The Kia Picanto may be small, but it's also quite clever.
It makes efficient use of its tiny footprint, with a surprisingly spacious cabin compared to most city cars. You still get all the small-car benefits, of course, like low running costs, effortless parking and good visibility.
We'll talk you through the Kia Picanto lineup, looking at the different trim levels on offer and the different versions over time.
Kia Picanto models explained
Kia launched the Picanto in the early 2000s, when the brand was more budget-focused than it is today. As a result, the first Picantos were a bit spartan and plasticky – more likely to be served up as a rental car than something drivers might actually desire.
Nevertheless, these Picantos laid a solid foundation for the two generations that replaced them. With each successive iteration, the little Kia got fancier, smarter and better equipped. All while keeping the same consistent focus on affordability, reliability and practicality.
The current Picanto has been on sale since 2017, but Kia has given it two major updates, with the most recent in 2024. As a result, we anticipate it staying on sale for a few years to come.
Kia Picanto rivals include:
Kia Picanto trim levels
Current Kia Picanto trim levels:
- Pure – most recent entry-level trim is more expensive but better equipped. Includes alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic headlights, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- GT-Line – gets a sporty makeover with 16-inch alloys, LED headlights and lightbar, tinted rear windows and faux-leather upholstery
- GT-Line S – range-topping car with GT-Line styling, plus a sunroof and extra active safety tech
Previous Kia Picanto trim levels:
- 1 – entry-level car with air conditioning and a basic stereo with USB and AUX in
- 2 – adds alloy wheels and Bluetooth connectivity
- 3 – includes cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and an infotainment system with smartphone mirroring
- X-Line – SUV-inspired model with off-road styling
- X-Line S – includes range-topping equipment levels along with tough X-Line styling
Kia Picanto generations
Third generation – 2017-present
- This was the first Picanto to offer a turbo petrol engine for better performance
- Model code – JA
- Facelifted in 2020 and 2024
- This Picanto has the same footprint as its predecessor but a longer wheelbase for more interior space
- Petrol engines only
Second generation – 2011-2017
- Designed in Europe, the second-gen Picanto's front-end styling was inspired by a tiger's nose
- Model code – TA
- Facelifted in 2015
- This was the only Picanto offered with the option of a three-door body style exclusively for Europe
- Petrol only in the UK, diesel was offered elsewhere
First generation – 2003-2011
- During the UK's 2009 scrappage scheme, Picanto sales rose by nearly 350%
- Model code – SA
- Facelifted in 2007
- It was called the Kia Morning in its home market, but renamed Picanto for Europe hoping to 'spice' up the city car segment
- Petrol only in the UK, diesel was offered elsewhere
What's the best Kia Picanto model?
The second-generation Kia Picanto sold until 2017 is still widely available on the used market, and has generally proven to be quite durable. However, the third-generation model from 2017 onwards feels like a much better overall car.
For starters, the cabin is better equipped, slightly more spacious and less plasticky. Plus, with many third-gen Picantos now on the used market, you can pick one up even if you're working on a tight budget.
You can pick a sporty GT-Line or SUV-inspired X-Line model. However, we reckon the best value is a more pedestrian Picanto 2 or Picanto 3 trim – ideally in a nice, bright colour!
Search a wide choice of nearly new and used Kia Picanto cars for sale, or read our Kia Picanto review to find out what it's like to live with.
