VS
At a Glance
Power
150 kW
125kW@6000
Torque
310 Nm
226Nm@4400
Fuel
—
9.1L/100km
Towing
—
1800kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
-
Engine
electric cc
2488cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin and the Nissan X-Trail is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BYD Dolphin delivers 150 kW while the Nissan X-Trail produces 125kW@6000. Pricing starts at R602 900 for the Dolphin and R452 000 for the X-Trail. 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.
Specification
BYD DolphinExtended 2024 - From R602 900
Nissan X-Trail2.5 4x4 LE CVT 2012 - From R452 000
Performance
Power Output
150 kW
125kW@6000
Torque
310 Nm
226Nm@4400
0-100 kph
7.0 s
-
Top Speed
159 Km/h
214km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2488cc
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
-
6
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
9.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
60.5 kWh l
65L
CO2 Emissions
-
214g/km
Dimensions
Length
4290 mm
4635mm
Width
1770-2012 mm
-1790mm
Height
1570 mm
1785mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2630mm
Ground Clearance
—
203mm
Kerb Weight
1658 Kg
-
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
345-1310 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1800kg
Load Capacity
—
1773kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ 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
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan X-Trail
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Dolphin
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
X-Trail
Practicality
X-Trail
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Nissan X-Trail
Lower starting price (R452 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin or X-Trail?
The Dolphin produces 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque while the X-Trail delivers 125kW@6000 and 226Nm@4400 of torque. The Dolphin is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin and X-Trail?
The Dolphin starts from R602 900 and the X-Trail from R452 000. The X-Trail is cheaper by R150 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin or X-Trail?
The Dolphin has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the X-Trail can tow 1800kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin or the X-Trail?
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.