BYD Dolphin vs Kia EV5

Price and cost per week

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; 3.0 per $10,000 on RRP (17 of 19 standard) for the Kia EV5. 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; $142 per km of range on RRP for the Kia EV5. On the rated figures, the Kia EV5 leads on price per kw: $428 per kW on RRP for the BYD Dolphin; $355 per kW on RRP for the Kia EV5. 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; $111 per litre of boot on RRP for the Kia EV5. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BYD Dolphin at 5 stars (2023) and the Kia EV5 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 88% for the Kia EV5, under different test years.

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. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Dolphin and 7 in the Kia EV5. The BYD Dolphin adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV5 misses.

Recalls on our record

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.

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.

Feature Showdown

The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV5 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 Apple CarPlay: features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BYD Dolphin gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Kia EV5 offers cloth & artificial leather.

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 Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 70kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Kia EV5 is 3.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 64.2kWh (Kia EV5), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 400km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 150kW (Kia EV5).

Space & Comfort

The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 325mm shorter than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 513L in the Kia EV5, giving the Kia EV5 a 168L 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 1.3 m tighter, 10.4 m against 11.7 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

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 Kia EV5 about $819 a year (18.2 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity). That is $135 a year less for the BYD Dolphin.

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 7 years / unlimited km (Kia EV5).

Where each one leads

The BYD Dolphin: the lower starting price ($29,990 against $56,770) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($684 a year against $819).

The Kia EV5: more power (160kW against 70kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (513L against 345L) and the longer warranty (7 years against 6).

The Verdict

BYD Dolphin scores higher, 76 vs 71

The BYD Dolphin scores 76 to the Kia EV5's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 10 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Kia EV5 ahead by 27 points), technology (BYD Dolphin ahead by 23 points), energy efficiency (BYD Dolphin ahead by 16 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BYD Dolphin costs about $135 less (15.8 kWh/100km against 18.2 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity). Boot space with the seats up: 345L in the BYD Dolphin, 513L in the Kia EV5. Warranty: 6 years on the BYD Dolphin, 7 on the Kia EV5.

Common questions