Kia Picanto vs Mitsubishi Lancer
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.
Kia Picanto
From $19,190
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
62kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
255L
Mitsubishi Lancer
Price TBC
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
125kW
8.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
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Track the Kia Picanto & Mitsubishi Lancer
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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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia Picanto stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Mitsubishi Lancer. The Mitsubishi Lancer counters with Rockford Fosgate audio. 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 Mitsubishi Lancer responds with a Petrol making 125kW and 226Nm, paired to a cvt (continuously variable transmission, invecs-iii sports mode) driving the front wheels.
The Mitsubishi Lancer has the clear power advantage at 125kW 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, 990mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Lancer at 4,585mm (2,635mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Lancer generally means more rear legroom.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.0m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.0m 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 $2,537/year for the Mitsubishi Lancer. That is a $998 annual difference in favour of the Kia Picanto.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Picanto) vs 5 years / 130,000km (Mitsubishi Lancer). The Kia Picanto has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Lancer if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Picanto and Mitsubishi Lancer trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Kia Picanto will save you roughly $998 a year in fuel. 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, Kia Picanto and Mitsubishi Lancer?
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?
Mitsubishi Lancer 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 can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Lancer has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Picanto has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Lancer makes the most power at 125kW.
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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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