2026 BYD Atto 2 review: Quick drive

China’s BYD is bringing a bargain-priced all-electric rival for small SUVs like the MG ZS, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona – enter the 2026 BYD Atto 2.

Yes, that’s right, the electrified vehicle specialist is launching this small electric SUV in November, and it promises to charge prices that rival or even better both the petrol and hybrid competition, much like the smaller Atto 1 electric hatch that will launch alongside it.

It forms part of BYD’s broader push into new sections of the Australian auto market, which includes the release of the aforementioned Atto 1 into the light-car segment, this Atto 2 into the small SUV class, the Sealion 5 into the more affordable end of the medium SUV market, and the Sealion 8 as the brand’s first seven-seater.

The Atto 2 will become one of Australia’s cheapest EVs (and electric SUVs) when it launches in November, giving BYD a real stronghold on the affordable end of the electrified car market along with the Atto 1 and Dolphin hatchbacks.

We got a quick drive at the old Holden proving ground in Lang Lang, Victoria, to assess the new Chinese SUV’s vibe ahead of its market launch next month.

How much does the BYD Atto 2 cost?

While pricing and specifications for the local market are still to be confirmed, BYD Australia has hinted at a starting point around the low- to mid-$30,000 mark, with the high-spec Premium variant likely to approach $40,000.

That’s smack bang in the hottest section of the small SUV market, with key rivals including the Chinese MG ZS (ICE, Hybrid) family, the Korean Hyundai Kona (ICE, Hybrid, EV) range, and the also-Chinese GWM Haval Jolion (ICE, Hybrid) lineup.

Other big names include the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Corolla Cross.

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What is the BYD Atto 2 like on the inside?

Like the exterior, the interior of the Atto 2 is pretty conventional and inoffensive.

Compared to other models in the BYD range, the layout of the cockpit has plenty of straight lines and upright elements, maximising the feeling of airiness and space in what is technically a pretty compact vehicle.

Ahead of the driver is an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, which like in the smaller Atto 1 employs BYD’s more simplified layout and interface, compared to the higher-spec unit used in the larger Sealion 6, for example. It offers a few different configurable widgets and displays, but it’s pretty basic.

It’s worth noting the Atto 2 differs from the Atto 1, Dolphin and Atto 3 in that the driver’s display is integrated into the dash rather than being a smaller, standalone display. It’s a more conventional integration of the instrument cluster, but whether you prefer it or not is down to personal preference.

Sitting to the left of that is the central infotainment touchscreen, which in the Premium flagship is a nice, big 12.8-inch unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air software updates.

We didn’t get time to spend much time fiddling with the interior displays to get a proper idea of whether they’re noticeably different from other BYD models, but the interface appears to be very similar – meaning it’s fairly user-friendly and offers good-quality graphics and response.

The climate controls are embedded into a permanent toolbar at the base of the screen, which may not be music to the ears of some, but BYD’s implementation is one of the better ones out there as there’s no fiddly touch-capacitive controls or the like – making this setup a relatively ‘set and forget’ exercise with key shortcuts always visible.

As seems to be the BYD way, the front seats are chunky and sporty looking units with integrated head restraints and strong bolstering. They’re quite comfortable, trimmed in synthetic leather, and electrically adjustable – nice.

Storage is good too, with a big tray capable of holding two phones – and also boasting a 50W wireless charging pad – plus a pair of large cupholders, and a cubby under the front-centre armrest. There are bottle holders in the doors, too, while build quality feels pretty solid for the class.

Further back, the big-little-car feel continues. Space for even taller adults like 6’1″ me is impressive, with the tall and boxy proportions allowing for very good head, leg and knee room.

Rear amenities include an adjustable vent as well as both USB-A and USB-C charge ports, in addition to rear map pockets and bottle holders in the rear doors. There’s also a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders.

Those intending to use the Atto 2 as a compact family car can utilise the usual ISOFIX and top-tether mounts for child seats, and the tall glasshouse means you shouldn’t make little kids (or small adults) in the back nauseous.

Further back again, BYD quotes a 380-litre boot capacity with all five seats in use, which expands to 1320L with the rear seats folded. Not bad, but there’s a bit of a hump from the cargo floor to the seat backs when stowed.

What’s under the bonnet?

Just one drivetrain variant will be available across the Atto 2’s pair of trim levels – offering up to 345km of range on the WLTP test cycle.

It’s worth noting that the European market – and the UK – gets a higher-spec drivetrain with a more powerful 150kW/310Nm e-motor and a larger 64.8kWh battery pack, which boosts the combined range claim to 429km.

The 0-100km/h acceleration claim is the same, however, due to the added weight of the larger battery. Kerb mass for the 64kWh model is 1720kg versus the 51kWh version’s 1590kg.

How does the BYD Atto 2 drive?

We only got very brief stints of BYD’s new models at Lang Lang, which was pretty much limited to some launches and motorkhana courses on the skidpan , plus a lap of the ride and handling circuit.

I hopped into the Atto 2 right after the Atto 1, and while it’s quite a bit bigger dimensionally, it doesn’t necessarily feel that way once you get moving.

A responsive throttle – courtesy of the electric drivetrain’s instant 290Nm of torque – quick steering and a planted on-road feel actually gives the otherwise conventional-looking Atto 2 the most dynamic feel of BYD’s new products.

It appears that the Atto 1 and Atto 2 have benefitted from being exported to Europe first, since they’ve received reasonably taut chassis tuning and responsive controls, which deliver a level of athleticism and poise you probably wouldn’t expect from cheap Chinese cars.

The Atto 2 adds another layer of polish compared to the Atto 1 thanks to the extra suppleness of its ride and more insulated cabin. It felt like a balanced and refined small hatchback rather than crossover – save for the driving position.

Stomp on it from a standstill and BYD claims the FWD Atto 2 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds. Not quite fast, but you’d almost call that brisk – and it feels as such by the seat of the pants, too.

On the ride and handling track, which simulates a variety of higher-speed country road scenarios including train tracks, coarse surfaces and sine waves, the Atto 2 proved far more capable than the Atto 1, with keen handling, ample grip, and good rolling acceleration.

It felt light on its feet over undulations and the sine waves at over 100km/h, and there was good bump absorption and very keen front-end response. I’d almost go as far as to call it ‘sporty’ in feel. Worth noting is the MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear-end.

We’ll need more time with the Atto 2 on public roads to get a better feel for it, and to see how well its driver assistance systems are calibrated, but the early signs are very promising.

What do you get?

We don’t have full pricing or specs as yet – but we do have some early spec highlights for the Atto 2 Premium.

2026 BYD Atto 2 Premium equipment highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Hankook 215/60 R17 tyres
• 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Power adjustable front seats
• Heated, ventilated front seats
• 50W wireless phone charger

Is the BYD Atto 2 safe?

The Atto 2 hasn’t been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP as yet.

Atto 2 Premium safety features include:

• 360-degree cameras
• ‘Advanced Driving Assistance System’
• Parking sensors – front, rear

How much does the BYD Atto 2 cost to run?

The Atto 2 will be covered by BYD Australia’s six-year, 150,000km warranty, while the traction battery will be backed by an eight-year, 160,000km warranty.

CarExpert’s Take on the BYD Atto 2

Between the four new BYD models I tested at this first-taste event, I came away thinking the Atto 2 has the greatest potential to make a real splash in the Australian market.

Should it land with a starting price between $32,000 and $35,000, BYD will not offer an EV bargain but an impressively capable and refined one – based on my rather brief first drive.

The Atto 2 offers the kind of dynamic maturity and polish that a lot of established nameplates still can’t match, and the projected balance of pricing and standard inclusions will no doubt make this car very compelling alongside ICE and hybrid alternatives in the small SUV segment.

Potential drawbacks include the limited range (even if it’s cheap), and potential equipment sacrifices the base model might need to make in order to achieve its bargain price point. I think BYD would be wise to look into the 64kWh battery variant available overseas, which could become a popular future flagship locally.

Anyway, for the final verdict I’ll need more time with the Atto 2, as well as confirmed details like pricing and full specifications to better understand how it lines up against its rivals.

One thing is clear though: BYD means business, and if this latest round of product releases is anything to go by, the Chinese brand is looking to move downmarket and cater to the customers that a lot of the established players are starting to leave behind.

BYD has already hinted at its intention to get a stronger footing in the fleet space to broaden its reach, and I think the Atto 2 might just be the car to do it.

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