@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
@ Kia Corporation
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Dacia Sandero vs Kia Picanto – Which model is better for everyday use?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Dacia Sandero or Kia Picanto fits your lifestyle better.

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Introduction: The Battle of the Compact Hatchbacks

In the world of compact hatchbacks, two contenders stand out for their affordability, efficiency, and practicality: the Dacia Sandero and the Kia Picanto. While both vehicles aim to provide budget-friendly transportation options, they cater to slightly different consumer needs and preferences. This article will delve into a comparative analysis of their technical aspects, innovations, and overall value for money.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Design and Dimensions

The Dacia Sandero boasts a length of 4088 mm and a width of 1848 mm, presenting a roomy interior that comfortably seats up to five passengers. Its trunk capacity of 328 liters is quite generous for a compact hatchback, making it an excellent option for families or anyone needing extra storage.

In contrast, the Kia Picanto is more compact at 3605 mm in length and 1595 mm in width, designed primarily for urban environments and tight parking situations. Although it can also seat five riders, the trunk space is limited to 255 liters, which might be a drawback for those who require more cargo capability.

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Powertrain Performance and Efficiency

The Dacia Sandero offers a variety of engine options, including 67 to 110 HP variants, with performance varying based on the specific configuration. Its fuel consumption ranges from 5.2 to 7 L/100 km, which is competitive within its segment, especially considering the availability of LPG as an alternative fuel option.

On the other hand, the Kia Picanto, with power output of 63 to 79 HP, provides adequate performance for city driving but falls short compared to the Sandero on the power front. With a fuel consumption that ranges from 5.2 to 5.7 L/100 km, it remains efficient but doesn’t offer the same versatility in engine choices or the ability to run on LPG.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Transmission and Driving Experience

Both models come with manual and automatic transmissions, catering to different driving preferences. The Sandero is available with a manual gearbox as well as a continuously variable transmission (CVT), enhancing its driving experience with smoother acceleration and usability.

Kia's Picanto features a manual gearbox and an automated manual transmission, which may appeal to those looking for simplicity in urban driving. However, the absence of a CVT may leave enthusiasts wanting more in terms of a seamless driving experience.

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Acceleration and Speed

The Dacia Sandero outshines the Picanto in acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time ranging from 10 to 16.7 seconds, depending on the engine choice. Its top speed can reach up to 183 km/h, making it a suitable choice for more spirited driving.

Conversely, the Picanto has a slower 0-100 km/h acceleration time between 13.1 to 18.2 seconds. Its maximum speed tops at 159 km/h, which may suffice for city driving but limits its performance on faster roadways.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Modern Innovations and Features

The Dacia Sandero integrates several modern features, such as a digital dashboard and advanced safety systems, which elevate its value. Its CO2 efficiency class ranges from D to C, aligning with contemporary environmental standards.

Kia emphasizes driver convenience with innovations like enhanced connectivity features and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, it maintains a single CO2 efficiency class of D, which may not appeal to eco-conscious buyers as much as the Sandero.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Hatchback for You

In summary, both the Dacia Sandero and Kia Picanto bring unique strengths to the table. The Sandero excels in power options, storage capacity, and overall performance, while the Picanto shines in compactness and city-driving ease. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs, whether it be for a family vehicle or a nimble urban runabout. Regardless of the selection, both vehicles affirm that budget-friendly cars can still provide efficient mobility without compromising too much on features and performance.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Dacia Sandero has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 10700 £, while the Kia Picanto costs 15300 £. That’s a price difference of around 4595 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Dacia Sandero manages with 5.30 L and is therefore slight more efficient than the Kia Picanto with 5.60 L. The difference is about 0.30 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Dacia Sandero has a distinct edge – offering 110 HP compared to 68 HP. That’s roughly 42 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Dacia Sandero is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 10 s, while the Kia Picanto takes 14.60 s. That’s about 4.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Dacia Sandero performs somewhat better – reaching 183 km/h, while the Kia Picanto tops out at 162 km/h. The difference is around 21 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Dacia Sandero pulls convincingly stronger with 200 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 104 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Dacia Sandero is hardly perceptible lighter – 1089 kg compared to 1124 kg. The difference is around 35 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Dacia Sandero offers clearly perceptible more room – 328 L compared to 255 L. That’s a difference of about 73 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Dacia Sandero performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1108 L, which is about 98 L more than the Kia Picanto.

When it comes to payload, Dacia Sandero clearly perceptible takes the win – 436 kg compared to 332 kg. That’s a difference of about 104 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Dacia Sandero proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Dacia Sandero is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £10,700
Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Dacia Sandero

  • Engine Type : Petrol, LPG
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 67 - 110 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.3 - 7.1 L
details

Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero is the everyman's hatchback — unpretentious, practical and brilliantly affordable, with sensible space and straightforward charm where it matters most. It won't wow in the premium lane, but for buyers who want honest, dependable transport without showroom theatrics, the Sandero is a clever, no‑nonsense pick that keeps running costs low and grin levels high.

details
d220195p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
d220191p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
d220190p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Kia Picanto

5 (1)
rate

The Kia Picanto is a compact city car that combines practicality with a stylish design, making it an appealing option for urban drivers. Its cleverly designed interior maximises space, providing ample room for passengers and luggage despite its small footprint. With its efficient fuel consumption and easy manoeuvrability, the Picanto is well-suited for navigating through bustling city streets.

details
Kia_Picanto_GT_Line_MJ21_01 @ Kia Corporation
Kia_Picanto_GT_Line_MJ21_03 @ Kia Corporation
Kia Picanto X-Line_02 @ Kia Corporation
Kia_Picanto_MJ22_Innen_01 @ Kia Corporation

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Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Costs and Consumption
Price
10700 - 16700 £
Price
15300 - 19300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.1 L
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 5.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
105 - 140 g/km
co2
127 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
32 - 50 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1089 - 1209 kg
Curb weight
1124 - 1131 kg
Trunk capacity
328 L
Trunk capacity
255 L
Length
4088 - 4099 mm
Length
3605 mm
Width
1848 mm
Width
1595 mm
Height
1499 - 1535 mm
Height
1485 mm
Max trunk capacity
1108 L
Max trunk capacity
1010 L
Payload
404 - 436 kg
Payload
253 - 332 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
67 - 110 HP
Power HP
68 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10 - 16.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
14.6 - 17.2 s
Max Speed
158 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
160 - 162 km/h
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Torque
96 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
49 - 81 kW
Power kW
50 kW
Engine capacity
999 cm3
Engine capacity
998 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Kia

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What drive types are available for the Dacia Sandero?

The Dacia Sandero is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.