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 99kW
- Energy use
- 14.8 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★4 · 2023
- Boot (seats up)
- 407L
Hyundai Australia offer: $43,990 drive-away (state not stated), ends 31 Dec 2026. See the offer
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Manufacturer offer
Ends 15 Dec 2026
Offer from BYD Australia, checked 12 Nov 2026
T&Cs apply, as the manufacturer prints them. Eligibility, stock and build limits vary, so confirm the offer with the dealer.
Hyundai Kona Electric: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$29,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Rain-Sensing Wipers and Wireless Phone Charging not offered
$46,000RRP
- cannot be matched: 360-Degree Camera and Electric Driver Seat not offered
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
BYD Dolphin Essential
$29,990
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 14 Nov 2026
$28,888 drive-away in VIC, as published by BYD Australia
Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range 99kW
$46,000
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 15 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
Both totals exclude servicing and insurance, so the lowest is on the same parts.
Every column on the same basis: 15,000 km a year (fixed for every comparison) in VIC, repayment assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Each car's fuel or charging price is in its own breakdown. Estimate only, not a quote or an offer of credit.
Both totals exclude servicing and insurance, so the lowest is on the same parts.
Cash outlay over 5 years: the deposit, the repayments and the running costs. Excludes resale value. Every column on the same basis: 15,000 km a year in VIC, repayment assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Estimate only, not a quote or an offer of credit.
On the rated figures, the BYD Dolphin leads on standard features per $10,000: 5.3 per $10,000 on RRP (16 of 19 standard) for the BYD Dolphin; 3.5 per $10,000 on RRP (16 of 19 standard) for the Hyundai Kona Electric. On the rated figures, the BYD Dolphin leads on price per km of range: $88 per km of range on RRP for the BYD Dolphin; $124 per km of range on RRP for the Hyundai Kona Electric. On the rated figures, the BYD Dolphin leads on price per kw: $428 per kW on RRP for the BYD Dolphin; $465 per kW on RRP for the Hyundai Kona Electric. On the rated figures, the BYD Dolphin leads on price per litre of boot: $87 per litre of boot on RRP for the BYD Dolphin; $113 per litre of boot on RRP for the Hyundai Kona Electric. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.
The BYD Dolphin starts $16,010 lower on RRP.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), which applies to salary-sacrificed novated leases.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$111/wk(≈$479/mo)
Estimate on the BYD Dolphin at $28,888 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the BYD DolphinDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Dolphin has the higher ANCAP rating: 5 stars (2023) against 4 stars (2023), both tested 2023. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The BYD Dolphin adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Kona Electric misses.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 7 of 10 key systems on the BYD Dolphin and 7 on the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
BYD Dolphin
None open on our record
Hyundai Kona Electric
- REC-006586 · published 9 Apr 2026A software issue in the Battery Management System (BMS) may cause an electrical short circuit while charging or parked leading to a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2023
- REC-001592 · published 23 Aug 2021Due to a manufacturing defect, the battery does not meet specifications and may lead to an electrical short which could start a fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- REC-000605 · published 28 Jan 2021A software fault in the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) may significantly reduce braking performance.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 1 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging and range
The rated figures side by side: electric range and fuel use with the battery depleted for a plug-in hybrid or range extender, the km each battery-electric car adds overnight on its own onboard charger, and the DC time in the window each document prints.
| 2026 BYD Dolphin Essential | 2027 Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range 99kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Battery electric |
| Added overnight, 10A power point (2.4 kW)Level: within 5%. | 158 km in 10 h | 162 km in 10 h |
| Added overnight, 7.4 kW wallbox | 295 km in 10 hCapped: this car accepts 7 kW AC, a full battery | 500 km in 10 h |
| Added overnight, 11 kW three-phase | 295 km in 10 hCapped: this car accepts 7 kW AC, a full battery | 703 km in 10 hCapped: this car accepts 10.4 kW AC |
| DC fast charge, as printedNo data for the Hyundai Kona Electric. | 35 min, 0-80% | No data |
| Charging connector | CCS2 | Type 2 (AC) / CCS Combo 2 (DC) |
| Portable charger supplied | Supplied | No data |
| Type 2 cable supplied | No data | No data |
| Front boot | No data | 27 L |
- Km added in 10 hours: the charger rate, capped by the car's own onboard charger, over its own rated energy use. A car without an onboard charger or energy figure is No data, never an assumed rate.
- DC times are printed only in the window the document gives (0-80% or 10-80%). Different windows are not one measure, so nobody leads across them.
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
How long to charge
44.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
Same as public DC: this car caps at 60kW
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 60kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
48.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.4kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
What's in the boxBYD Dolphin
- Portable chargerSupplied
- Type 2 cableNo data
From the manufacturer's own equipment list for this car. A Type 2 cable is what an untethered public AC post needs; a portable charger plugs into a household socket.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Dolphin stands out with V2L: features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with wireless charging. 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 Kona Electric offers premium cloth.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
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 Kona Electric responds with a Electric making 99kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the clear power advantage at 99kW vs 70kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 48.6kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 370km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 100kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 65mm shorter than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,355mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 62L advantage.
Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the BYD Dolphin's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 10.4 m against 10.6 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.
Front boot (frunk)
BYD Dolphin
No data
Hyundai Kona Electric
27 L
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BYD Dolphin costs about $684 a year (15.8 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity) and electricity for the Hyundai Kona Electric about $666 a year (14.8 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity). That is $18 a year less for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
The weekly and 5-year figures in the price section above add repayments, rego, servicing and tyres to this; use our Fuel Cost Calculator for your own driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000 km (BYD Dolphin) and 5 years / unlimited km (Hyundai Kona Electric).
- The Hyundai Kona Electric costs $16,010 more on RRP and $16 a year less in energy at 15,000 km a year: the gap closes only beyond 300,000 km.
Energy only. Excludes servicing, rego, insurance, finance interest and resale. Prices are compared only on one basis.
Where each one leads
The BYD Dolphin: the lower starting price ($29,990 against $46,000) and the longer warranty not tied to dealer servicing (6 years against 5).
The Hyundai Kona Electric: more power (99kW against 70kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (407L against 345L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($666 a year against $684).
The Verdict
BYD Dolphin scores higher, 76 vs 70
The BYD Dolphin scores 76 to the Hyundai Kona Electric's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 10 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: technology (BYD Dolphin ahead by 20 points), safety (BYD Dolphin ahead by 18 points), performance (Hyundai Kona Electric ahead by 14 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Kona Electric costs about $18 less (14.8 kWh/100km against 15.8 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity). Boot space with the seats up: 345L in the BYD Dolphin, 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$111/wk(≈$479/mo)
Estimate on the BYD Dolphin at $28,888 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the BYD DolphinDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Dolphin and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona Electric by $16,010.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the most range at 370km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai Kona Electric accepts the highest DC charging at up to 100kW.
Which is safest?
The BYD Dolphin has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars (2023).
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the largest boot at 407L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty that does not depend on dealer servicing at 6 years / 150,000 km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Kona Electric makes the most power at 99kW.
Track the BYD Dolphin & Hyundai Kona Electric
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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