Toyota Yaris vs BYD Dolphin
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.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota Yaris starts from $22,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Dolphin opens at $29,990. That makes the Toyota Yaris 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 $25,289 and $32,989 respectively.
The BYD Dolphin qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota Yaris, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Yaris and BYD Dolphin hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Toyota Yaris and 89% for the BYD Dolphin.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota Yaris and 7 in the BYD Dolphin.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Yaris features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Dolphin gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota Yaris stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the BYD Dolphin. The BYD Dolphin counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Yaris uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 141Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 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 Toyota Yaris has the clear power advantage at 85kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Yaris is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Yaris measures 3,940mm long on a 2,550mm wheelbase, 350mm 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 270L in the Toyota Yaris and 308L in the BYD Dolphin, giving the BYD Dolphin a 38L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.4m
Based on 9.8m 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 (Toyota Yaris) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Yaris if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota Yaris and BYD Dolphin trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the BYD Dolphin has a clear edge. 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, Toyota Yaris and BYD Dolphin?
The Toyota Yaris is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Dolphin by $7,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota Yaris and BYD Dolphin 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 Toyota Yaris makes the most power at 85kW. The Toyota Yaris is quickest to 100km/h in 9.8s.
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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