GAC Aion UT vs Kia Picanto
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The GAC Aion UT starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Picanto opens at $18,390. That makes the Kia Picanto the more affordable entry point by $13,600.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $35,189 and $20,229 respectively.
The GAC Aion UT qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Picanto, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The GAC Aion UT features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.8-inch digital dash, while the Kia Picanto gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GAC Aion UT stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L that you will not find on the Kia Picanto. The Kia Picanto counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the GAC Aion UT gets pvc upholstery while the Kia Picanto offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the GAC Aion UT and 1-zone in the Kia Picanto.
Drivetrain
The GAC Aion UT uses a Electric producing 150kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The Kia Picanto responds with a Petrol making 62kW and 122Nm, paired to a manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.2 seconds.
The GAC Aion UT has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 62kW. In the real-world sprint, the GAC Aion UT is 4.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GAC Aion UT measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 675mm longer than the Kia Picanto at 3,595mm (2,400mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC Aion UT generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 321L in the GAC Aion UT and 255L in the Kia Picanto, giving the GAC Aion UT a 66L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 8 years / 150,000km (GAC Aion UT) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Picanto). The GAC Aion UT has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GAC Aion UT if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GAC Aion UT takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the GAC Aion UT has a clear edge. The GAC Aion UT adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GAC Aion UT and Kia Picanto?
The Kia Picanto is the cheapest at $18,390 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GAC Aion UT by $13,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Picanto uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GAC Aion UT all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GAC Aion UT has the largest boot at 321L.
Which has the best warranty?
The GAC Aion UT has the longest warranty at 8 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GAC Aion UT makes the most power at 150kW. The GAC Aion UT is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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