VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
49 kW
Torque
95 Nm
89 Nm
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
4.4 l/100km
Engine
998 cc
998 cc
Choosing between the Kia Picanto and the Toyota Vitz is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Picanto delivers 49 kW while the Toyota Vitz produces 49 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.1 l/100km while the Vitz uses 4.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R260 995 for the Picanto and R180 600 for the Vitz. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
49 kW
49 kW
Torque
95 Nm
89 Nm
Top Speed
155 Km/h
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.1 l/100km
4.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
32 l
CO2 Emissions
118 g/km
101 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3695 mm
Width
1595 mm
1655 mm
Height
1495 mm
1555 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2435 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
957 Kg
805 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
255-1010 l
295 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2
4 services
Service Plan Distance
30000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Vitz
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Vitz
Value
Vitz
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Kia Picanto
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (5.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Vitz
Better fuel economy (4.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R180 600)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Vitz?
The Picanto uses 5.1 l/100km and the Vitz uses 4.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Vitz is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Picanto or Vitz?
The Picanto produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque while the Vitz delivers 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Vitz?
The Picanto starts from R260 995 and the Vitz from R180 600. The Vitz is cheaper by R80 395 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Picanto or the Vitz?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.