Kia Picanto vs MG ZS
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Kia Picanto
From $19,190
Hatch
Petrol
Petrol
62kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
255L
MG ZS
From $22,990
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
81kW
6.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
443L
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Picanto starts from $19,190 before on-road costs, while the MG ZS opens at $22,990. That makes the Kia Picanto the more affordable entry point by $3,800.
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 $21,109 and $25,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Picanto by roughly $1,855 in fuel alone.
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 Kia Picanto features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the MG ZS gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG ZS counters with power tailgate that the Kia Picanto does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 ZS responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 140Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.
The MG ZS has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 62kW. 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, 835mm shorter than the MG ZS at 4,430mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG ZS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 255L in the Kia Picanto and 443L in the MG ZS, giving the MG ZS a 188L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 11.0m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,539/year for the Kia Picanto and $1,910/year for the MG ZS. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Kia Picanto.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Kia Picanto) vs $1,910 (MG ZS). The Kia Picanto saves you roughly $371 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Picanto) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS). The MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG ZS 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 ZS takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Kia Picanto will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MG ZS has a clear edge. The MG ZS 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 ZS?
The Kia Picanto is the cheapest at $19,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG ZS by $3,800.
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 ZS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG ZS has the largest boot at 443L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG ZS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG ZS makes the most power at 81kW.
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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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