BYD Dolphin vs Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

Considering switching to an EV? This comprehensive comparison between the BYD Dolphin and the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 will help you make the right decision for your wallet and lifestyle in South Africa.

📊 Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	BYD Dolphin	Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8
Purchase Price	R599,900	R550,000
5-Year Fuel Cost	R54,636	R100,050
5-Year Maintenance	R15,000	R40,000
Total Cost of Ownership	R669,536	R690,050
Winner	EV wins by R20,514!

💰 The Real Cost: 5-Year Ownership Analysis

Here’s where electric vehicles shine. While the BYD Dolphin costs R599,900 upfront compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8’s R550,000, the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Fuel Costs Breakdown

BYD Dolphin electricity cost: R10,927/year = R54,636 over 5 years
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 petrol cost: R20,010/year = R100,050 over 5 years
Fuel savings with EV: R45,414 over 5 years

Maintenance Costs

BYD Dolphin: R15,000 (minimal – no oil changes, less brake wear)
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8: R40,000 (regular servicing, oil, filters, etc.)
Maintenance savings with EV: R25,000

🎯 Who Should Buy the BYD Dolphin?

The BYD Dolphin is perfect for you if:

💰 Budget-conscious long-term: Save R342 per month on running costs
🏠 Home charging available: Wake up to a “full tank” every morning for just R911/month
🌆 City/suburban driving: Perfect for the 427km range on a single charge
🔧 Low maintenance priority: No oil changes, no exhaust systems, minimal brake wear
🌍 Environmental responsibility: Zero tailpipe emissions in SA’s cities
⚡ Modern technology: Latest infotainment, over-the-air updates, advanced safety features

🎯 Who Should Buy the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8?

The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 makes sense if:

💵 Lower upfront cost needed: R49,900 cheaper to purchase
⛽ Long-distance flexibility: Refuel anywhere in 5 minutes with petrol stations everywhere
🚗 Heavy towing/off-road: 1.8L engine provides proven capability
📍 Rural/remote areas: No charging infrastructure concerns
🔋 No home charging option: Petrol stations remain more accessible for now
👴 Familiar technology: Comfortable with traditional vehicle ownership

💡 Key Decision Factors

Choose the BYD Dolphin if you:

✅ Drive less than 427km per day on average
✅ Have access to home charging or workplace charging
✅ Want to save R342 per month on running costs
✅ Prioritize lower maintenance and running costs
✅ Want zero tailpipe emissions
✅ Can manage the higher upfront cost

Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 if you:

✅ Need maximum flexibility for long-distance travel
✅ Don’t have reliable charging access
✅ Drive more than 427km daily
✅ Need to minimize upfront costs
✅ Prefer the familiarity of petrol stations
✅ Live in an area with limited charging infrastructure

🔋 Charging Infrastructure in South Africa

South Africa’s EV charging network is growing rapidly, with over 500 public charging points nationwide. Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have excellent coverage.

Home charging is the game-changer: Installing a home charger (R15,000-R30,000) gives you a “full tank” every morning at a fraction of petrol costs.

📈 Long-Term Value

Over 5 years of ownership (15,000km/year):

Total savings with BYD Dolphin: R20,514
Monthly savings: R342
Cost per kilometer – BYD Dolphin: R8.93
Cost per kilometer – Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8: R9.20

🌍 Environmental Impact

By choosing the BYD Dolphin over the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8, you’ll prevent approximately 10,048kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere over 5 years.

🏁 The Verdict

It’s Close: Consider Your Priorities

The cost difference is relatively small – just R20,514 over 5 years (R342/month). Your decision should be based on lifestyle factors:

Choose the BYD Dolphin if environmental impact and modern technology matter to you
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 if maximum flexibility and lower upfront cost are priorities

Both are solid choices at this price point.

💰 Calculate Your Own Savings

Want to see how much you could save based on your specific driving habits? Use our EV Cost Savings Calculator to input your exact annual kilometers, electricity rate, and more.

🚗 Ready to Make the Switch?

Need help installing a home charger for your new EV? Get a free quote for professional EV charger installation anywhere in South Africa.

Last updated: December 2025