Used Byd Dolphin Surf for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: Not yet rated
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.8 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 25
Average Price: Around £17,000

BYD Dolphin Surf (2025) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Roomy interior for such a small car	Small, fiddly touchscreen
Long range for the price	Only four seats
Very generously equipped	Underwhelming charging speeds

Quick Summary

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a cheerful and compact electric hatchback designed for trendy urbanites seeking affordable EV motoring without the bulk of larger models. Based on BYD's E-platform 3.0, it offers impressive practicality for its size, with comfortable seating for four, a 308-litre boot, and up to 200 miles of range depending on the model chosen. The entry-level Active starts at just under £19,000, making it competitive with smaller city car EVs whilst offering considerably more space and equipment. All versions come remarkably well-equipped with vegan leather upholstery, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard.

The Dolphin Surf excels in real-world efficiency, delivering over 4 miles per kWh in urban driving, which helps keep running costs low. Servicing is required only every two years or 20,000 miles, and BYD's lengthy warranty provides peace of mind for long-term ownership. However, the rotating touchscreen is gimmicky and frustrating to use, with small icons difficult to press whilst driving, and most climate control functions buried in menus. The four-seat limitation and slow charging speeds on the entry-level Active are also considerations. Despite these flaws, the Dolphin Surf represents excellent value, offering more space than smaller alternatives and generous equipment levels that rival pricier competitors.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable electric runabout, urbanites prioritising practicality and style, and those wanting generous equipment without premium pricing.

Not ideal for: Families needing five seats, drivers requiring rapid charging speeds, or those who value intuitive infotainment systems and physical climate controls.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Dolphin Surf if: You're seeking an affordable electric runabout with generous equipment, prioritising practicality and style over premium badge appeal, or wanting more space than smaller city car EVs.

Consider alternatives if: You need five seats, require rapid charging speeds, or prefer intuitive infotainment systems with physical climate controls.

Competitive Position: The BYD Dolphin Surf is a strong contender in the affordable electric hatchback segment, offering excellent value and generous equipment levels that rival pricier competitors. Whilst the Citroën C3 Aircross scores higher with expert reviewers and the Hyundai Inster offers more driving refinement, the Dolphin Surf delivers more space than the Leapmotor T03 and undercuts most rivals on price. Its real-world efficiency and low servicing costs make it an economical choice for budget-conscious buyers, though the fiddly touchscreen and four-seat limitation are notable compromises. For those prioritising practicality and value over premium feel, the Dolphin Surf represents compelling proposition.

Read our full BYD Dolphin Surf Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.