BYD Dolphin vs Kia K4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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.
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia K4 opens at $32,090. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $2,100.
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 $35,299 respectively.
The BYD Dolphin qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia K4, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Dolphin holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Kia K4. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 85% for the Kia K4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia K4 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BYD Dolphin.
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 6 in the Kia K4.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
44.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 60kW · 0–80%
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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. 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 K4. The Kia K4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 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 K4 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 Kia K4 responds with a Petrol making 112kW and 192Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Kia K4 has the clear power advantage at 112kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia K4 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 150mm shorter than the Kia K4 at 4,440mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia K4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 438L in the Kia K4, giving the Kia K4 a 93L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.7m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m 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 K4). The Kia K4 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 K4 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 K4 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Kia K4 has a clear edge. The Kia K4 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 K4?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia K4 by $2,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia K4 uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The BYD Dolphin has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia K4 has the largest boot at 438L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia K4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia K4 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia K4 makes the most power at 112kW. The Kia K4 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.8s.
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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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