BYD Dolphin vs Kia EV3
Two electric cars 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 Kia EV3 opens at $48,315. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $18,325.
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 $53,147 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 Kia EV3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 83% for the Kia EV3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia EV3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Dolphin and 7 in the Kia EV3.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Kia EV3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Dolphin stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia EV3. The Kia EV3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Kia EV3 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 283Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV3 is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 559km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 101kW (Kia EV3).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 10mm shorter than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 310L in the Kia EV3, giving the Kia EV3 a 2L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV3 takes 8 of 9 key spec categories. The Kia EV3 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Kia EV3?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV3 by $18,325.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV3 has the most range at 436km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 101kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Dolphin and Kia EV3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV3 has the largest boot at 310L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV3 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV3 makes the most power at 150kW. The Kia EV3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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