Suzuki Swift 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Suzuki Swift starts from $16,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Picanto opens at $19,190. That makes the Suzuki Swift the more affordable entry point by $2,200.
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 $18,689 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia Picanto counters with Apple CarPlay that the Suzuki Swift does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki Swift uses a Petrol producing 70kW and 130Nm 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 Suzuki Swift has the clear power advantage at 70kW vs 62kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki Swift measures 3,850mm long on a 2,430mm wheelbase, 255mm longer than the Kia Picanto at 3,595mm (2,400mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Suzuki Swift generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 210L in the Suzuki Swift and 255L in the Kia Picanto, giving the Kia Picanto a 45L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 9.6m
Based on 9.6m 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 $1,568/year for the Suzuki Swift and $1,539/year for the Kia Picanto. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Kia Picanto.
Estimated annual total: $1,568 (Suzuki Swift) vs $1,539 (Kia Picanto). The Kia Picanto saves you roughly $29 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 Picanto). The Kia Picanto has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Swift if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Picanto takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Kia Picanto will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Picanto has a clear edge. 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, Suzuki Swift and Kia Picanto?
The Suzuki Swift is the cheapest at $16,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Picanto by $2,200.
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 — Suzuki Swift all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Picanto has the largest boot at 255L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Picanto has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Suzuki Swift makes the most power at 70kW.
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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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