Mazda Mazda2 vs Kia Picanto
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.
Data checked: specs 12 Sep 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Track the Mazda Mazda2 & Kia Picanto
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda2 starts from $22,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Picanto opens at $19,190. 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 $25,289 and $21,109 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mazda Mazda2
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000892 · published 27 Sep 2019The vehicle's fuel tank may exceed the specified manufacturing dimensions and place additional strain on the fuel tank retaining strap, which may weaken or potentially break.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- REC-000875 · published 11 Feb 2018On some vehicles, the shape of the teeth on the parking brake sector gear may not meet specification.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2018
- 4 more on the model page.
Kia Picanto
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda Mazda2 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Picanto gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mazda Mazda2 uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 142Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Kia Picanto responds with a Petrol making 62kW and 122Nm, paired to a manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.2 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda2 has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 62kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda Mazda2 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda Mazda2 measures 4,085mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 490mm longer than the Kia Picanto at 3,595mm (2,400mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda2 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 250L in the Mazda Mazda2 and 255L in the Kia Picanto, giving the Kia Picanto a 5L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 9.8m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m 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 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 $1,425/year for the Mazda Mazda2 and $1,539/year for the Kia Picanto. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda2.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda2) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Picanto). The Kia Picanto has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda2 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda Mazda2: Top CarSorted Score, 60 vs 57, but the Kia Picanto is $3,800 cheaper
The Mazda Mazda2 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (60 vs 57), taking 4 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Mazda Mazda2 ahead by 15), performance (Mazda Mazda2 ahead by 10), practicality (Mazda Mazda2 ahead by 6). The Mazda Mazda2 will save you roughly $114 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda Mazda2 and Kia Picanto?
The Kia Picanto is the cheapest at $19,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda Mazda2 by $3,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda2 uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda Mazda2 and Kia Picanto carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Picanto has the largest boot at 255L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Picanto has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda Mazda2 makes the most power at 81kW. The Mazda Mazda2 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.5s.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
