Hyundai Veloster vs Kia Picanto
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs 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.
Hyundai Veloster
Price TBC
Hatch
Petrol
Gamma 1.6 GDi
103kW
6.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
320L
Kia Picanto
From $19,190
Hatch
Petrol
Petrol
62kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
255L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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 Hyundai Veloster features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Picanto gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Veloster gets leather appointed upholstery while the Kia Picanto offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Veloster uses a Gamma 1.6 GDi producing 103kW and 167Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
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 Hyundai Veloster has the clear power advantage at 103kW vs 62kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Veloster measures 4,220mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 625mm longer than the Kia Picanto at 3,595mm (2,400mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Veloster generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 320L in the Hyundai Veloster and 255L in the Kia Picanto, giving the Hyundai Veloster a 65L advantage. The Kia Picanto seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the Hyundai Veloster and $1,539/year for the Kia Picanto. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Kia Picanto.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Hyundai Veloster) vs $1,539 (Kia Picanto). The Kia Picanto saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Veloster) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Picanto). The Kia Picanto has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Veloster if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Veloster and Kia Picanto trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Kia Picanto will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Veloster has a clear edge. The Kia Picanto adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Veloster and Kia Picanto?
The Kia Picanto is the cheapest at $19,190 before on-road costs.
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 — Hyundai Veloster all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Veloster has the largest boot at 320L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Picanto has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Veloster makes the most power at 103kW.
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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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