Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is a five-seat MPV produced from 2003 onwards, powered by a 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 55 kW and achieving 121 g/km CO₂ emissions. Measuring 3,605 mm in length with a kerb weight of 962 kg, it reaches a top speed of 167 km/h. In Norway, the model saw declining new registrations over 2019–2021, dropping from a peak of 101 units in 2019 to 48 in 2021, totalling 178 registrations across the three-year period. The vehicle has been subject to four safety recalls recorded in the EU Safety Gate database.
| Manufacturer | Kia |
|---|---|
| Production | From 2003 |
| Body type | MPV |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Engine power | 49 kW (66 hp) |
| CO₂ (WLTP) | 118 g/km |
| Kerb weight | 989 kg |
| Displacement | 1,028 cc |
| Top speed | 158 km/h |
| Length | 3,592 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,600 mm |
| Height | 1,489 mm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
Engine power, CO₂ and kerb weight are registration-weighted averages across the 29 European countries that registered the Kia Picanto in 2025 (64,603 cars). Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0).
New registrations in Norway
Number of Kia Picanto registered for the first time in Norway per year.
Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0).
New registrations by country (2025)
Number of Kia Picanto cars registered for the first time across 29 European countries in 2025.
| Country | Registrations |
|---|---|
| Italy | 13,923 |
| United Kingdom | 13,633 |
| Germany | 8,938 |
| Netherlands | 8,861 |
| France | 7,159 |
| Greece | 3,131 |
| Spain | 2,881 |
| Belgium | 1,544 |
| Portugal | 833 |
| Poland | 578 |
| Sweden | 521 |
| Ireland | 440 |
| Austria | 409 |
| Malta | 230 |
| Cyprus | 214 |
Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0), 2025 data.
Engine variants
Different engine versions of the Kia Picanto (from registration data). 5 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 158 km/h | – | – |
| 1.0 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 150 km/h | – | – |
| 1.1 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 162 km/h | – | – |
| 1.1 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 153 km/h | – | – |
| 1.2 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 167 km/h | – | – |
Source: RDW (NL). European engine variants.
Generations
Other Kia models
Similar MPV models
Common problems & reliability
In the UK, 77% of Kia Picantos pass their MOT test first time, based on 176,686 inspections in 2023. (2023 is the most recent annual release published by the DfT.)
Based on real owner complaints and inspection data — not an editorial rating. Sources: DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).
Recalls & safety
4 recalls recorded in the EU Safety Gate (European market) for the Kia Picanto. Recalls can flag known weaknesses of the model.
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Poland)
The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2025-01-03
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2025-02-14
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Belgium)
Fuel leakage close to a source of ignition increases the risk of the vehicle catching fire.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2019-08-02
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Portugal)
The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2024-10-04
Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Kia recalls.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top speed of the Kia Picanto?
- The Kia Picanto has a rated top speed of 158 km/h.
- How much power does the Kia Picanto have?
- The Kia Picanto produces 49 kW (66 hp).
- What are the dimensions of the Kia Picanto?
- The Kia Picanto is 3,592 mm long, 1,600 mm wide and 1,489 mm tall.
- How much does the Kia Picanto weigh?
- The Kia Picanto has a kerb weight of about 989 kg.
- What are the CO2 emissions of the Kia Picanto?
- The Kia Picanto emits 118 g/km of CO2 (WLTP).
- How many seats does the Kia Picanto have?
- The Kia Picanto has 5 seats.