Head-to-head
BYD Atto 3 vs BYD Dolphin
At $29,990 the BYD Dolphin undercuts the BYD Atto 3 by $10,000 (25%) — but does the premium deliver enough of an edge to justify itself? Here's how the two compare on price, range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
BYD Atto 3
BYD's small electric SUV undercuts almost every European rival on price while offering a 5-star ANCAP rating, a roomy interior, and a Blade LFP battery that's regarded as one of the safest chemistries on the market.
- From
- $39,990
- Range
- 420 km
- Battery
- 60.5 kWh
Option B · Hatch
BYD Dolphin
The Dolphin is one of Australia's cheapest new EVs and one of the best small-car bargains, full stop. With a Blade LFP battery, full ADAS suite, and 5-star ANCAP rating, it punches well above its sticker price.
- From
- $29,990
- Range
- 427 km
- Battery
- 60.5 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BYD Atto 3 and BYD Dolphin, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Price · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin undercuts the BYD Atto 3 by $10,000 (25%) on starting price.
- 2
Boot · advantage BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 swallows 95 L more cargo with the rear seats up (440 vs 345 L).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BYD Atto 3 wins
Trails the BYD Dolphin on the core specs we measure.
Where the BYD Dolphin wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $10,000
- ▸ 7 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7s vs 7.3s)
BYD Atto 3
What we like
- ✓ Aggressive pricing for a five-seat electric SUV
- ✓ Long battery warranty (8 years / 160,000 km)
- ✓ Spacious cabin and large boot for the segment
What we don't
- ✕ Quirky interior design polarises buyers
- ✕ DC fast-charging peak (88 kW) trails Korean rivals
- ✕ Ride can feel firm over rough surfaces
BYD Dolphin
What we like
- ✓ Among the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia
- ✓ Surprisingly long range from the Premium variant
- ✓ Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability standard
What we don't
- ✕ Funky styling won't suit everyone
- ✕ Rear seat space tighter than the Atto 3
- ✕ Limited dealer network outside capital cities
Frequently asked: BYD Atto 3 vs BYD Dolphin
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BYD Atto 3 or the BYD Dolphin?
- The BYD Dolphin is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $29,990 versus $39,990 for the BYD Atto 3, a $10,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BYD Dolphin has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 427 km, 7 km further than the BYD Atto 3's 420 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Is the BYD Dolphin better value than the BYD Atto 3?
- On paper the BYD Dolphin is $10,000 cheaper, but the BYD Atto 3 edges ahead on most other measurable specs. Whether the saving justifies the gap depends on which features matter most to you, and how much weight you give to brand and dealer factors.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BYD Atto 3
if…
- ✓ you regularly load it up (95 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: first-time ev buyers
Choose the
BYD Dolphin
if…
- ✓ you want to save $10,000 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: city commuters
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.