CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,400
Average Price: Around £10,000

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 creature comforts or safety. This third-generation model has received two facelifts (2020 and 2024) to keep it fresh, offering a wide choice of trim levels and engine options across its lifecycle. The 255-litre boot is one of the largest in its class, expanding to 1,010 litres with the rear seats folded. Build quality is solid for the price point, and the spacious interior provides good headroom and decent legroom for adults.

Early models offered a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.25-litre petrol engines, with a turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDi option that transforms the Picanto into a credible warm hatch. The ride quality is comfortable and composed through bends, though not quite as smooth as the Hyundai i10. Real-world fuel economy averages around 50mpg from the smaller engine and 45mpg from the turbocharged version. Insurance premiums are very affordable, and servicing is required annually or every 10,000 miles. As a second-hand buy, the Picanto excels with earlier examples offering greater engine variety and the advantage of Kia's excellent reliability record and seven-year warranty.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-equipped, comfortable city car with low running costs, excellent warranty coverage, and solid reliability, particularly those considering second-hand examples with more engine options.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising the smoothest ride quality, those wanting an electric option, or those seeking the most engaging driving dynamics compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Up.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Picanto if: You're budget-conscious and seeking a well-equipped, comfortable city car with low running costs, excellent warranty coverage, and solid reliability, particularly as a second-hand purchase with more engine options.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the smoothest ride quality, want an electric option, or seek the most engaging driving dynamics compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Up or Hyundai i10.

Competitive Position: The Kia Picanto (2017-2026) is a strong contender in the city car market, offering excellent value, practicality, and a comprehensive warranty. Whilst the Hyundai i10 edges ahead with a smoother ride and higher expert rating, the Picanto remains a complete package with superior boot space, low running costs, and impressive reliability. Earlier second-hand examples benefit from greater engine variety, making them particularly attractive compared to contemporary rivals. For budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable, well-equipped city car, the Picanto represents outstanding value.

Read our full Kia Picanto Review

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