Used Kia Picanto for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,200
Average Price: Around £9,700

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 with solid build quality, a 255-litre boot (expanding to 1,010 litres with rear seats folded), and good headroom for passengers. The steering is light and confidence-inspiring for town driving, whilst the ride quality is composed through bends. Early models benefit from a wider choice of engines, including a 1.0-litre (66bhp), 1.25-litre (83bhp), and a turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDi (99bhp), though later versions are limited to the 1.0-litre petrol unit.

Running costs are impressively low, with real-world fuel economy around 50mpg from the smaller engine and similar figures from the larger unit on motorway-heavy driving. Insurance premiums are very affordable, sitting between groups 1 and 11 of 50. The Picanto has received two facelifts (2020 and 2024) to keep it fresh, with trim levels ranging from basic to well-equipped GT-Line S models featuring heated seats, wireless charging, and electric sunroofs. As a second-hand buy, the Picanto truly excels, offering excellent reliability, a transferable seven-year warranty, and a complete package that rivals struggle to match.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical, reliable city car with low running costs, excellent warranty coverage, and solid build quality for urban commuting and small families.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising the smoothest ride quality, wanting an electric option, or requiring premium badge appeal and advanced driving dynamics.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Picanto if: You're seeking an affordable, reliable city car with low running costs, excellent warranty coverage, and solid build quality for urban commuting and small families.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the smoothest ride quality, want an electric option, or require premium badge appeal and advanced driving dynamics.

Competitive Position: The Kia Picanto (2017-2026) is a strong contender in the city car segment, offering excellent value and a complete package that rivals struggle to match. Whilst the Hyundai i10 edges ahead with a slightly smoother ride and higher expert rating, the Picanto's long warranty, low running costs, and spacious interior make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. The Suzuki Celerio offers better value on the used market, but the Picanto delivers superior build quality and reliability. For those seeking a larger vehicle, the Nissan Qashqai provides more space, though at a higher price point.

Read our full Kia Picanto Review

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