Hyundai Veloster 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.
Hyundai Veloster
Price TBC
Hatchback
Petrol
Gamma 1.6 Turbo GDi
150kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
320L
Kia Picanto
From $19,190
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
62kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
255L
Hyundai Veloster: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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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.
The Hyundai Veloster stands out with panoramic roof — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Picanto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Veloster gets leather appointed sports bucket upholstery while the Kia Picanto offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Veloster uses a Gamma 1.6 Turbo GDi producing 150kW and 265Nm 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 150kW vs 62kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Veloster measures 4,250mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 655mm 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 $1,967/year for the Hyundai Veloster and $1,539/year for the Kia Picanto. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Kia Picanto.
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 $428 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.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai Veloster holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Kia Picanto, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
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 150kW.
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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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