Kia Picanto JA (2017-2026)
VerifiedAlso referred to as: Kia Picanto JA 2025 and Kia Picanto JA 2027.34 reviews
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Great car until the warranty (7 years) was finished. Engine over heated. Finance team is fantastic, easy to deal with.
I bought my Picanto 6 weeks ago and absolutely love driving it. It handles very well around town, the steering is light and a dream to park. The low profile tyres make the ride a little firm and the cabin noise is noticeable but not as noticeable as my previous car, the Honda Jazz. I like that Apple CarPlay connected wirelessly and the… Read more
infotainment system is easy to use and navigate. Of course it is only a small car but have had 2 passengers and they said they were comfortable enough. Have not driven on the highway as I bought the car for use in the city so cannot comment on how it would go at higher speeds. Seems to be economical on fuel as I have only filled up once since I have had it so will give it a couple of more months to see how it averages out. The warranty is 7 seven years with 12 month service intervals and fixed price servicing and that it only cost $25000. Finally would like to say its a fabulous little run about and would make great first car for someone younger, equally for a retiree who doesn’t need a large fast SUV to drive in the city
- +8
Practical, small and cheap to run. Easily one of the best micro-cars you can buy – You’ve just laid your eyes upon the micro-car class leader. There, I said it. You get certain elements of the Picanto that you would expect at a price point of around $20,000. However, Kia doesn’t make you feel bad for spending less on a new car. The GT-Line offers all the luxury appointments to make you feel like you’re stepping into a vehicle… Read more
more luxurious than the price tag suggests. The exterior is tasteful and sporty, featuring red highlights along the grill, side skirts and a rear bumper. It’s not all fake either as there are a pair of functional vents in the front bumper which can aid with smoothing airflow around the up-right front end. The paint, panels and exterior fit and finish are of high quality. Doors close with a decent ‘thunk’ and the door handles feel sturdy instead of ‘tinny’. When you first lay eyes on the interior, the most noticeable features are the colour-matched seats, which showcase red stitching and bolsters to help compliment the sporty exterior. On the downside, there are hard plastics found on the dashboard, doors and around the centre console area. Plus, you can’t avoid the cheap sounding impact noise when the sun-visor slams against the roof. However, it’s worth noting that these materials will withstand scratches and sun-damage a lot more than materials such as leather will. This should provide some peace of mind if you share the car with drivers who may not take the same care as you do when getting in and out of the car, or if you need to leave the Kia outside. The quality of the major touchpoints stand out. The centre screen, shifter, centre armrest, door cards and steering wheel are all pleasant to engage with. There are some creaks and rattles when driving, but these aren’t beyond what you’d most likely encounter in most cars.
It’s a car you can be happy you spent $21,000 on since it feels like a luxury small car in this GT-Line spec. I guarantee you’ll raise eyebrows when you answer the question, “So, how much was this?”
As the sticker placed on the rear window suggests, you get a standard 7-year/Unlimited kilometre warranty with the purchase of the Picanto. Servicing is capped for your first 7 services either every 12 months or 15,000km. This comes to a total of $2,806.00 over 7 years of ownership or 105,000km of driving.
The noise inside the Picanto was surprisingly muted for an economy car fitted with a four-speed gearbox.
Even though the engine was sitting at above 3,000rpm thanks to the lack of additional gears, at highway speeds, the cabin remained relatively muted. This was surprising considering that 3,000rpm in my own car sounds as if it is begging for a gear change.
All four wheels have disc brakes fitted, that means it’s already ranking better than the MG-3 which only has discs at the front. There was no hesitation in the braking ability of the Picanto with just one occupant in the car. This little commuter can pull up to a complete stop quicker than you may expect.
Honestly, the Picanto’s performance isn’t impressive on paper, but when it comes to real world driving, it’s as shocking as being overtaken by a Razor scooter on the highway. We’re working with a 62kW, 122Nm naturally aspirated (non-turbo) petrol four cylinder. Yikes. While you shouldn’t bet on winning drag races in the Picanto, what is interesting is that because of its lightweight, the Picanto carries a power to weight ratio of 61kW/tonne. This actually makes its ratio closer to cars like the Nissan Juke, which have a more powerful and turbo charged motor.
That being said, don’t expect this to remain true with four adults in the car, or when you fully load up the Picanto with luggage and need to tackle an uphill stretch of road.
The Picanto absorbs rough surfaces without upsetting the ride and experience for the vehicle and passengers. I found myself testing the limits of this car's ability to soak up bumps, particularly potholes. I’d aim square for a pothole, and while it was obvious that I’d driven over a hole in the road, it did so in the same manner a far more expensive car would - without fuss and without disturbing the drive. Cornering was as entertaining as spinning a golf cart around the parking lot of a club. Steering was direct and to the point, with the front wheels carrying the car through a corner without wallowing or pitching too aggressively.
Kia claims you’ll receive a combined consumption rate of 5.8L/100km, whereas I achieved a little bit more than that, at around 8L/100km. However, I was predominately driving in the city (with some highway driving in the mix), which means I was a lot closer to the claimed city consumption rate of 7.9L/100km. So, it’s fair to say that it’s pretty on point with fuel consumption.
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto was a welcomed addition in here, but annoyingly, the wireless connection proved to be less than reliable (so I'd simply stick to using a cable to connect my phone to the screen).
The Picanto is a shining gem of ever increasing prices of new cars, as it represents fair and decent value for the price you pay. You get safety equipment, you get a usable infotainment system (when it works), and you get luxury appointments, all packaged in what feels like all the car most people need.
If you’re considering a first, second or replacement car, and live in a major city, place the Picanto at the top of your list when checking out new cars that you can find plenty of parking for, and won’t have you sweating those monthly repayments.
*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
Great value and surprisingly well built – Bought my picanto after reading good reviews and pretty much only city car left in Australian market. Needed a good run around car that was cheap to buy and most importantly cheap to run. Have ended up loving this little car and genuinely enjoy driving it. I do a long 65km daily commute to work the picanto handles both highway and city driving… Read more
with ease. Fuel average in below generally below 5L/100km.
1.25L engine isn’t overly powerful but it’s sufficient and haven’t had issues flowing with traffic. Engine can be noisy while accelerating but is pretty standard for these types of cars. The 5 speed settles at just shy of 2800rpm when doing 100kmph and is pretty relaxed at this speed. But while powering thru gears it gets pretty loud after 3500rpm.
Haven’t had any problems or warranty issues yet after 30,000km Apple car play was problematic at first but after disabling Bluetooth media playback for my phone it fixed the issue and has worked flawlessly ever since. Purchased from Werribee Kia and they have been great.
Great little car – I bought this Picanto new in January 2020 after I retired and traded my Ford Fiesta. I bought new battery and tyres. Done 73000 ks and have driven across the Nullarbor Plain from Adelaide to Perth WA three times. The only problem we had was keeping it to 110kph. At times she crepted to 150 we out me realising as it was such a smooth drive. My only complaint is the boot which is quite small. Will probably trade it in next year for a new one. Show details
Flimsy front grill – Front grills are supposed to provide a good deal of protection to important equipment behind. My experience is that there is very little as was proven by a recent collision with a pheasant. I use my gt-line getting around and shopping in Cumberland 3 to 4 days a week Show details
Love it overall but worried by groaning grindy brakes and few other noises – I picked up my Kia Picanto GT Line 2022 in April last year. I love it it's perfect for my needs except for couple of things, noticeable from day 1. Suspension getting in and out of car, creaky and squeaky. *Brakes are my chief concern as they grunt, groan and sometimes make grinding sound, especially when going forward or back from starting. Or… Read more
slowing at lights eg. Sometimes very loud, other times less so. It makes me tense up when I hear it. Passengers have commented too. Also gear box noises. Especially when reversing and turning after being parked for some hours. 4,200 km so far. I have communicated with dealer last year, had it looked at at first free service, and also finally as noises didn't go away, it had a "Diagnostic" service at my request. They said nothing wrong. So I have accepted this, almost ... but still, it doesn't sound healthy. I have asked other owners of same model on a Picanto Facebook group and most have not had any noisy problem happen so I can't but think something is still not quite right ... don't know what else if anything to do really. I wish I understood more why it makes these sounds. Not young person but my first new car. I don't recall any noises in the 3 demo cars I drove. Never mentioned as an issue when I did my online research before ordering the car in Jan. 2022.
Zippy little car with heaps of character - very impressed with it – I recently purchased my Kia Picanto GT turbo, from the moment I left the dealership I couldn't keep the smile off my face, the interior is of great quality, and roomy for the size of the car, with heaps of headroom too. The GT is definitely the pick of the model range, sporty exterior, and interior. The best thing about the GT is the 3-cylinder… Read more
turbo, it's zippy off the mark and has ample power even when needing to overtake on the highway. There isn't a car on the market that really compares to the Picanto, I think it's very unique and a great car for the money. I'm very happy with my purchase and would buy another Kia in a heartbeat.
All I need, perfect to park – MY 2021, manual, white GT Line. ( i.e. the fancier looking one, but without turbo) 6 months, 4000 km in and every day I feel so grateful to Kia for producing this car and me be lucky enough to get one. Pros:. Manual transmission available!!! Thank you!!! I often get the street car park that's left that no one else can fit into! The features and… Read more
thoughtful touches for the money are just incredible...eg stereo volume turns down when reverse engaged, power windows can be closed after ignition turned off until the door is opened, hill hold etc It doesn't feel like they're treating entry level buyers as cheapskates and palming off crap on to us... I actually feel like I am driving a really well appointed and finished car... My dad who is a 6-ft 2 engineer / mechanic can't stop raving about it and he can actually sit comfortably in the driver's seat. It is no underpowered slug...with three adults it goes up steep Brissie hills with ease and has good acceleration if you need to do a quick manoeuvre.
Cons: I would like a bigger fuel tank ...but hey, it's a tiny car so I guess a tiny tank is par for the course! I can get about 480 km of mostly city driving per 32 litre tank. (Disclaimer: Maybe I got a bit spoilt as I used to own a 2010 diesel Ford Fiesta Econetic that got 1000 km per 40 litre tank!)
The survey Kia sent following purchase was unnecessarily complicated, intrusive and time consuming so I didn't finish it which is a pity as I like to give feedback of the positive and negative variety ( in case you can't tell ha ha)
That's my only whinge really. I love this car!!
Great car just a reminder kia wont tell you there's a brake pedal replacement RECALL – What a great car. I have a few issues a/c stopped working kia fixed it under warranty and the dealer informed me there was a brake pedal replacement as a recall but I was failed to be notified by kia and its a good thing they replaced the brake pedal as I was getting ABS lights and no brake lights working. All I have to say is the gt is a rocket… Read more
of a car and a must buy the car pulls hard. I payed $16900 drive away in June 2019 very happy with my purchase.
Unreliable and unsafe; Worst After Care Service Imaginable – I was so excited about buying my first new car ever. In my search I narrowed it down to 3 cars and after test driving all 3 purchased this one. Number one selling point was the Apple Car Play system and the wireless connectivity. The day I picked up my new car it did not work ... was told to update my IOS system when I got home; which I did. Still… Read more
no success. Reported it straight away and 10 weeks later still falling on deaf ears. I am so so disappointed and now all that is left to me is going to the ACCC. Buyer Beware .... appalling, non-existent, be-littling after care service.
Love it. Love it. Love it – Purchased my Kia Picanto on 7 October 2020 and already I love it. It has all the features that you could possibly want. Yes it is a micro car, but it feels much bigger. Handles superbly and you can park on a postage stamp. I use it to commute to and from work on a daily basis in the city. Fantastic. I am hoping that they will bring out the 1… Read more
litre turbo to Australia. I would really like to test drive that. It also has capped price servicing, 7year warranty and roadside assistance. How could you go wrong
Best car in the segment, no competition – Had the Picanto GT for a couple of weeks now, absolutely is the best vehicle in its class - no competition. Kia have really nailed the small car segment in one swift blow to its competitors, for just under 20K you get almost all of the tech/features that you would want from ANY car (except for sunroof, climate control and heated seats in… Read more
Australia, weirdly).
Weirdly no automatic is offered if you opt for the GT Turbo, which is a pain when you live in Sydney - seemingly stuck in perpetual peak hour. You can only get the auto with the much slower 1.2L engine.
It would be nice if you could option the car with Kia/Hyundai's active lane keep or radar cruise control, I'd happily tick the box for $2000.
Find out how Kia Picanto JA compares to other Hatchbacks
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Love it – My car is very convenient, value for money and excellent to drive. Only complaint would be that when I was looking to purchase my car, the salesperson I spoke to on the phone at the Castle Hill dealership was slightly pushy / really trying to influence me to do a particular finance option and wasn't actually listening to what I want. So I went to the Liverpool dealership and have been very happy with the car itself. Show details
Best compact car of 2019!! – One of the best compact cars around! Very economical on petrol. Packed with many features (Apple CarPlay, electric windows, cruise control, reverse camera view, autonomous emergency braking system and leather seats!) Definite value for money! Ideal little car to get from A to B! Show details
Hard Too Beat! – Looks Cool, Drives Well, 7 Year Warranty, Amazing value. Surprisingly spacious for a small car and the finish is excellent. Very hard too go past Kia with the value, warranty, service cost. Show details
Okay.not economical on fuel – Recently gifted 2019 Kia picanto.not overly impressed if Young and just buzzing around guessing okay.fit 2 in back and sqeezy.front room and mod cons.finding fuel consumption is high.did verify and apparently problem with Kia and Suzuki small cars.not all what they say is accurate.with petrol prices rising not good and tank small so costing on… Read more
fill ups...if homework done and not a gift no way would I buy.i don't work either so no continual stopping and starting which would make it higher again plus using aircon .say 5.6L/100k.that is including combination of local and...distant driving..at moment up to 8L/100k..no guarantees will drop.will see my self after next 2 fill ups..one expects economy and that's not here..do reviews and drive safe.lotsa plastic bits also
I love this wee beastie! – I drive to work (about 30 mins each way) Monday to Friday. I love that this car just nips in and out of parking. At first I pined the loss of a CD player but have become accustomed to the bluetooth functionality. The boot space (with the seats up) is a little on the small side but drop the back seats down and I constantly amaze myself how much… Read more
this little car can hold. Economical on fuel, giving me about 500km per tank. I love my little car - you had me a YELLOW.
Top Value for Money – Car for commuting, older single person. I also have the latest Subaru XV. So in comparison they are very different vehicles. The Kia is outstanding value for money, Seven year warranty too. All the modern gadgets autonomous braking. Great on fuel, the perfect city car. The Auto Android perfect. Roomy for size, smart looks Show details
Awesome little car – Great car ! Cheap on file a full tank last a week with this little thing and my wife travels a lot. The shape and design of this car looks cool, it stands out compaird to other cars in its class. Its decivingly spacious, I’m 6”1 and fit in and out of it without feeling andlooking like a clown.parking is so easy power steering works well with… Read more
built in reverse cameras as standard along with a really nice media centre!!!
Value for money is superb I love this little car
Want to love this car – In many ways this car is perfect for me. Its fun to drive. Extremely good on fuel efficiency. So tiny I can park it anywhere.Very roomy interior. Unfortunately in its short 3 month life its been repaired twice under warranty. From the 3rd week I noticed the car mats were wet after it rained and on a couple of occasions the keyless entry didnt… Read more
work. I took it to dealership for testing but they assured me nothing was wrong. Then after 2 more months of the car flooding everytime it rained and the keyless entry and side mirrors stopping to work altogether the dealership identified 2 separate issues - hole in seal around side mirrors letting in water and an electronic fault. Attitude from both the dealership and Kia Australia makes me think this was nothing unusual to them as they were not surprised or apologetic in any way. The experience has been enough to ensure this will be my last Kia purchase.
Everyday drive car – I bought my picanto brand new in 2017 to replace my barina spark.well 2 completly different cars.i love the fact for $14000 drive away i get cruise/reverse camera and all the other extras the others want extra for.went to appolo bay last week and used the radio to put google maps on.very good.i travel 200ks a day for work.average speed is 65kph.at… Read more
the moment with around 50ks around im using 4.3 lp100.it now has 65000ks on it with no problems so far.we like the picanto so much we just bought the wife the picanto gt.wow even better value.do yourselves afavour if your thinking of a small car test drive the picanto
Find out how Kia Picanto JA compares to other Hatchbacks
Know better, choose better.
What a great little car – Just bought a Kia Picanto GT line. What a little ripper. Did i sat little. Its actually quite spacious inside. Got it for the wife but i dont mind driving it myself. Around town and to work its great on petrol and it makes peoples head turn. Very sporty and looks great. Show details
Good value, economical, comfortable – Really happy with the value for money, safety features and fuel economy. I'm a tall man but comfortable driving. Roomy boot - fits lots of shopping, or all the kids back packs after school pickup, or a couple of cricket bags - but not all at once! When we have our kid's friends in the car too they do complain there's not enough room for… Read more
three, but we're a 3-person family so don't always have a full car.
First time I've bought a brand new car.
Perfect small car – A micro city car with the lot that is functional, easy to drive, comfortable, and most importantly packed with a lot of safety features. And what a delight to park!! And unlike another micro car that I tested, the Kia interior doesn’t feel like cheap plastic at all !! No fault so far after 5 months of daily use! Show details
Fantastic Car!! Love it – Economical Drives well, and feels refined Bought the GT Line so it’s got the upgraded seats, and more aggressive body styling, looks the part Best value for a car of this size & has apple car play, Bluetooth, auto headlights, radar control breaking, parking sensors, reversing camera, auto headlights, and so much more, an overall great package and highly recommended Show details
Fantastic car – The Kia Picanto is a fantastic little car. I got it in 'Pop Orange', and it looks absolutely adorable. It's wonderfully small and maneuverable, and great for city driving. That said, as a small car, it lacks a little oomph so sometimes you have to really floor it to get up hills or up to speed on the freeway (and it can make a lot of noise). … Read more
The emergency breaks have already prevented me from having one accident: I was about to bump into the rear of another car (I wasn't paying attention - I know, I know, lesson learned) when it suddenly started beeping and the brakes slammed on, turning my 'collision' into more of a nudge. So I've really come to appreciate that feature!
And yeah, the Android Auto is fantastic; I use it pretty much any time I'm driving the car for more than 5 minutes.
Amazing little car – The Kia Picanto is an amazing little car (we call it our scooter hah). It is tiny but it packs a punch in terms of its features, it basically has everything for the most amazing price. So easy to park, has enough power in it for day to day city driving and its array of media features is great. Reversing camera and dynamic parking guidelines make… Read more
it super simple to get out of even the tightest of spaces. And 7 year warranty really sealed the deal, especially with 7 year roadside as long as you get it serviced regularly (which is also all capped price). Probably the best thing about the picanto is how far it can go with one tank and how cheap it is to run. Its small but still feels comfortable even with a full family inside.
Great value for money – The Kia Rio fits my budget perfectly and I am quite surprised with the Auto Android feature, its so convenient that I get flustered with other SatNav's. Perfect for students, pensioners and city life! The backseats are also very spacious. Very easy to drive and fits in all parking spaces. Show details
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