KIA PICANTO (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 16,056 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
16,056
Avg Mileage
17,202 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400
Is the 2021 KIA PICANTO reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 3 years old, 93% of KIA PICANTOs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 16,056 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 17,202 miles.
How does the 2021 KIA PICANTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 KIA PICANTO has 17,202 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a KIA PICANTO?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2021 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 2021 KIA PICANTO cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
KIA PICANTO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94% | 581 | 18,487 mi |
| 2021 | 93% | 16,056 | 17,202 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 14,782 | 20,924 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 25,927 | 25,468 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 26,080 | 31,324 mi |
| 2017 | 87% | 21,490 | 36,325 mi |
| 2016 | 84% | 20,561 | 40,782 mi |
| 2015 | 82% | 22,305 | 46,768 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 24,343 | 52,546 mi |
| 2013 | 77% | 21,893 | 58,821 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 23,459 | 64,866 mi |
| 2011 | 73% | 18,886 | 66,885 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 23,578 | 67,207 mi |
| 2009 | 71% | 23,148 | 67,485 mi |
| 2008 | 69% | 6,046 | 74,547 mi |
| 2007 | 68% | 5,061 | 72,737 mi |
| 2006 | 66% | 7,605 | 73,767 mi |
| 2005 | 66% | 6,562 | 76,655 mi |
| 2004 | 69% | 3,217 | 77,908 mi |
Checking a specific KIA PICANTO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 KIA PICANTO
The 2021 KIA PICANTO is a city car with a 998cc petrol engine. 16,056 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 17,202 miles at 3 years old, KIA PICANTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2021 KIA PICANTO Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 KIA PICANTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,400 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
KIA PICANTO Reliability Trend
Newer KIA PICANTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 17 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 KIA PICANTO
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 16,056 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2021 KIA PICANTO
The KIA PICANTO is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2019) 91% pass rate (-2%) from 124,950 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (-1%) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2019) 88% pass rate (-5%) from 68,639 tests
- AUDI A3 (2019) 92% pass rate (-1%) from 41,215 tests