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  3. BYD Dolphin vs Kia EV5

BYD Dolphin vs Kia EV5

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.

BYD Dolphin vs Kia EV5

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 Comparisons 

 
  BYD Dolphin Kia EV5
Price $33,000.00
Our Rating 5.7 5.7
Brand BYD KIA
Category Electric Cars Electric Cars

MODEL

Available Trims / Variants 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

LAUNCH

Reveal Date 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
Availability 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 (USD) € 33,000

BATTERY

Battery 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
Battery Chemistry Liquid-cooled Li-ion LFP battery Liquid-cooled Li-ion (400V type)
Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) 265 mi WLTP 336 mi WLTP - Kia EV5 Long Range AWD
Regen Braking (Max kW) Yes, 4 modes Yes
Heat Pump
AC Charging (Max kW) Type 2 11 kW Type 2 7 kW
Type 2 11 kW
DC Charging (Max kW) 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
Additional Notes Vehicle to load (V2L)
Vehicle to grid (V2G)

PERFORMANCE

Power Output (kW / hp) 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 (Nm) 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
0–100 km/h / 0-60 mph (seconds) 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
Top Speed (km/h / mph) 99 mph (160 km/h)
Transmission / Drive Single-speed

BODY

Body Style 5 door hatchback, 5 seats 5 door SUV, 5 seats
Platform / Architecture e-platform 3.0 E-GMP
Dimensions (L×W×H mm) 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 (mm) 2700 mm (106.3 in) 2750 mm (108.3 in)
Kerb Weight (kg) EU: 1870 kg unladen - Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD
Wheel Size (inches) R16, R17 R18, R19, R20
Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) EU: 345 l, 1310 l max
Frunk/Bonnet Capacity (L) No Yes
Towing Capacity (kg) No Yes

SAFETY

Airbags (count) 6 airbags: front, side, rear, including head airbag system Airbags: front, side, rear, head airbag system, driver's knee airbag
Driver Assistance (ADAS) 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

COMFORT

Seating Capacity Heated front seats Heated, ventilated with massage front seats
Roof Type Glass roof, tilt & slide Glass sunroof
Bluetooth / Wi-Fi Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Parking Aids Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera
Additional Notes 3-zone climatronic

DISPLAYS

Centre Screen (inches) 12.8" rotating touchscreen 12.3" touchscreen
Driver's Display (inches) 5" 12.3"
Head-Up Display (HUD) No Yes

LIGHTING

INFOTAINMENT & AUDIO

TECHNOLOGY

OWNERSHIP

Note

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
  BYD Dolphin Kia EV5

Disclaimer Note

Specifications sourced from manufacturer data and may reflect WLTP, CLTC, or EPA test conditions. Import prices in your local are estimates based on grey-market landing costs and exclude duties, clearing fees, and local taxes. Figures are subject to change without notice. Always verify with your local importer before purchase. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct

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