BYD Dolphin vs Suzuki e Vitara
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 Suzuki e Vitara opens at $36,990. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $40,689 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 Suzuki e Vitara hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 77% for the Suzuki e Vitara.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Dolphin packs more ADAS features with 1 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Suzuki e Vitara.
Both include the essentials: 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 Suzuki e Vitara responds with a Electric Motor making 128kW and 189Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Suzuki e Vitara has the clear power advantage at 128kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Suzuki e Vitara is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 49kWh (Suzuki e Vitara), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 344km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 129kW (Suzuki e Vitara).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 15mm longer than the Suzuki e Vitara at 4,275mm (2,700mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 306L in the Suzuki e Vitara, giving the BYD Dolphin a 2L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 (Suzuki e Vitara). 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 Suzuki e Vitara if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Suzuki e Vitara takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Dolphin and Suzuki e Vitara?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Suzuki e Vitara by $7,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Dolphin has the most range at 427km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Suzuki e Vitara accepts the highest DC charging at up to 129kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Dolphin and Suzuki e Vitara all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 308L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Suzuki e Vitara makes the most power at 128kW. The Suzuki e Vitara is quickest to 100km/h in 9s.
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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