Kia Picanto vs Toyota HiLux
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
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
62kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
255L
Toyota HiLux
From $20,990
Cab Chassis
Petrol
Four cylinders, in-line, DOHC, four valves per cylinder
122kW
11.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
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Toyota HiLux: we're still completing length, width, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and turning circle.
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
The Kia Picanto starts from $19,190 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiLux opens at $20,990. That makes the Kia Picanto the more affordable entry point by $1,800.
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 $23,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Picanto by roughly $8,125 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia Picanto stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota HiLux. 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 Toyota HiLux responds with a Four cylinders, in-line, DOHC, four valves per cylinder making 122kW and 245Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual driving the rear wheels.
The Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 122kW vs 62kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m diameter
Excellent
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Excellent
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 8.3 m of road; you have 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.6 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Kia Picanto and $3,164/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $1,625 annual difference in favour of the Kia Picanto.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Kia Picanto) vs $3,164 (Toyota HiLux). The Kia Picanto saves you roughly $1,625 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 (Toyota HiLux). The Kia Picanto has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Picanto takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Picanto will save you roughly $1,625 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 Toyota HiLux?
The Kia Picanto is the cheapest at $19,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota HiLux by $1,800.
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 — Toyota HiLux all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota HiLux has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Picanto has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota HiLux makes the most power at 122kW.
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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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