Hyundai Inster vs BYD Dolphin
Two electric Hatchbacks 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 Hyundai Inster starts from $33,000 before on-road costs, while the BYD Dolphin opens at $29,990. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $3,010.
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 $36,300 and $32,989 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 Hyundai Inster and BYD Dolphin hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 89% for the BYD Dolphin.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Inster packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 74kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.6 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin responds with a Electric making 70kW and 180Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The Hyundai Inster has the clear power advantage at 74kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Dolphin is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 42kWh (Hyundai Inster) vs 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin), giving WLTP ranges of 327km and 340km. DC fast charging peaks at 73kW (Hyundai Inster) vs 60kW (BYD Dolphin).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 465mm shorter than the BYD Dolphin at 4,290mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 308L in the BYD Dolphin, giving the BYD Dolphin a 28L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m diameter
Good
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: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
The BYD Dolphin takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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