Toyota Yaris 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.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota Yaris starts from $22,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Picanto opens at $18,390. That makes the Kia Picanto the more affordable entry point by $4,600.
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 $20,229 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Yaris by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota Yaris holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Kia Picanto. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Toyota Yaris and 87% for the Kia Picanto.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Kia Picanto.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota Yaris and 6 in the Kia Picanto.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Yaris features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Picanto gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota Yaris stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Kia Picanto. The Kia Picanto counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Yaris uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 141Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 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 Toyota Yaris has the clear power advantage at 85kW vs 62kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Yaris is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Yaris measures 3,940mm long on a 2,550mm wheelbase, 345mm longer than the Kia Picanto at 3,595mm (2,400mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Yaris generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the Toyota Yaris and 255L in the Kia Picanto, giving the Toyota Yaris a 15L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m 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 9.8m 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 $1,083/year for the Toyota Yaris and $1,539/year for the Kia Picanto. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris.
Estimated annual total: $1,083 (Toyota Yaris) vs $1,539 (Kia Picanto). The Toyota Yaris saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Yaris) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Picanto). The Kia Picanto has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Yaris if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Picanto if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Yaris takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Toyota Yaris will save you roughly $456 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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