BYD Atto 2 DM-i PHEV review

Introduction

Working from home, suburban living and surf-and-turf dinners – these are just a few examples of how you can enjoy the benefits of two different things at once. And for those looking for a small SUV that majors on fuel-efficiency, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i aims to offer a similar experience.

You see, the Atto 2 DM-i is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), but not in the normal sense. It shares its underpinnings with the fully electric BYD Atto 2, and with two electric motors driving the front wheels, it drives more like an electric car than a petrol one. However, the petrol engine on board is purely used as a generator to recharge the battery, making it a range-extender that should also use less fuel than a conventional PHEV. Alternatively, you can still plug it in to charge it up.

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1.5 7.8kWh Active SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (165 ps)

Expected annual mileage	5000
Term months	48
Deposit months	12
Monthly payment	£291.02
Initial payment	£3,492.24

Step-by-step

Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.

• Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
• Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
• Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end

What you get

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• Full manufacturer’s warranty
• Road tax and roadside assistance included
• No admin fees
• Free returns within 30 days*

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£3,492 initial payment, 48 month contract, 5000 miles p/a. Subject to status and conditions.

• Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
• No balloon payments
• Road tax included

With this setup, it appears BYD has clocked onto a gap in the market with the Atto 2 DM-i, because PHEV small SUVs are currently rare. The Jeep Renegade 4xe and Mazda MX-30 R-EV recently went off sale, leaving the Kia Niro PHEV and Toyota C-HR.

That said, when you consider the car’s regular hybrid rivals, the class is far more expansive, with competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Yaris Cross to contend with. So, is this Chinese small SUV a hit or a miss?

What’s new?

- August 2026 - Deliveries for the Atto 2 DM-i arrive in the UK
- June 2026 – The Atto 2 DM-i is available to order in the UK
- November 2025 – We publish our review of the Atto 2 DM-i, with first drives in Barcelona, Spain alongside the Atto 2 Comfort electric SUV
- October 2025 – BYD Atto 2 DM-i PHEV revealed for European and UK markets

Overview

The BYD Atto 2 DM-i has some appealing strengths. It’s a plug-in hybrid that has a good electric-only range while its list price is competitive against many non-PHEV rivals. Its spacious and practical and well-equipped interior further boosts its appeal. All we’d say is that there are better rivals to drive and its firm ride could prove to be quite tiresome.

Our pick

1.5 18kWh Boost SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (212 ps) review

RRP £29,995

Pros

• Strong performance
• Good electric-only range
• Spacious interior

Cons

• Occasionally unsettled ride
• Vague steering
• No physical climate controls

Our pick

1.5 18kWh Boost SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (212 ps) review

RRP £29,995

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Performance & drive

What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is

How fast is it and which engine is best?

There are two versions of the BYD Atto 2 DM-i to choose from: Active and Boost. Both versions have two electric motors that drive the front wheels, powered by a battery with its own 1.5-litre petrol engine generator.

In the Active model, the hybrid system produces 164bhp, which makes for a 0-62mph time of 9.1sec. We’re yet to drive this version, but its official acceleration time is quicker than the Kia Niro PHEV and any Toyota Yaris Cross.

As its name suggests, the Boost version gets more power. It has 209bhp to play with, meaning 0-62mph takes a more svelte 7.5sec. That’s quick for a small SUV, beating many non-hybrid rivals. It’s particularly good in urban environments, with the instant power from the electric motors allowing you to nip in and out of traffic with ease. Likewise, the motors provide plenty of oomph to get you up to motorway speeds with ease, so you never really feel short on power.

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

While the Atto 2 DM-i’s suspension is capable of gently absorbing large speed bumps in town and can take out the sting from potholes, its firm setup means it can occasionally struggle to settle down. It’s more noticeable above town speeds when driving on a rural back road, where it amplifies ridges and imperfections enough to subtly jostle you around in your seat. Thankfully, it’s better on the motorway, but the Hyundai Kona, Toyota Yaris Cross and VW T-Roc have a calmer and more comfortable ride.

The Atto 2 DM-i’s rather uninspiring handling means it’s best driven at a moderate pace. The steering has a bit more weighting to it than the pure-electric BYD Atto 2’s and it responds precisely enough. Even so, it still feels rather vague, while a low level of grip from the tyres robs you of any confidence.

Similarly, the Atto 2 DM-i resists body lean better than the electric version, but there are tidier rivals around, including the Yaris Cross, which feels relatively car-like in comparison.

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

The Atto 2 DM-i is reasonably quiet to drive. There isn’t much tyre noise on the motorway, but there is a noticeable level of wind noise by the front pillars. The Kona and the T-Roc are much quieter at higher speeds.

The hybrid system is a mixed bag for refinement. When you drive around at everyday speeds the petrol engine is very quiet as it gently charges up the battery. It’s only during hard acceleration – such as overtaking or merging onto the motorway – when the engine revs soar and the noise becomes louder and more intrusive. Perhaps most disappointing is the vibration felt through the floor and seat when the engine is working away.

The Atto 2 DM-i is very easy to drive overall, though. The electric motors deliver power in a linear fashion, while a firm, progressive brake pedal allows for smooth stopping. The regenerative braking system also works smoothly; even in its strongest setting it builds up the braking effect gradually.

What’s the range and efficiency like and how quickly can it charge?

The Active version of the Atto 2 DM-i has a tiny 7.8kWh (usable capacity) battery, which allows for an official range of just 24 miles. That’s not very far by the standard of modern PHEVs and limits its use for small town trips and short commutes.

The Boost model has a larger 18kWh battery that lifts the range to 55 miles. That’s pretty good, beating the much pricier Toyota C-HR (41 miles) and a lot of larger family SUV PHEVs, including the Hyundai Tucson (43 miles).

Both versions have an official fuel economy figure of 55mpg. That’s not bad, but as with any PHEV, you'll have to plug the car in regularly to maximise efficiency.

As for charging speeds, the Active has a maximum rate of 3.3kW, which means a charge from 15-100% with a home charger should take around two hours and 40 minutes. The Boost has a higher rate, at 6.6kW, but because of its bigger battery it takes three hours to do the same charge. Neither version has a CCS charging port that allows fast charging at a public charging station.

As a bonus, the Boost gets Vehicle to Load (V2L) charging. This means you can use the car’s battery to power everyday items, such as a kettle or electric bike pump, when camping, for example.

“I like how easy it is to select the hybrid and electric driving modes in the Atto 2 DM-i. You simply push a button on the centre console to switch between the two.” – George Hill, Used Cars Writer

Interior

The interior layout, fit and finish

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

The Atto 2’s interior has a formal, minimalist design that is different to the larger BYD Atto 3 Evo, which gets funky features such as flip-up door handles and guitar strings by the door bins. But like BYD’s other cars, interior quality in the Atto 2 DM-i is impressive.

There are few buttons to push, but the few that are there feel solid and well damped. Most of the dashboard is covered in soft-touch plastic, too, while the metal-finish door handles lend it an almost premium feel. While it’s not perfect, with some scratchy plastics lower on the dashboard and doors, it’s more upmarket than inside the Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro PHEV and Toyota Yaris Cross.

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

Setting up a comfortable driving position in the Atto 2 DM-i is easy enough. The seats are generously padded and supportive, with six-way adjustment for the driver’s seat on all versions. Electric adjustment comes as standard on top-level Boost trim to make it more effortless. It’s just a slight shame there isn’t adjustable lumbar support at all. The steering wheel has plenty of movement for reach and rake adjustment, though.

If you like a high driving position, you’ll get on very well with the Atto 2 DM-i. It gives you a great view of the road, while slim front pillars, large side windows and a big rear screen provide good all-round visibility. All versions get rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera as standard, while Boost models add front parking sensors and a 360-degree-view parking camera.

Are the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

Most of the Atto 2 DM-i’s interior functions are operated via a central 12.8in touchscreen. Unlike previous versions of the fully electric BYD Atto 2, where the screen could rotate between landscape and portrait layouts, it’s now fixed in a landscape position.

The infotainment system itself is pretty slick. It features BYD’s latest software, so the response time is snappy and the graphics are super sharp. The menu layout is reasonably straightforward, too, with your main menu buttons and climate controls on permanent display at the bottom of the screen. You can customise which icons to have on there, but these are super small and difficult to aim for while driving. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring is standard.

While we appreciate the fact you can hold three fingers together anywhere on the screen, then swipe them up or down to increase or decrease the interior temperature (and the same side-to-side for fan speed), the physical controls in the Kona and Yaris Cross are more precise and less distracting to use while driving.

For the driver, there’s a 8.8in digital display that shows your driving and trip information. While this is easy to use, with physical buttons on the steering wheel for switching between menus, the font is quite small, and you don’t get to choose from a range of layouts.

“While I appreciate the row of physical buttons for the drive modes, volume and auto hold, I think there needs to be a few more, perhaps below the touchscreen, for some infotainment shortcut buttons and climate controls.” – George Hill, Used Cars Writer

Passenger & boot space

How it copes with people and clutter

How much space does it have for people?

The Atto 2 DM-i is very spacious for a small SUV, with plenty of leg room up front for a pair of six-footers. The high ceiling provides a generous amount of head room, too, while the standard-fit panoramic roof makes it feel bright and airy.

Usefully, there’s loads of storage space, with a centre console that includes two cup holders, a wireless phone-charging tray and a large compartment under the padded central armrest. The glovebox is well-sized, too.

Similarly, the back seats of the Atto 2 DM-i are very spacious. Two six-foot adults will fit in there comfortably, with lots of leg and head room available, as well as a flat floor to provide some extra foot space. It’s better than the Toyota C-HR for carrying people in the back.

How much room is there for luggage?

All versions of the Atto 2 DM-i have a 425-litre boot. That’s pretty good, beating the Kia Niro PHEV (348 litres), C-HR PHEV (310 litres) and Toyota Yaris Cross (400 litres) for space.

The boot itself is a good square shape. The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split, which is pretty standard for the class, but the Kona and most versions of the Yaris Cross get more versatile 40/20/40 split seats.

A height-adjustable boot floor comes as standard and there’s virtually no loading lip when positioned in its highest setting.

“I’m 6ft2in and had plenty of space when sitting behind my driving position, with my knees only just brushing up against the front seat. For a small SUV, that’s pretty good.” – George Hill, Used Cars Writer

Buying & owning

Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

The Atto 2 DM-i is one of the cheapest PHEVs you can buy. Even top-level Boost costs less than £30,000, meaning it’s significantly more affordable than the Kia Niro PHEV by quite some margin. Entry-level Active trim undercuts the cheapest Toyota Yaris Cross, too.

All versions of the Atto 2 DM-i are well equipped. Active trim comes with 16in alloy wheels, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and automatic lights and wipers. The Boost version steps things up a notch. It adds 17in alloys, faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a wireless charging pad for your phone.

Is it reliable and how long is the warranty?

BYD – along with the Atto 2 DM-i – are too new to have featured in the 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey. However, to give you some peace of mind, most components are covered by a six-year warranty with a mileage limit of 93,750 miles. That’s pretty good, beating Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited mileage cover, but not quite matching Toyota’s service-activated 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. The battery is covered by a separate eight-year warranty.

How safe is it and is it easy to steal?

The Atto 2 DM-i hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP yet, but it comes with lots of safety equipment as standard. All versions come with automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, speed limit recognition, lane-keep assistance and rear cross traffic alert.

“The Atto 2 DM-i’s driver attention monitoring system is less sensitive than the bigger BYD Atto 3 Evo’s, which means it’s less intrusive and told me to look at the road less often.” – George Hill, Used Cars Writer

Buy it if…

-You want a PHEV with a long electric-only range

-You need a spacious small SUV

-You want a car with lots of standard equipment

Don’t buy it if…

-You want the most supple ride

-You want an SUV that handles well

-You want a car with a user-friendly interior

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