Kia Picanto vs BYD Atto 1
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 Kia Picanto starts from $18,390 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 1 opens at $23,990. That makes the Kia Picanto the more affordable entry point by $5,600.
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 $20,229 and $26,389 respectively.
The BYD Atto 1 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
The BYD Atto 1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Kia Picanto. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Picanto and 82% for the BYD Atto 1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Picanto packs more ADAS features with 3 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Atto 1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Picanto and 6 in the BYD Atto 1.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Picanto features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Atto 1 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Kia Picanto uses a Petrol producing 62kW and 122Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.2 seconds.
The BYD Atto 1 responds with a Electric making 65kW and 175Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The BYD Atto 1 has the clear power advantage at 65kW vs 62kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 1 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Picanto measures 3,595mm long on a 2,400mm wheelbase, 395mm shorter than the BYD Atto 1 at 3,990mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Atto 1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 255L in the Kia Picanto and 440L in the BYD Atto 1, giving the BYD Atto 1 a 185L advantage. The Kia Picanto seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.4m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Picanto) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1). The Kia Picanto has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Atto 1 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 1 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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