BYD Dolphin vs Mazda CX-5: 5-year cost to own (Australia)
Over 5 years in Australia (12,000 km/yr), as of July 1, 2026, the BYD Dolphin is cheaper from day one — about $49,948 over 5 years vs $51,866 for the Mazda CX-5, a $1,918 difference.
Novated lease (FBT exemption): for a salary-packaged EV the federal FBT exemption can cut the cost substantially — it depends on your income and tax, so it is not in the totals above. Source: ATO.
Cheaper to own over 5 years · AustraliaBYD Dolphin · $49,948 total · $1,918 less than the Mazda CX-5
BYD Dolphin vs Mazda CX-5 — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · BYD Dolphin | Petrol · Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $18,738 (38%) | $18,395 (35%) |
| Charging / fuel | $3,949 (8%) | $7,237 (14%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$474) | — |
| Maintenance | $4,752 (10%) | $6,402 (12%) |
| Insurance | $12,725 (25%) | $8,500 (16%) |
| Financing interest | $5,409 (11%) | $6,957 (13%) |
| Registration & fees | $4,375 (9%) | $4,375 (8%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $49,948 | $51,866 |
When does the BYD Dolphin win?
At 12,000 km/yr the BYD Dolphin is already the cheaper car — drive more or keep it longer and its lead grows.
BYD Dolphin vs Mazda CX-5, side by side
Electric
Lower 5-yr cost
BYD Dolphin
- 5-yr total cost
- $49,948
- Cost / month
- $832
- Cost / km
- $0.83
- Starting price
- $31,760
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 13.5 kWh/100km
Petrol
Mazda CX-5
- 5-yr total cost
- $51,866
- Cost / month
- $864
- Cost / km
- $0.86
- Starting price
- $39,990
- Powertrain
- Petrol
- Efficiency
- 7.4 L/100km
- Australia electricity
- 33.00c/kWh AER
- Petrol (Australia)
- $1.63/L AIP
FAQ
Is the BYD Dolphin or the Mazda CX-5 cheaper to own over 5 years in Australia?
The BYD Dolphin is cheaper from day one — about $49,948 over 5 years vs $51,866 for the Mazda CX-5, a $1,918 difference.
When does the BYD Dolphin become cheaper than the Mazda CX-5?
At 12,000 km/yr the BYD Dolphin is already the cheaper car — drive more or keep it longer and its lead grows.
How much more does the BYD Dolphin cost to buy than the Mazda CX-5?
The BYD Dolphin starts at $31,760 — $8,230 less than the Mazda CX-5 ($39,990). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $1,918 in favour of the BYD Dolphin.
Which costs less per km — the BYD Dolphin or the Mazda CX-5?
The BYD Dolphin: $0.83 vs $0.86 per km all-in ($832 vs $864 per month).