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 $39,000 before on-road costs, while the BYD Dolphin opens at $29,990. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $9,010.
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 $42,900 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
The BYD Dolphin holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Inster. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 89% for the BYD Dolphin.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 4 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the BYD Dolphin gets a 12.8-inch display and 5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Inster stands out with V2L that you will not find on the BYD Dolphin. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Inster gets cloth upholstery while the BYD Dolphin offers synthetic leather.
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 12.3 seconds.
The Hyundai Inster has the clear power advantage at 74kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Inster is 1.7s 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 to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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: 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 11 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Inster by $9,010.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Dolphin has the most range at 427km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai Inster accepts the highest DC charging at up to 73kW.
Which is safest?
The BYD Dolphin has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
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 Hyundai Inster makes the most power at 74kW. The Hyundai Inster is quickest to 100km/h in 10.6s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
