VS
At a Glance
Power
70 kW
77kW@6200
Torque
180 Nm
138Nm@3400
Fuel
—
—
Towing
—
1154
0-100 km/h
12.3 s
14.6
Engine
electric cc
1590
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin and the HONDA HR-V is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin delivers 70 kW while the HONDA HR-V produces 77kW@6200. Pricing starts at R539 900 for the Dolphin and R218 900 for the HR-V. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
70 kW
77kW@6200
Torque
180 Nm
138Nm@3400
0-100 kph
12.3 s
14.6
Top Speed
150 Km/h
169
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1590
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
—
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
44.9 kWh l
55
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
4290 mm
4110
Width
1770-2012 mm
1695
Height
1570 mm
1580
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2450
Ground Clearance
—
190
Kerb Weight
1506 Kg
1154
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
345-1310 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1154
Load Capacity
—
603
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
?
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
?
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
HONDA HR-V
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Dolphin
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
HR-V
Practicality
HR-V
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.3 ss)
Higher starting price
HONDA HR-V
Lower starting price (R218 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin or HR-V?
The Dolphin produces 70 kW and 180 Nm of torque while the HR-V delivers 77kW@6200 and 138Nm@3400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin and HR-V?
The Dolphin starts from R539 900 and the HR-V from R218 900. The HR-V is cheaper by R321 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin or HR-V?
The Dolphin has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the HR-V can tow 1154. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin or the HR-V?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.