Kia Picanto vs Proton Gen.2
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.
Proton Gen.2: 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia Picanto stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Proton Gen.2. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Picanto gets cloth upholstery while the Proton Gen.2 offers leather.
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 Proton Gen.2 responds with a Petrol making 82kW and 148Nm, paired to a 4 speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Proton Gen.2 has the clear power advantage at 82kW 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, 715mm shorter than the Proton Gen.2 at 4,310mm (2,600mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Proton Gen.2 generally means more rear legroom.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
5.4m to 9.4m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 5.4m 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 cars1 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 $2,252/year for the Proton Gen.2. That is a $713 annual difference in favour of the Kia Picanto.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Kia Picanto) vs $2,252 (Proton Gen.2). The Kia Picanto saves you roughly $713 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 3 years (Proton Gen.2). 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 Proton Gen.2 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Proton's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Picanto takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Kia Picanto will save you roughly $713 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 Proton Gen.2?
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?
None of Kia Picanto and Proton Gen.2 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Picanto has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Proton Gen.2 makes the most power at 82kW.
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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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