VS
At a Glance
Power
55 kW
70 kW
Torque
135 Nm
160 Nm
Fuel
—
TBA l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
15.5 s
—
Engine
electric cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin Surf and the Dongfeng BOX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin Surf delivers 55 kW while the Dongfeng BOX produces 70 kW. Pricing starts at R395 900 for the Dolphin Surf and R349 000 for the BOX. 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
55 kW
70 kW
Torque
135 Nm
160 Nm
0-100 kph
15.5 s
—
Top Speed
130 Km/h
140 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
electric cc
Fuel Type
electric
electric
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
TBA l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
38.9 kWh l
43.9 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
3925 mm
4020 mm
Width
1720-1970 mm
1810 mm
Height
1590 mm
1570 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2663 mm
Ground Clearance
120 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1280 Kg
1342 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
308-1037 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
—
375 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
5 vehicle / 8 battery + high voltage par
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery + high v
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
5
Service Plan Distance
60000
100000
Service Intervals
20000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Dongfeng BOX
2 / 4 categories
Performance
BOX
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
BOX
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin Surf
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (55 kW vs 70 kW)
Higher starting price
Dongfeng BOX
More powerful engine (70 kW)
Lower starting price (R349 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin Surf or BOX?
The Dolphin Surf produces 55 kW and 135 Nm of torque while the BOX delivers 70 kW and 160 Nm of torque. The BOX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin Surf and BOX?
The Dolphin Surf starts from R395 900 and the BOX from R349 000. The BOX is cheaper by R46 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin Surf or BOX?
The Dolphin Surf has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the BOX can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin Surf or the BOX?
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.