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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.

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  BYD Dolphin Kia EV5
Price $33,000.00 $40,000.00
Our Rating 5.7 5.7
Brand BYD KIA
Category Electric Cars Electric Cars

MODEL

Full Model Name Kia EV5
Generation 1st Generation
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
Additional Notes GT trim revealed January 2026; base trims revealed October 2023

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
Launch Year 2025 (base trims) · 2026 Q2 (GT)
Availability Status Available. Released 2023, June On sale — GT available Germany from May 2026; base trims limited markets
Brand / Manufacturer Kia (Hyundai Motor Group)
Country of origin South Korea
Assembly Country South Korea
Markets Available South Korea · Germany (GT confirmed) · select European markets
Grey Market Import Possible via South Korea or China sourcing; not yet confirmed for Nigeria/Kenya/South Africa
Base Price (USD) € 33,000 ~$40,000 est. (Standard Range); GT from €59,990 Germany

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 NMC Lithium-ion
Battery Architecture 400V
Thermal Management Liquid-cooled
Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) 265 mi WLTP 336 mi (541 km) — Long Range AWD · 476 km — GT (WLTP official)
Energy Consumption 186 Wh/km rated · 208 Wh/km real-world est. (GT)
Regen Braking (Max kW) Yes, 4 modes Yes (level adjustable)
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
Charging Time (10–80%) 30 min (GT & Long Range at 150 kW)
Battery Warranty 7 years / 150,000 km
Battery Preheating Yes — auto via navigation
Additional Notes Standard Range DC peak kW unconfirmed; treat as provisional

PERFORMANCE

Motor Type Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Motor Configuration Single Motor FWD (Standard & Long Range FWD) · Dual Motor AWD (Long Range AWD & GT)
Front Motor Output (kW / HP) 160 kW / 218 hp (FWD trims)
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
Peak Power (kW / hp) 225 kW / 306 hp (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) 180 km/h (GT)
Transmission / Drive Single-speed direct drive
Additional Notes GT 0–100 figure confirmed by manufacturer

BODY

Body Style 5 door hatchback, 5 seats 5 door SUV, 5 seats
Platform / Architecture e-platform 3.0 HMG E-GMP (EV-dedicated)
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
Wheelbase (mm) 2700 mm (106.3 in) 2750 mm (108.3 in)
Kerb Weight (kg) 1,870 kg (Standard Range FWD) · 2,205 kg (GT)
Max Laden Weight (kg) 2,670 kg (GT)
Wheel Size (inches) R16, R17 R18 · R19 · R20
Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) EU: 345 l, 1310 l max 566 L (GT) · 1,650 L max (seats folded)
Frunk/Bonnet Capacity (L) No 44 L
Towing Capacity (kg) No 1,800 kg braked · 750 kg unbraked (GT)
Payload Capacity (kg) 540 kg (GT)
Turning Circle (m) 11.8 m
Sunroof Glass sunroof
Additional Notes Width with mirrors: 2,135 mm

SAFETY

Airbags (count) 6 airbags: front, side, rear, including head airbag system Front, side, rear curtain, driver knee airbag
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Yes
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Yes
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Yes
Traction Control System (TCS) Yes
Low-Speed Pedestrian Warning Yes
Structural Safety E-GMP dedicated EV platform
Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) Yes
Child Seat Anchors (ISOFIX / LATCH) Yes — 2 seats
360° Camera / Surround View Yes
Reversing Camera Yes
Hill Start Assist Yes
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
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%
Additional Notes 12 front/rear sensors; front radar and cameras

COMFORT

Seating Capacity Heated front seats 5
Seat Heating Yes — front seats
Seat Ventilation Yes — front seats
Massage Function Yes — front seats
Climate Control 3-zone climatronic
Roof Type Glass roof, tilt & slide Glass sunroof
Bluetooth / Wi-Fi Yes — Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Parking Aids Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera Front & 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
Mirror Link / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Yes — wireless

LIGHTING

INFOTAINMENT & AUDIO

Navigation System Yes

TECHNOLOGY

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Yes — 3.6 kW AC · exterior Type 2 adapter · interior standard socket
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Announced
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2H) Announced
Face Recognition No
Fingerprint Sensor No
Additional Notes Plug & Charge (ISO 15118-2) supported · Autocharge supported

OWNERSHIP

Official Dealer Network Yes — Kia dealer network (South Korea, Europe)
Import Duty Class SUV — check local tariff schedule (Nigeria HS code 8703)

Note

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
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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