Search by colour

Which used Kia Picanto should you buy?

The Kia Picanto is a small but surprisingly spacious car with five doors and space for four adults, with the latest version having been on sale since 2017.

Since 2020, the Kia Picanto has been available with two 1.0-litre petrol engines, one with a turbocharger and one without.

There was previously a 1.25-litre petrol engine on sale from 2017 to 2020 alongside the 1.0-litre options, but this was neither particularly powerful nor very efficient compared to the smaller alternatives.

The turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDi unit is the best option for keen drivers and anyone who spends time on a motorway. The non-turbocharged 1.0-litre DPi unit is adequate for city driving and country lanes, but a little out of its comfort zone on longer journeys. 

 

Read our full Kia Picanto review

 

What used Kia Picanto trim levels are available?

Having been on sale for more than seven years, there is a long list of Kia Picanto trim levels to wade through, stretching from the most basic Kia Picanto 1 versions to the fun-to-drive Kia Picanto GT-Line S. Generally, the more generously equipped models tend to be more popular, but all are widely available.

Kia Picanto 1

Affordability was always the aim of the Kia Picanto 1, and as such it is the only model in the range without alloy wheels or air-conditioning. The standard specification is fairly basic, although there is a decent suite of safety and assistance systems. A forward collision-avoidance system is optional on the Kia Picanto 1, but standard on all other trim levels.

  • 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Automatic headlights
  • Electric front windows
  • Steering wheel audio controls
  • Remote central locking
  • 3.8-inch audio display
  • Bluetooth
  • USB port
  • Brake assist
  • Hill-start assist
  • Emergency stop signalling
  • Tyre pressure monitoring

Kia Picanto 2

Moving up to the Kia Picanto 2 adds the option of an automated manual transmission. There’s also a more generous specification list, which includes the following highlights:

  • 14-inch alloy wheels
  • Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors
  • Upgraded cloth upholstery
  • Height adjustment for driver’s seat
  • Leather steering wheel and gear knob
  • Air-conditioning
  • Two additional speakers
  • Electric rear windows

Kia Picanto 3

The mid-range Kia Picanto 3 will appeal to many buyers on account of its excellent blend of standard features and equipment, and general affordability.

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • Chrome exterior door handles
  • Front foglights
  • Electrically folding, heated and adjustable door mirrors with LED indicators
  • Automatic air-conditioning
  • Centre console with storage box and sliding armrest
  • Eight-inch touchscreen media display
  • Six speakers
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Reversing camera
  • Rear parking sensors

Kia Picanto X-Line

The Kia Picanto X-Line feels more like a special edition than just another trim level. It takes its styling cues from SUVs such as the Kia Stonic and the bigger Kia Sportage to give it the look of a high-riding small crossover. It’s not a proper off-roader, but the raised suspension, silver skid plates, beefier bumpers and extra cladding look good, and it also offers seating for five.

  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Bi-function projection headlights
  • LED daytime running lights
  • LED rear lights and fogights
  • Leather-effect upholstery
  • Eight-inch touchscreen media display 

Kia Picanto X-Line S

The Kia Picanto X-Line S is essentially an enhanced version of the standard Kia Picanto X-Line model, which comes with additional equipment and styling tweaks, as detailed below:

  • Body-coloured mirrors
  • Chrome exterior door handles
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Automatic air-conditioning
  • Smart key with engine-start button
  • Cruise control with speed limiter
  • Illuminated driver’s side mirror
  • Sat-nav
  • Wireless phone charger

Kia Picanto GT-Line

The Kia Picanto GT-Line is the sporty model of the range and serves as a rival to the likes of the Volkswagen Up GTI and South Korean stablemate, the Hyundai i10 N Line. If you’re looking for the maximum amount of equipment, opt for the Kia Picanto 3 or Kia Picanto X-Line models. If you’re after some fun, choose the Kia Picanto GT-Line.

  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Redesigned front and rear bumpers
  • Twin exhaust trims
  • Body-coloured side sills
  • Black and red leather-effect upholstery
  • Eight-inch touchscreen media system
  • Air-conditioning
  • Remote central locking

Kia Picanto GT-Line S

The Kia Picanto GT-Line S model is more than just an enhanced version of the standard Kia Picanto GT-Line. It’s powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, so it has the speed to match the looks and is the closest the Kia Picanto gets to being a hot hatch. Running costs are kept in check by excellent fuel economy, while standard equipment includes:

  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Automatic air-conditioning
  • Smart key with engine start button
  • Cruise control with speed limiter
  • Sat-nav
  • Rear parking sensors

Is a used Kia Picanto a good buy?

Anyone looking for a reliable car that’s cheap to run should consider the Kia Picanto. It’s an extremely competitive city car.

Alternatives include the likes of the Hyundai i10, as well as the Volkswagen Up and the closely related SEAT Mii. All are a similar size, and have comparable levels of equipment.

One thing that separates the Kia Picanto from most of its competitors is the seven-year warranty it comes with when it’s brand new.

The latest version of the Kia Picanto has been on sale since 2017, so only the oldest models in the listings will not be covered. If you’re keen to get hold of a cheap used car with added peace of mind, there are few better options.