Kia Picanto reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Kia Picanto is a city car; the latest version we cover is the Mk3 (2017–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 81 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 387 of 442, and 29.5% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is rbt (sp) (3.7% of tests). Boot space is 255 litres (1,010 with the seats folded).
Kia Picanto key specs (Mk3 (2017–), 5-door hatchback)
Price new
£17,095 to £20,645
Boot
255 litres (1,010 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
3,595 × 1,595 × 1,485mm
Power
68 PS
0–62mph
14.6–17.2 sec
Euro NCAP
3 stars (2017)
2017 on models; figures vary by version. Prices from the October 2026 price list. Sources: kia.com, assets.turtl.co, digital-brochures.kia.com, euroncap.com.
Ranked 387 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 21 of 26 city cars
In 2024, 181,715 Kia Picantos aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 29.5% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Kia Picanto is 23% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 12.1% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
29.5%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
12.1%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,200
Typical age at test: 9 years
Kia Picanto MOT failure rate by age
Most common Kia Picanto MOT faults
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.7% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5% of tests
- Position lamp: not working3.5% of tests
- Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.3% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.0% of tests
What the Kia Picanto fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 10.5% | ▲ 2.1× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 9.0% | About average |
| Suspension | 7.2% | About average |
| Tyres | 6.8% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Visibility | 6.6% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Body and structure | 3.5% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.2% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Steering | 1.4% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.9% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 32% less often |
How big is the Kia Picanto's boot?
The Mk3 (2017–) Kia Picanto has 255 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,010 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 2nd biggest of the 4 city cars we compare; the Hyundai Inster has the most, at 280 litres.
What MPG does the Kia Picanto do?
Official economy for the Kia Picanto ranges from 42.2 to 67.3mpg across the 185 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2025). A typical petrol version manages 52.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Kia Picanto?
Any Kia Picanto first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Picanto registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £225 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carKia Picanto specs and running costs
Official figures for 185 versions sold in the UK between 2007 and 2025.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
42.2–67.3 mpg
CO2
99–152 g/km
Power
49–100 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picanto '2' 1.0 62bhp 5-speed manual62 PS · MT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 116g | £200 | 29% |
| Picanto '2' 1.0 62bhp 5-speed AMT62 PS · AMT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| Picanto 'GT-Line' 1.0 62bhp 5-speed manual62 PS · MT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 121g | £200 | 30% |
| Picanto 'GT-Line' 1.0 62bhp 5-speed AMT62 PS · AMT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| Picanto '3' 1.0 62bhp 5-speed manual62 PS · MT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 121g | £200 | 30% |
| Picanto '3' 1.0 62bhp 5-speed AMT62 PS · AMT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 122g | £200 | 30% |
| Picanto 2' 1.0 62bhp63 PS · MT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 118g | £200 | 29% |
| Picanto 2' 1.0 62bhp63 PS · AMT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 121g | £200 | 30% |
| Picanto GT-Line' 1.0 62bhp63 PS · MT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| Picanto GT-Line' 1.0 62bhp63 PS · AMT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 121g | £200 | 30% |
| Picanto 3' 1.0 62bhp63 PS · MT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| Picanto 3' 1.0 62bhp63 PS · AMT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 121g | £200 | 30% |
| Picanto 'Pure' 1.0 GDI MT68 PS · MT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 122g | £200 | 30% |
| Picanto 'Pure' 1.0 GDI AMT68 PS · AMT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 126g | £200 | 31% |
| Picanto 'GT-Line' 1.0 GDI MT68 PS · MT5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 49.6 mpg | 128g | £200 | 31% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 185 versions.
What a Kia Picanto costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 52.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Kia PicantoBuying a used Kia Picanto?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Kia Picanto with other city cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Kia models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Kia Picanto reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Kia Picanto is 23% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 81 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Kia Picanto?
The most common MOT fault is “Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements”, found in 3.7% of tests. It fails on brakes and visibility more often than similar cars.
›How big is the Kia Picanto's boot?
The Mk3 (2017–) Kia Picanto has 255 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,010 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 2nd biggest of the 4 city cars we compare; the Hyundai Inster has the most, at 280 litres.
›What MPG does the Kia Picanto do?
Official economy for the Kia Picanto ranges from 42.2 to 67.3mpg across the 185 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2025). A typical petrol version manages 52.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Kia Picanto?
Any Kia Picanto first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Picanto registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £225 a year.
›How many Kia Picantos fail their MOT?
29.5% of Kia Picantos aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 12.1% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Kia Picanto combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.