BYD Dolphin and Kia EV5 are compact electric SUVs aimed at urban and suburban drivers seeking affordable, practical EVs. Both suit buyers looking for daily commuting efficiency with modern features in a small footprint.
The BYD Dolphin offers a range around 420 km (WLTP), while the Kia EV5 reaches approximately 430 km. Charging speeds differ slightly: the Dolphin supports fast charging up to 40 kW, topping up to 80% in about an hour, whereas the EV5 handles faster DC charging at 77 kW, cutting charging time nearly in half.

Price-wise, the BYD Dolphin sits lower, targeting budget-conscious buyers, while the Kia EV5 is positioned slightly higher, reflecting added tech and features. Both are widely available in key EV markets in Asia and Europe. This comparison helps you decide which EV balances range, charging, and cost for city and short highway driving.
BYD Dolphin
• Pros: Efficient for city driving, compact size eases parking, lower entry price.
• Cons: Slower charging than competitors, interior quality is basic.
Kia EV5
• Pros: Higher range, faster charging, better interior fit and finish.
• Cons: Higher price, slightly larger footprint may limit tight urban parking.
QUICK VERDICT; Choose BYD Dolphin for affordability and urban practicality. Choose Kia EV5 if you prioritize range, faster charging, and a more refined interior.
Related EV ComparisonsÂ
| Models |
BYD Dolphin Active BYD Dolphin Boost BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD Kia EV5 Long Range FWD Kia EV5 Long Range AWD Kia EV5 GT |
| Announced |
2023, April 11
2023, October 12 - Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD 2023, October 12 - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD 2023, October 12 - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD 2026, January 9 - Kia EV5 GT |
| Status |
Available. Released 2023, June
Coming soon. Expected release 2025 - Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD Coming soon. Expected release 2025 - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD Coming soon. Expected release 2025 - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD Coming soon. Expected release 2026, Q2 - Kia EV5 GT |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Base Price | € 33,000 |
| Power |
FWD 204 hp (150 kW)
FWD 218 hp (160 kW) - Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD FWD 218 hp (160 kW) - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD AWD 306 hp (225 kW) - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD AWD 302 hp (225 kW) - Kia EV5 GT |
| Torque |
290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
310 Nm (229 lb-ft) - Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD |
| Acceleration The acceleration numbers are an easy way to compare car performance. We list either time from 0 to 100 km/h or time from 0 to 60mph, depending on which number(s) the manufacturers provide. The lower the acceleration time, the higher performance the car is. | 7 sec 0-62 mph 6.2 sec 0-62 mph - Kia EV5 GT |
| Max Speed | 99 mph (160 km/h) |
| transmission | Single-speed |
| Capacity |
60 kWh total
60.3 kWh total - Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD 81.4 kWh total - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD 81.4 kWh total - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD 81.4 kWh total - Kia EV5 GT |
| Tech | Liquid-cooled Li-ion LFP battery Liquid-cooled Li-ion (400V type) |
| Range | 265 mi WLTP 336 mi WLTP - Kia EV5 Long Range AWD |
| Recuperation | Yes, 4 modes Yes |
| Heat Pump | |
| AC Charging |
Type 2 11 kW
Type 2 7 kW Type 2 11 kW |
| DC Charging |
CCS 88 kW, 30-80% in 29 min Vehicle to load (V2L) - 3.3 kW max CCS, 30-80% in 27 min - Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD CCS, 30-80% in 27 min - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD CCS, 140 kW max, 30-80% in 27 min - Kia EV5 Long Range FWD CCS, 140 kW max, 10-80% in 30 min - Kia EV5 GT |
| Others |
Vehicle to load (V2L) Vehicle to grid (V2G) |
| Type | 5 door hatchback, 5 seats 5 door SUV, 5 seats |
| Platform | e-platform 3.0 E-GMP |
| Dimensions | 4290 x 1770 x 1570 mm (168.9 x 69.7 x 61.8 in) 4615 x 1875 x 1715 mm (181.7 x 73.8 x 67.5 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in) 2750 mm (108.3 in) |
| Weight | EU: 1870 kg unladen - Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD |
| Wheels | R16, R17 R18, R19, R20 |
| Trunk/Boot | EU: 345 l, 1310 l max |
| Frunk/Bonnet | No Yes |
| Towing | No Yes |
| Centre | 12.8" rotating touchscreen 12.3" touchscreen |
| Driver's Display | 5" 12.3" |
| Head-Up | No Yes |
| Seats | Heated front seats Heated, ventilated with massage front seats |
| Roof | Glass roof, tilt & slide Glass sunroof |
| Parking Aids | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera |
| Connectivity | Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Others | 3-zone climatronic |
| Airbags | 6 airbags: front, side, rear, including head airbag system Airbags: front, side, rear, head airbag system, driver's knee airbag |
| Driving Aids | Front radar, multiple cameras. Blind Spot Warning, High Beam Assist, Lane departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Front/Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front/Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic Emergency Braking System Front radar, cameras, 12 front/rear sensors. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning, Safe Exit Assist |
| disclaimer | We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct |
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We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct