A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
BYD DOLPHIN SURF vs Toyota Fortuner: the short answer
Fortuner has a modest catalogue-index lead, while DOLPHIN SURF remains close.
DOLPHIN SURF starts ZAR 344,000 cheaperDOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900 · Fortuner from ZAR 685,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
Fortuner150 kW
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
Fortuner500 Nm
Engine Size
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
Fortuner2755 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
Fortuner13.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
Fortuner279 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BYD DOLPHIN SURF
Dynamic EV
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
DOLPHIN SURF
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Fortuner
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
DOLPHIN SURF
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Fortuner
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Model Introduced Year
2025
2006
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Currently sold Fortuner belongs to the second generation with periodic feature and safety upgrades
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Major updates in 2016 (new generation) and feature refreshes in 2021 with improved infotainment, safety tech, and design tweaks
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2021
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
City Hatchback
SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Dark Green, Grey
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.8 GD-6 4X4 GR-Sport 6AT
Tare Mass Kg
-
GVM 2735 kg; Toyota SA does not publish tare mass
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Length
3925 mm
4795 mm
Width
1720 mm
1855 mm
Height
1590 mm
1835 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2745 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
279 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
541 l
Kerb Weight
1280 kg
1946 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1690 kg
2735 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
493 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
2800 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.95 m
5.8 m
Front Headroom
980 mm
1015 mm
Rear Headroom
920 mm
979 mm
Front Legroom
1060 mm
1048 mm
Rear Legroom
690 mm
928 mm
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
2.8-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Electric
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
2755 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
10.5:1
Bore
Not Applicable
82.0 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
55 kW
150 kW
Maximum Torque
135 Nm
500 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Front
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
4WD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
130 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
15.5 sec
8.2 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
16.2 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
43.0 kW/tonne
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
105.5 Nm/tonne
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
38.88 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
LFP
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
295 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
6.6 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
40 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
Ladder frame
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
10.45
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
1
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Instrument switch group gear selector
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD / AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Axle Layout
4x2
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
6
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
13.2 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
15.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
80 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
13.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
80
Combined Driving Range
295 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
245 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
288 km
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Airbags
6
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Driver knee airbag
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Not Applicable
Heated Seats
Standard
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Imitation leather
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Not Available
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
5
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Premium dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, comfortable seating, climate control
Interior Colours
-
5
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Climate Control
Electric air conditioner
Not Available
Power Windows
Standard
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Standard
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Electric air conditioner
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Side Steps
-
Standard/available
Skid Plates
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Side Step
-
Standard/available
Source Model Column
-
fortuner
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trailer Stability Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Performance-focused derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Infotainment System
10.1-inch touchscreen
Not Available
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Not Available
Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch digital instrument display
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
10.1
Not Available
Touchscreen
10.1
Not Available
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Bluetooth
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
5
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
-
2
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Approach Angle
15 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
25 deg
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Locking Differential
Not Available
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Four-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
279 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
279 mm
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
16
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Service Plan
4 years/2 services service plan
9 services / 90 000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
9 services / 90 000 km
Service Plan Duration
4 years/2 services service plan
9 services / 90 000 km
Service Plan Distance
4 years/2 services service plan
9 services / 90 000 km
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Ownership Role
longer-range city derivative
South Africa market model
Price Zar
395900 ZAR
999000 ZAR
Pricing Role
longer-range city derivative
Current Toyota South Africa lineup
Starting Price
395900
999000
Starting Price Zar
395900
999000
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Fortuner
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Years
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Basic Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This DOLPHIN SURF and Fortuner comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: DOLPHIN SURF 25 vs Fortuner 79.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN SURF 90 vs Fortuner 56.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN SURF 87 vs Fortuner 89.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN SURF 51 vs Fortuner 84.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored vs Fortuner 43.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
DOLPHIN SURF and Fortuner image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Fortuner leads by 12 points
Fortuner has a modest catalogue-index lead, while DOLPHIN SURF remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Fortuner
Performance
79/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
84/100
Ownership
43/100
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexToyota Fortuner
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 61 pts for DOLPHIN SURF
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Fortuner leads. However, DOLPHIN SURF may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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