Kia Picanto

Kia Picanto
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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.

Technical data (EU/EEA average, 2025)
ManufacturerKia
ProductionFrom 2003
Body typeMPV
FuelPetrol
Engine power49 kW (66 hp)
CO₂ (WLTP)118 g/km
Kerb weight989 kg
Displacement1,028 cc
Top speed158 km/h
Dimensions and layout
Length3,592 mm
Width1,600 mm
Height1,489 mm
Seats5
Doors4

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.

Kia Picanto first registrations in Norway per year
2019101
202029
202148

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.

CountryRegistrations
Italy13,923
United Kingdom13,633
Germany8,938
Netherlands8,861
France7,159
Greece3,131
Spain2,881
Belgium1,544
Portugal833
Poland578
Sweden521
Ireland440
Austria409
Malta230
Cyprus214

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 variants for Kia Picanto
EngineFuelTransmissionTop speedEconomyModel year
1.0 l · 3-cyl158 km/h
1.0 l · 4-cyl150 km/h
1.1 l · 3-cyl162 km/h
1.1 l · 4-cyl153 km/h
1.2 l · 4-cyl167 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.