Summary
Officially called the BYD Atto 2 DM-i, the BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid is a small five-door SUV crossover that arrived in UK showrooms in the first half of 2026. There is a battery-powered version – the BYD Atto 2 Electric – which we have given a separate Expert Rating.
Sitting below the larger Sealion 5, Seal U and Seal 6 models in BYD’s plug-in hybrid line-up, the Atto 2 DM-i is based on the same basic vehicle as the electric BYD Atto 2, but swaps that car’s full electric drivetrain for a 1.5-litre petrol engine, an electric motor and a smaller battery pack.
With review scores ranging from below average to excellent, the compact BYD has divided reviewers. While The Independent’s Steve Fowler praises the crossover for its “terrific value”, “generous” equipment list, “excellent efficiency” and its “very smooth plug-in hybrid system”, the Top Gear team concludes that the Atto 2 is “forgettable to look at, lacking in dynamic talent, and no cheaper than rivals.”
Besides the car’s “convincing” powertrain, The Car Expert’s own Stuart Masson argues that the “rest of the car is fairly ordinary”, with a “bland” interior, “frustrating” infotainment tech and the entry-level ‘Active’ model is rather “underpowered”.
As of July 2026, the BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 64%.
Atto 2 PHEV highlights
- Competitive pricing
- Refined hybrid engine
- Generous standard equipment list and warranty
Atto 2 PHEV lowlights
- Entry-level version feels underpowered
- Frustrating infotainment
- Rather bland interior design
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol plug-in hybrid
Price: From £26,995
Launched: Summer 2026
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of July 2026, the BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2026, the BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Atto 2 PHEV is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 55 mpg | B |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 41 g/km | A |
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 40 miles | D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 28 | C |
The BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The crossover’s electric-only range of 40 miles is competitive in the small PHEV category, but slightly larger PHEVs generally offer more range on a single charge. The car’s average fuel economy of 55mpg is above the car market average, and compares well with close competitors.
On the insurance front, the car is predicted to sit in a bracket just north of the market average.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of July 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Atto 2 PHEV, we’ll publish the results here.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid
As of July 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BYD dealer.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at a new or used BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW X1 | Citroën C3 Aircross | Dacia Duster | Ford Puma | GWM Haval Jolion Pro | Hyundai Kona | Jaecoo 5 | Kia Niro | MG ZS | Renault Captur | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | Suzuki Vitara | Toyota Yaris Cross | Vauxhall Frontera | Vauxhall Mokka | Volkswagen T-Cross | Volkswagen T-Roc | Volvo XC40
More information
More news, reviews and information about the BYD Atto 2 range at The Car Expert
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