Used Kia Picanto for sale near Watford

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.8%
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—keeping 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 rear seats folded. Early examples offer a wider choice of engines, including a 99bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDi that can transform the Picanto into a credible warm hatch.

The Picanto delivers comfortable, composed driving with light steering ideal for town manoeuvring, though the ride could be smoother than some rivals. 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. Kia's brilliant seven-year warranty and excellent reliability record make this an outstanding second-hand buy, offering a complete package that rivals struggle to match. Mid-range trims and above provide excellent equipment and comfort for a city car.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-equipped, reliable city car with low running costs, and those interested in an affordable warm hatch (turbocharged models).

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising the smoothest ride quality, those requiring an electric option, or buyers wanting maximum equipment on entry-level trims.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Picanto if: You're seeking a well-equipped, reliable city car with low running costs, or interested in an affordable warm hatch option.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the smoothest ride quality, require an electric option, or want maximum equipment on entry-level trims.

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 on expert rating and overall appeal, and the Volkswagen Up offers superior handling, the Picanto's combination of spacious interior, generous boot, low running costs, and Kia's exceptional seven-year warranty make it an outstanding choice for budget-conscious buyers. Earlier examples with turbocharged engines provide an exciting alternative to conventional city cars, and the car's excellent reliability record makes it an exceptional second-hand purchase.

Read our full Kia Picanto Review

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