Suzuki Swift vs Kia Picanto Comparison

The Suzuki Swift and Kia Picanto are two subcompact cars built by the Japanese, and Korean automotive powerhouses Suzuki, and Kia.

The Swift was originally sold as Suzuki Cultus in select markets from 1984 to 2003 when the Swift name was adopted in all markets. There are now four generations of the Suzuki Swift: The first generation from 2004 to 2010, the second generation from 2010 to 2017, the third generation from 2016 to 2023, and the fourth generation from 2023 to the present.
The Kia Picanto also sold as Kia Morning in South Korea, and other select markets was introduced in 2003. There have been three generations of the Kia Picanto: the first generation from 2003 to 2011, the second generation from 2011 to 2017, and the third generation from 2017 to the present.

In this article, we will compare these two cars side-by-side, focusing on their interiors, prices, and power plants. Please follow through.

Best Suited for

Suzuki Swift

  • The target customers of the Swift are young, and middle-aged adults looking for a low-maintenance, durable, innovative, and efficient car with advanced safety features. 
  • The Suzuki Swift is suitable as a daily driver for people working in urban areas with narrow streets, and small parking lots.
  • The Swift is desirable for people who want a thrifty power plant.

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Kia Picanto

  • For potential buyers looking for a compact, versatile, and accessible car, the Picanto is a car for them as it suits all drivers, and their needs.
  •  Due to its size, the Picanto is desirable for people residing in ancient towns with narrow streets, and limited parking.
  • If you desire maximum efficiency per liter of fuel, the Picanto is the car for you.

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Suzuki Swift vs Kia Picanto Side-by-Side Comparison

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricings as of October 2024.)

Suzuki SwiftKia Picanto
Capacity/Doors

5-door

3- or 5-door
Torque79 – 173 lb-ft of torque63 – 179 lb-ft of torque
Top Speed200 kph161 kph
0-100 km/h8.9 sec13.1 sec
Max Power129 hp69 hp
Engine1586 cc1248 cc
Fuel Tank Capacity37 Liters35 Litres
Key FeaturesPower Steering, Keyless Entry, Power Window, A/C, Airbag, ABS, ESC

Power Steering, CD Player, Keyless Entry, Power Window, A/C, Airbag, Alloy Wheels, ABS, Central Locking, Fog Lights
Gearbox5-speed manual 4-speed automatic5-speed manual/automated manual, 4-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption17 km/L14.7 km/L
Length x Width x Height3860 x 1735 x 1510 (mm)

3595 x 1595 x 1485 (mm)

Suzuki Swift Price

Suzuki Swift 2012US$ 1,290 – US$ 14,460
Suzuki Swift 2017US$ 3,000 – US$ 16,340
Suzuki Swift 2024US$ 3,000 – US$ 16,340

Kia Picanto Price

Kia Picanto 2012US$ 1,883 – US$ 4,937
Kia Picanto 2017US$ 2,961 – US$ 7,819
Kia Picanto 2023US$ 6,728 – US$ 10,966

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Exterior

Suzuki Swift

  • The exterior is curvy and sporty
  • Its wheelbase is 2450 mm, while its length, width, and height are 3860 x 1695 x 1520 (mm).
  • The front end features LED headlights and DRLs, a black mesh grille with a Suzuki logo at the center, and FOG lights.
  • On the sides, alloy wheels are standard (2024 model), wing mirrors with turn signal lights, and body-colored door handles.
  • At the rear, you find a spoiler embedded with a brake light atop the lift-up tailgate, a rear wiper, a Suzuki logo on the tailgate, and a Swift inscription.
Suzuki Swift blue frontside
Suzuki Swift blue backside

Kia Picanto

  • The Picanto has a wheelbase of 2400 mm, and its exterior dimension in length, width, and height is 3595 x 1595 x 1485.
  • The front features a short hood, large headlights with LED DRLs, a small grille with chrome accents, a large bumper with FOG lights on either end, and a large air intake vent at the center.
  • Metal wheels with plastic caps are standard, and body-colored door handles and wing mirrors are notable.
  • At the rear, you find a spoiler embedded with a brake light at the center atop the tailgate, a rear wiper, and a large bumper with a plate number at the center.
Kia Picanto white frontside
Kia Picanto white backside

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Interior

Suzuki Swift

  • The Swift has five seats that can comfortably accommodate five adults, a fifth will feel squeezed.
  • Storage features include a glove box, door pockets, jacket seat pockets, cupholders, and a center tray. The boot can accommodate about three medium-sized carry-on bags.
  • Features include A/C, reverse camera, audio system, and navigation.
Suzuki Swift blue interior driving sheet
Suzuki Swift blue interior front sheet
Suzuki Swift blue interior cargo space

Kia Picanto

  • It’s a five-seat car. Space is limited on the rear seats, but four medium-sized adults can make themselves comfortable.
  • Features include A/C, CD player, Radio, rearview camera, and power mirrors and windows.
  • Storage options include door pockets, a center tray, cupholders, and bottle holders. The boot can accommodate three large carry-on bags.
Kia Picanto white interior driving sheet
Kia Picanto white interior front sheet
Kia Picanto white interior cargo space

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Fuel Consumption & Engine

Suzuki Swift

There is a long list of engines that have been used throughout the Suzuki Swift’s lifespan, reviewing them all requires an article of its own. Here we take a look at a few of them.

  • The 1242 cc (K12B) DOHC VVT I4 petrol engine produces 91 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque, and is widely used. The average fuel consumption of this engine is 20 km/L.

  • The 1586 cc (M16A) DOHC VVT I4 petrol engine produces 125 hp, and 109 lb-ft (2005 – 2011) after some re-tuning (2011 – 2014) its output became 136 hp, and 118 lb-ft. This engine was used on the Swift Sports model, it featured forged pistons, high-lift camshafts, and strengthened valve springs. The average fuel consumption of this engine is 15 km/L.

  • The turbocharged 998 cc (K10C Booster jet) DOHC VVT I3 petrol in a non-hybrid or mild hybrid system. The non-hybrid produces 109 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, and the mild hybrid system is paired with a 3 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque 12v electric motor. The average fuel consumption of these engines is 23 km/L and 25 km/L respectively.

  • The turbocharged 1372 cc (K14C/D Booster jet) DOHC VVT I4 petrol in a non-hybrid or mild hybrid system. The non-hybrid (K14C) produces 144 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, and the mild hybrid (K14D) with a 48-volt SHVS system produces 127 hp, and 173 lb-ft of torque and the motor produces 14 hp and 39 lb-ft of torque. The average fuel consumption of these engines is 16 km/L and 21.4 km/L respectively.

These engines transfer power to the front wheels (FWD) or all wheels (AWD) via a 5- or 6-speed manual, 5-speed automated manual, 4-speed automatic, or CVT transmission.

Suzuki Swift blue engine
Suzuki Swift blue engine meter

Kia Picanto

Several engines have been utilized on the Kia Picanto, here we take a look at some of them.

  • The 999 cc (G4HC/G4HE) Epsilon SOHC I4 petrol engine has an output of 58 hp, and 62 lb-ft of torque. The average fuel consumption of this engine is 15 km/L.
  • The 998 cc (G3LA) Kappa II VVT I3 petrol engine has an output of 68 hp and 70 lb-ft of torque. The average fuel consumption of this engine is 16 km/L.
  • The turbocharged 998 cc (G3LE/G3LF) Smartstream T-GDi I3 petrol engine produces 118 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. The average fuel consumption of this engine is 19 km/L.
  • The 1197 cc (G4LF) Smartstream MPi I4 petrol engine produces 82 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque. The average fuel consumption of this engine is 18 km/L.

These engines transfer power to the front wheels (FWD) via 5-speed manual, 5-speed automated manual, 4-speed automatic, and CVT transmission. 

Kia Picanto engine
Kia Picanto engine meter

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Is Suzuki Swift a Good Car?

  • Generously equipped cabin
  • Spacious for its size
  • Magnificent fuel efficiency
  • Outdated infotainment
  • Cheap cabin materials
  • Noisy cabin 

The Suzuki Swift is a reliable, affordable, efficient, and well-equipped compact car that handles well on the road, although it feels cheap inside.
The targeted customers of the Suzuki Swift are younger buyers, and anyone looking for a reliable, practical, and affordable car.

Is Kia Picanto a Good Car?

  • Impressive handling
  • Incredibly efficient
  • State-of-the-art infotainment and cabin features
  • Very slow
  • Limited cabin space

The Kia Picanto is a small city-focused car that exclusively runs on petrol, unlike its competitors that offer hybrid or electric-only versions.
For die-hard ICE enthusiasts, urban dwellers, and admirers of small efficient cars, the Picanto is a car for you.

Writer’s Perspectives

The Suzuki Swift and Kia Picanto are two incredible compact cars, with each having an edge over the other. The Swift has a significant number of engines to choose from in ICE, and mild hybrid forms. These engines are much more efficient, reliable, and powerful. The Swift is also much larger and hence more spacious. On the other hand, the Kia Picanto looks more modern, cheaper, a true dinky-city car, and efficient with good value retention.

Final Verdict

The uncertainties surrounding the price of a barrel of oil on the world market, climate change, slowing economy, and inflation require some change in how we approach different aspects to adapt. For the sake of climate and savings, you need a car with a small carbon footprint and frugal, and that is where the significance of the Suzuki Swift and Kia Picanto is more evident. The two compact cars are efficient and have small eco-friendly power plants that help reduce CO2 emissions.
For buyers who want to reduce their CO2 emissions but do not want to go fully electric, the Suzuki Swift and Kia Picanto are good options.

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