VS
At a Glance
Power
70 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
180 Nm
245Nm@2000
Fuel
—
8.2
Towing
—
1250
0-100 km/h
12.3 s
13.8
Engine
electric cc
1991
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin and the KIA CARENS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin delivers 70 kW while the KIA CARENS produces 83kW@4000. Pricing starts at R539 900 for the Dolphin and R189 995 for the CARENS. 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
83kW@4000
Torque
180 Nm
245Nm@2000
0-100 kph
12.3 s
13.8
Top Speed
150 Km/h
170
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1991
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
DIESEL
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
—
5
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
8.2
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
10.8
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.6
Fuel Tank Capacity
44.9 kWh l
55
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
4290 mm
4493
Width
1770-2012 mm
1748
Height
1570 mm
1609
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2560
Ground Clearance
—
155
Kerb Weight
1506 Kg
1474
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
345-1310 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1250
Load Capacity
—
1632
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
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA CARENS
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Dolphin
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CARENS
Practicality
CARENS
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.3 ss)
Higher starting price
KIA CARENS
Lower starting price (R189 995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin or CARENS?
The Dolphin produces 70 kW and 180 Nm of torque while the CARENS delivers 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin and CARENS?
The Dolphin starts from R539 900 and the CARENS from R189 995. The CARENS is cheaper by R349 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin or CARENS?
The Dolphin has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CARENS can tow 1250. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin or the CARENS?
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.