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 Comparisons
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| Price | $33,000.00 $40,000.00 |
| Our Rating | |
| Brand | BYD KIA |
| Category | Electric Cars Electric Cars |
| Full Model Name | Kia EV5 |
| Segment / Class | C-Segment Compact Electric SUV |
| 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 |
| Powertrain Options | Single Motor FWD · Dual Motor AWD |
| Base Price (USD) | € 33,000 ~$40,000 est. (Standard Range); GT from €59,990 Germany |
| Availability Status | Available. Released 2023, June On sale — GT available Germany from May 2026; base trims limited markets |
| Markets Available | South Korea · Germany (GT confirmed) · select European markets |
| Brand / Manufacturer | Kia (Hyundai Motor Group) |
| 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 |
| Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) | 265 mi WLTP 336 mi (541 km) — Long Range AWD · 476 km — GT (WLTP official) |
| 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 |
| Charging Time (10–80%) | 30 min (GT & Long Range at 150 kW) |
| AC Charging (Max kW) |
Type 2 11 kW
Type 2 7 kW Type 2 11 kW |
| Battery Warranty | 7 years / 150,000 km |
| Energy Consumption | 186 Wh/km rated · 208 Wh/km real-world est. (GT) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Motor Configuration | Single Motor FWD (Standard & Long Range FWD) · Dual Motor AWD (Long Range AWD & 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 |
| Top Speed (km/h / mph) | 99 mph (160 km/h) 180 km/h (GT) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H mm) | 4290 x 1770 x 1570 mm (168.9 x 69.7 x 61.8 in) 4,610 × 1,875 × 1,685 mm |
| Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) | EU: 345 l, 1310 l max 566 L (GT) · 1,650 L max (seats folded) |
| Body Style | 5 door hatchback, 5 seats 5 door SUV, 5 seats |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 1,870 kg (Standard Range FWD) · 2,205 kg (GT) |
| Frunk/Bonnet Capacity (L) | No 44 L |
| Sunroof | Glass sunroof |
| ADAS Features | 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 · AEB with Pedestrian Recognition · Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance · Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning · Safe Exit Assist |
| Autonomous Driving Level | Level 2 (ADAS) |
| Crash Test Ratings | Euro NCAP 2025 — Adult 83% · Child 85% · VRU 74% · Safety Assist 80% |
| Seating Capacity | Heated front seats 5 |
| Centre Screen (inches) | 12.8" rotating touchscreen 12.3" touchscreen |
| Mirror Link / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Yes — wireless |
| Driver's Display (inches) | 5" 12.3" |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | No Yes |
| Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) | Yes — 3.6 kW AC · exterior Type 2 adapter · interior standard socket |
| Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) | Announced |
| Data Source | evcarlatest.com · ev-database.org · Kia manufacturer data |
| Last Updated | June 2026 |
| Editor's Note | Standard Range DC charging peak kW, V2G/V2H output figures, and African pricing are unconfirmed — do not publish as confirmed specs |
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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