Used Kia Picanto for sale nearChelmsford

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,200
Average Price: Around £10,300

Kia Picanto (2017-2026) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Decent-sized boot for a city car	Ride could be smoother
Long warranty from new	No electric version
Low running costs	Entry-level trim lacks key equipment

Quick Summary

The Kia Picanto (2017-2026) is a funky-looking city car that delivers excellent value without sacrificing comfort or safety. This third-generation model offers a spacious interior by city car standards, solid build quality, and a 255-litre boot—one of the largest in its class, expanding to 1,010 litres with rear seats folded. Early examples provide a wider choice of engines, including a 99bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDi that transforms the Picanto into a credible warm hatch. The car has received two facelifts (2020 and 2024) to keep it fresh, with mid-range trims and higher offering excellent equipment including touchscreen infotainment, smartphone connectivity, and climate control.

Running costs are very affordable, with the 1.0-litre engine achieving around 50mpg in real-world driving and insurance premiums sitting in groups 1-11 of 50. The Picanto's ride quality is comfortable though not quite as refined as some rivals, and steering is light and confidence-inspiring for town driving. Kia's brilliant seven-year warranty and excellent reliability record make this an outstanding second-hand purchase. Whilst some rivals excel in specific areas—the Hyundai i10 for refinement or the Volkswagen Up for driving dynamics—the Picanto offers a complete package that legitimately competes across the board.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-equipped, practical city car with low running costs, excellent warranty coverage, and reliable performance for urban commuting and family use.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising the smoothest ride quality, the most engaging driving dynamics, or buyers requiring an electric powertrain option.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Picanto if: You're seeking a well-equipped, practical city car with low running costs, excellent warranty coverage, and reliable performance for urban commuting and family use on a budget.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the smoothest ride quality, the most engaging driving dynamics, or require an electric powertrain option.

Competitive Position: The Kia Picanto (2017-2026) is a strong contender in the city car market, offering a complete package that competes effectively against accomplished rivals. Whilst the Hyundai i10 edges ahead with superior refinement and the Volkswagen Up delivers more engaging driving dynamics, the Picanto's combination of spacious interior, generous boot space, low running costs, and exceptional warranty make it an outstanding value proposition. For second-hand buyers, earlier examples with wider engine options provide even greater appeal, and Kia's reliability record and transferable warranty packages cement its position as a genuinely sensible choice that doesn't compromise on equipment or comfort.

Read our full Kia Picanto Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.