Kia Picanto vs MG MG4 Urban
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 MG MG4 Urban opens at $31,990. 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 $20,229 and $35,189 respectively.
The MG MG4 Urban 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Picanto stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the MG MG4 Urban. The MG MG4 Urban counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Picanto gets cloth upholstery while the MG MG4 Urban offers cloth/leatherette.
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 MG MG4 Urban responds with a Electric making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a single speed driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The MG MG4 Urban has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 62kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG MG4 Urban is 2.6s 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, 800mm shorter than the MG MG4 Urban at 4,395mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG4 Urban generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 255L in the Kia Picanto and 577L in the MG MG4 Urban, giving the MG MG4 Urban a 322L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.5m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.5m 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 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG4 Urban). The MG MG4 Urban has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG4 Urban if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MG4 Urban takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the MG MG4 Urban has a clear edge. The MG MG4 Urban adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Picanto and MG MG4 Urban?
The Kia Picanto is the cheapest at $18,390 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG MG4 Urban 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 — MG MG4 Urban all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG MG4 Urban has the largest boot at 577L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG4 Urban has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG MG4 Urban makes the most power at 110kW. The MG MG4 Urban is quickest to 100km/h in 9.6s.
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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