Suzuki Swift vs Kia K4
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.
Price Breakdown
The Suzuki Swift starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia K4 opens at $32,090. That makes the Suzuki Swift the more affordable entry point by $8,100.
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 $26,389 and $35,299 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Suzuki Swift by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Suzuki Swift and Kia K4 hold a 4-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 47% for the Suzuki Swift and 85% for the Kia K4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia K4 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Suzuki Swift.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Suzuki Swift and 6 in the Kia K4.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Suzuki Swift stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia K4. The Kia K4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki Swift uses a Petrol producing 61kW and 112Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.4 seconds.
The Kia K4 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Kia K4 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 61kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia K4 is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki Swift measures 3,860mm long on a 2,450mm wheelbase, 580mm shorter than the Kia K4 at 4,440mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia K4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 267L in the Suzuki Swift and 428L in the Kia K4, giving the Kia K4 a 161L 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 $1,311/year for the Suzuki Swift and $1,710/year for the Kia K4. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Swift.
Estimated annual total: $1,311 (Suzuki Swift) vs $1,710 (Kia K4). The Suzuki Swift saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Swift) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia K4). The Kia K4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Swift if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia K4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia K4 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Suzuki Swift will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia K4 has a clear edge. The Kia K4 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, Suzuki Swift and Kia K4?
The Suzuki Swift is the cheapest at $23,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia K4 by $8,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Suzuki Swift uses the least fuel at 4.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Suzuki Swift and Kia K4 all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia K4 has the largest boot at 428L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia K4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia K4 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia K4 makes the most power at 110kW. The Kia K4 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.8s.
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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