Kia Picanto vs Suzuki Ignis
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.
Price Breakdown
The Kia Picanto starts from $18,390 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki Ignis opens at $22,490. That makes the Kia Picanto the more affordable entry point by $4,100.
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 $24,739 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Suzuki Ignis holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Kia Picanto.
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 Suzuki Ignis.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. 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 Suzuki Ignis responds with a Petrol making 61kW and 113Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.8 seconds.
The Kia Picanto has the clear power advantage at 62kW vs 61kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Picanto is 0.6s 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, 105mm shorter than the Suzuki Ignis at 3,700mm (2,435mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Suzuki Ignis generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 255L in the Kia Picanto and 260L in the Suzuki Ignis, giving the Suzuki Ignis a 5L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m diameter
Excellent
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Kia Picanto and $1,397/year for the Suzuki Ignis. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Ignis.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Kia Picanto) vs $1,397 (Suzuki Ignis). The Suzuki Ignis saves you roughly $142 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 / 100,000km (Suzuki Ignis). The Kia Picanto has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki Ignis if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Picanto takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Suzuki Ignis will save you roughly $142 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.
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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