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Expert Rating

Kia Picanto

(2017 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

62
%
C

Used car score:

73
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

72
%
B

Safety Rating:

33
%
E

Eco Rating:

71
%
A

Reliability Rating:

96
%
A

Running Costs:

85
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

62
%
C

Used car score:

73
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

72
%
B

Safety Rating:

33
%
E

Eco Rating:

71
%
A

Reliability Rating:

96
%
A

Running Costs:

85
%
A

Summary


The Kia Picanto is a city car five-door hatchback, closely related to the Hyundai i10. The current model was launched in the middle of 2017 and is the third generation model to wear the Picanto name.

The latest Picanto is considered a significant improvement over its predecessor, reflecting Kia’s progression from a budget brand that competed purely on price to a mainstream brand that rivals established European manufacturers.

As of January 2024, the Picanto has an Expert Rating of 62%, which puts it right among the midfield of the city car segment. However, it has received an unusually broad variation of review scores from the UK motoring media, ranging from full marks and a “City Car of the Year” award from What Car? to a very poor score and “Don’t Buy” recommendation from rival Which?.

The GT-Line models have also tended to receive better scores than the more basic models, which don’t get the same level of safety equipment.

The Picanto has received praise for its practicality, interior quality and driving dynamics. However, it has been criticised for its poor three-star safety rating (four stars with the extra safety pack), which falls well short of the five-star rating from several of its rivals.

In its 2021 owners’ survey, What Car? rated the Picanto third in its list of the least reliable small cars.

A facelifted version of the Kia Picanto is due to arrive in UK showrooms before the end of 2023. It features some dramatic styling changes, but the underlying mechanicals will remain much the same.

Key specifications


Body style: Small five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £13,665 on-road

Launched: Spring 2017
Last updated: Summer 2018
Next update due: Late 2023


Media reviews


Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: September 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 79%
Child protection: 64%
Vulnerable road users: 54%
Safety assist: 25%

Note on safety rating

The Kia Picanto received a three-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in standard specification, which is how the car is sold in the UK as the ‘1’ and ‘2’ spec models.

Standard on ‘3’ spec and upwards, and optional on ‘2’ spec models, is extra safety kit that upgrades the Picanto’s safety rating to four stars.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Kia Picanto has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Kia Picanto has an excellent overall reliability score of 85%, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy.

MotorEasy reports that Picanto drivers usually reported faults from two different claim categories. The first relates to the car’s braking system, although fortunately these tend not to be too expensive with an average repair cost of about £160. Warranty holders have also claimed for suspension repairs, which also cost around £140 on average.

If you’re looking at a used Picanto, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models55 mpgB49 – 59 mpgA – C
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models116 g/kmA109 – 131 g/kmA – A
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models4A1 – 11A – A
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£124A
Year 2£332A
Year 3£517A
Year 4£692A
Year 5£931A
Overall£2,596A

The Kia Picanto is an exceptionally cheap car to run. It’s fuel consumption is very good, with a ‘B’ score, and that’s the worst result here. Road tax (which is based on CO2 emissions), insurance and servicing are all excellent.

There are fewer new cars on the road that wil cost you less to own than a Picanto, regardless of which version you choose.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Picanto has received

2022

  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best City Car

2021

  • Company Car Awards – Best City Car

2020

  • What Car? Awards – Best Value Car
  • Auto Express Driver Power – Best City Car

2019

  • What Car? Awards – City Car of the Year
  • News UK Motor Awards – Value Car of the Year
  • Auto Express Driver Power – Best City Car

2018

  • What Car? Awards – Best City Car
  • Fleet World Honours – Best City Car
  • Red Dot Awards – Car Design award
  • iF Design Awards – Product Design awards

2017

  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Car for less than £150 a month
  • Car Tech Awards – Most User-Friendly Car

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Kia Picanto, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Citroën C1 | Fiat 500 | Fiat Panda | Hyundai i10 | Peugeot 108 | SEAT Mii | Skoda Citigo | Smart Forfour | Toyota Aygo | Volkswagen Up!


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The Kia Picanto has received an unusually broad variation of media review scores, ranging from "Best City Car" awards to "Don't Buy" recommendations.Kia Picanto