Used Kia Picanto for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,300
Average Price: Around £10,400

Kia Picanto (2017-Present) 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-present) is a funky-looking city car that delivers excellent value without sacrificing creature comforts or safety. This third-generation model has received two facelifts—in 2020 and 2024—to keep it fresh and competitive. The interior is spacious and well-built for its class, with a generous 255-litre boot that expands to 1,010 litres with the rear seats folded. Early examples offer a wider choice of engines, including a 1.0-litre turbocharged option that transforms the Picanto into a credible warm hatch.

Running costs are impressively low, with the 1.0-litre engine achieving around 50mpg in real-world driving and insurance premiums sitting in groups 1-11 of 50. The ride quality is comfortable though not quite as refined as some rivals, and steering is light and confidence-inspiring for town driving. As a second-hand purchase, the Picanto excels, offering excellent reliability, a transferable seven-year warranty, and a complete package that rivals struggle to match. Mid-range trims and above provide the best value, with well-equipped interiors and solid build quality.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical city car, those wanting low running costs and excellent warranty coverage, and drivers interested in an affordable warm hatch (turbocharged models).

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising the smoothest ride quality, those requiring an electric option, or those wanting the finest driving dynamics of a Volkswagen Up.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Picanto if: You're on a budget seeking a practical city car, wanting low running costs and excellent warranty coverage, or interested in an affordable warm hatch with the turbocharged engine.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the smoothest ride quality, require an electric option, or want the finest driving dynamics available in the city car segment.

Competitive Position: The Kia Picanto (2017-present) is a strong contender in the city car market, offering excellent value, practicality, and a complete package that rivals struggle to match. Whilst the Hyundai i10 edges ahead with a smoother ride and superior refinement, the Picanto's longer warranty, low running costs, and wider engine choice on used examples make it a highly sensible choice. It outperforms the Suzuki Celerio and offers better value than many competitors, making it an excellent second-hand buy for budget-conscious drivers.

Read our full Kia Picanto Review

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