VS
At a Glance
Power
70 kW
115 kW
Torque
180 Nm
196 Nm
Fuel
—
7.2 l/100km
Towing
—
1400 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.3 s
—
Engine
electric cc
1995 cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin and the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin delivers 70 kW while the Subaru Crosstrek produces 115 kW. Pricing starts at R539 900 for the Dolphin and R699 000 for the Crosstrek. 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
115 kW
Torque
180 Nm
196 Nm
0-100 kph
12.3 s
—
Top Speed
150 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1995 cc
Engine Layout
—
boxer
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
44.9 kWh l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
—
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4290 mm
4495 mm
Width
1770-2012 mm
1800 mm
Height
1570 mm
1600 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
—
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1506 Kg
1493 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
345-1310 l
320- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1400 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
5
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
150000 Km
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Crosstrek
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Crosstrek
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Dolphin
Practicality
Crosstrek
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin
Lower starting price (R539 900)
Less power than rival (70 kW vs 115 kW)
Subaru Crosstrek
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin or Crosstrek?
The Dolphin produces 70 kW and 180 Nm of torque while the Crosstrek delivers 115 kW and 196 Nm of torque. The Crosstrek is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin and Crosstrek?
The Dolphin starts from R539 900 and the Crosstrek from R699 000. The Dolphin is cheaper by R159 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin or Crosstrek?
The Dolphin has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Crosstrek can tow 1400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin or the Crosstrek?
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.