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HomeComparisonsNissan Micra vs Kia Picanto
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Nissan Micra vs Kia Picanto

A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs 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.

SpecNissanKia
Price (RRP)TBC$19,190
Fuel typePetrolPetrol
Power75kW62kW
0-100 km/h12.2s
Fuel Economy6.5 L/100km5.4 L/100km
Boot Space255L
Warranty3yr / 100k km7yr / Unlimited
ANCAP Safety3 StarsNo data

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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 counters with Apple CarPlay that the Nissan Micra does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Nissan Micra uses a 1.5 litre DOHC 4-cylinder petrol producing 75kW and 136Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a FWD layout.

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 Nissan Micra has the clear power advantage at 75kW vs 62kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Nissan Micra measures 3,780mm long on a 2,435mm wheelbase, 185mm longer than the Kia Picanto at 3,595mm (2,400mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Micra generally means more rear legroom.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

9.0m to 9.4m

TightestNissan Micra ST-LTightest turn at 9.0m, easiest U-turns and carparks
Nissan Micra ST-L
9.0mTighter
Best
Kia Picanto Sport
9.4m
Worst
Nissan Micra ST-L
9.0m · Excellent

Based on 9.0m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Kia Picanto Sport
9.4m · Excellent

Based on 9.4m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestNissan MicraTightest turn at 9.0m, needs the least road to swing around
Nissan MicraTightest9.0 m
Excellent△ 3-point
Kia Picanto9.4 m
Excellent△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 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.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

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 $1,853/year for the Nissan Micra and $1,539/year for the Kia Picanto. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Kia Picanto.

Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Nissan Micra) vs $1,539 (Kia Picanto). The Kia Picanto saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Nissan Micra) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Picanto). The Kia Picanto has longer coverage.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Nissan Micra if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia'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 $314 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, Nissan Micra and Kia Picanto?

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.

Which is safest?

They are evenly matched — Nissan Micra all hold a 3-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.

Which has the best warranty?

The Kia Picanto has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.

Which is the most powerful?

The Nissan Micra makes the most power at 75kW.

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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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