BYD clearly has no plans on settling for second-best.
The fast-rising Chinese brand looks set to finish 2026 as the closest rival to Toyota. And now, hot on the heels of announcing the cheapest electric vehicle in the country, it has now added the most-affordable plug-in hybrid, too.
The Atto 2 DM-i is the newest addition as the brand looks to expand its range in Australia. In theory it ticks a lot of boxes, too. It gives buyers looking for cheaper running costs a new option. It should appeal to those looking to electrify but not ready for the all-electric switch. And, it’s also just an affordable small SUV, regardless of what’s under the bonnet.
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So, does it actually tick those boxes?
Is the 2026 BYD Atto 2 good value?
Well, let’s start with the question of value, and the Atto 2 DM-i makes a strong opening statement. There are two models to choose from and both start under $30,000.
The Essential kicks off the line-up at just $24,990, before on-road costs, which is cheaper than the Chery 5 hybrid (from $31,990), GWM Haval Jolion hybrid (from $32,990) and is even cheaper than the petrol-powered Hyundai Kona (from $33,700).
Even the better-equipped Premium starts at just $29,990, before on-roads, which is an impressive number for a hybrid, let alone a plug-in hybrid. Especially when the Atto 2 EV is priced from an already appealing $31,990 for the Dynamic and $35,990 for the Premium.
Despite its modest price the Essential still comes equipped with:
- 360-degree view parking cameras
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Forward collision warning
- Rear collision warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Four-speaker sound system
- 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play
Premium adds:
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L)
- 50W wireless smartphone charger
- 12.8-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Synthetic leather seats
- Ambient lighting
A new power dynamic for the 2026 BYD Atto 2
Obviously the key difference between the Atto 2 models is the powertrain. The DM-i uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor that makes a combined 122kW in the Essential and 156kW in the Premium.
Both are equipped with BYD’s trademark Blade battery with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The Essential has a 7.85kWh battery that provides 39km of EV range and a claimed fuel economy return of just 1.0L/100km.
The Premium gets a much larger 18.03kWh battery, which means a 90km EV range, and a claimed fuel economy figure of 0.7L/100km. Obviously that is a very impressive and attention-grabbing figure but like all plug-in hybrids, the published economy is a best-case-scenario, so don’t expect to see 1.0L/100km or less in the real-world.
Our test drive was predominantly on open roads, so it wasn’t representative of what you’ll likely find in a predominantly urban environment, which is where a PHEV shines. So we’ll reserve our judgement on the efficiency of the Atto 2 DM-i until a later date.
What the 2026 BYD Atto 2 is like on the road
What our test drive did clearly demonstrate is that the Atto 2 is a well-built car. It may not be particularly quick, but it’s not weak either, comfortably cruising at 80km/h and faster on the open road.
It also did a nice job when the going got twisty. Again, measuring it against its mainstream and affordable peers rather than any dynamic benchmark, the Atto 2 DM-i felt solid and predictable on the road. The ride was respectable and soaked up bigger bumpers with relative ease, which is commendable on such an affordable car.
One issue this reviewer had whilst driving was the seating position, which reminded me of my 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. By that I mean I wasn’t able to find a comfortable position as the pedals felt too close and I couldn’t get the steering wheel close enough. That may be a specific issue for taller drivers, but driving comfort is important for anyone who tries it on for size.
Fortunately there is plenty of space for other things, including a claimed 20 in-cabin storage spots and a new, larger boot. It now measures 425L, which is 45L more than the electric Atto 2.
2026 BYD Atto 2: Cut the price, not the safety
It may be a cheap car, but BYD has included all the safety features you should reasonably expect in any modern car. That includes the previously listed technology including forward and rear collision alert and similar smart safety assists, so BYD should be commended for not cutting corners.
However, it must be noted ANCAP has not tested the Atto 2 independently yet.
As for its ownership credentials, BYD offers a six-year/150,00km warranty, which is only average in this age of seven years (or more) and unlimited kays coverage from many of the big name brands.
Related cars for sale on CarsGuide
See more BYD Atto 2s for sale View cars for saleBYD Atto 2 2026: Essential
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| Price From | $24,990 |
Verdict
It has been a rollercoaster ride for plug-in hybrids in recent years, not that long ago they were seen as yesterday’s news, a flawed solution that was ‘the worst of both worlds’. But they have enjoyed a resurgence, and with the introduction of this new, more-affordable Atto 2 DM-i it’s likely more people will make the switch to a plug-in hybrid in the years to come.
That’s because while the Atto 2 DM-i may not be perfect, it has a lot of appeal for anyone looking for an affordable small SUV. The fact that it also happens to possess a very frugal powertrain that could save you thousands at the pump is an added bonus.
If BYD continues to push its line-up expansion there’s no reason to think it can’t remain Toyota’s biggest threat for years to come.
Pricing Guides
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Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | Electric, 1 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $31,990 |
| Premium | Electric, 1 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $35,990 |
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