Toyota GR Corolla vs KIA Picanto

A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance, petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.

Toyota GR Corolla

1.6T Circuit MT Petrol Manual

ZAR 876,100 ex-showroom

⚡ 224 kW 🔧 390 Nm ⛽ 11.2 km/l

KIA Picanto

1.2 EX+ Auto Petrol Automatic

ZAR 325,995 ex-showroom

⚡ 61 kW 🔧 121 Nm ⛽ 15.9 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance GR Corolla

⛽ Fuel Economy Tie

🛡 Safety GR Corolla

📦 Practicality Tie

🔑 Ownership Picanto

Picanto starts ZAR 816500 cheaper GR Corolla from ZAR 816,500 · Picanto from ZAR 236,995

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Engine Power	224	61
Torque	390	121
Engine Size	1618	1248
Claimed Mileage	11.2	15.9
Ground Clearance	155	155
Boot Space	217	255
Airbags	8	6
Kerb Weight	1370	975
Seating Capacity	Available	5
Warranty	3	7

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner

GR Corolla

/ 100

pts

Picanto

/ 100

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

The Bottom Line

GR Corolla has a slight advantage, but Picanto remains highly competitive.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance GR Corolla +14 pts

Efficiency Equal

Safety GR Corolla +2 pts

Practicality Equal

Ownership Picanto +8 pts

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

GR Corolla

Performance 19/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 9/20

Ownership 12/20

Picanto

Performance 5/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 9/20

Ownership 20/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

🏆 Overall Winner

GR Corolla

Strengths

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package

Weak Spots

Shorter warranty coverage

Best suited to: Highway Driving

Picanto

Strengths

Better long-term ownership value

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features

Best suited to: General Use

Which One's Right for You?

GR Corolla

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment

Picanto

Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Ground Clearance	155	155
Wheelbase	2640	2400
Length	4360	3595
Width	1850	1595
Height	1455	1485
Kerb Weight	1370	975
Gross Vehicle Weight	1770	1425
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	217	255
Towing Capacity	Not Available	0
Turning Radius	5.3	4.8
Number of Doors	5	5
Boot Space Seats Folded	1500	1010
Front Track Width	1550	1415
Rear Track Width	1540	1420
Load Bed Length	Available	0
Load Bed Width	Available	0
Front Legroom	Available	1040
Rear Legroom	Available	880
Front Headroom	Available	970
Rear Headroom	Available	935
Front Shoulder Room	Available	1355
Rear Shoulder Room	Available	1305
Max Payload	Available	450
Boot Volume	Available	255
Doors	Available	5
Seats	Available	5
Front Overhang	Available	735
Fuel Tank Capacity	Available	35
Rear Overhang	Available	460

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Engine	G16E-GTS	1.2L G4LA 4-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 3 Turbocharged	Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement	1618	1248
Cylinders	3	4
Compression Ratio	9.8:1	11.0:1
Power	224	61
Torque	390	121
Fuel System	Direct Injection	Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Turbocharger	Yes	Not Applicable
Top Speed	250	163
0-100 km/h	4.6	12.9
Power @ RPM	6500 rpm	6,000 rpm
Torque @ RPM	3000 rpm	4,000 rpm
Valves per Cylinder	12	4
Cylinder Layout	Inline 4 (I4)	Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration	Turbocharged	Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code	Standard	G4LA
Cylinder Bore	82.0	71.0
Piston Stroke	92.0	79.0
Fuel Grade Required	Petrol	93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Engine Position	Available	Transverse Front-Mounted
Engine Oil Capacity	Available	3.8
Power	150	82
Variable Valve Timing	Available	CVVT on Intake Camshaft
Maximum Engine RPM	Available	6500
Engine Type Config	Available	1.2L 4-Cylinder DOHC
0–100 km/h	Available	12.9
Battery Capacity	Available	Not Applicable
Charging Port	Available	Not Applicable
AC Charging Time	Available	Not Applicable
Engine Displacement	Available	1248
EV Range	Available	0

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Transmission	6-Speed Manual	4-Speed Automatic
Drive Type	AWD	FWD
Drivetrain Layout	AWD	Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Front and Rear Torsen LSD	Not Available
Differential Lock	Rear Torsen LSD	Not Available
Transfer Case	Not Available	Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters	No	Not Available
Number of Gears	6	4
Transmission	Automatic CVT	4-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
Clutch Type	Single Plate Diaphragm	Torque Converter Automatic
Final Drive Ratio	3.909:1	4.058:1
Transmission Type	Manual	Automatic
Steering Turns Lock to Lock	Available	2.8
Drivetrain	Available	FWD — Front Wheel Drive

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Claimed Mileage	11.2	15.9
City Mileage	13.0	13.0
Highway Mileage	10.0	20.0
Fuel Tank Capacity	50	35
Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity	Available	0
Auto Start Stop	Available	No
Average Fuel Consumption	Available	6.3 L/100km Combined
Claimed Fuel Consumption	Available	6.3
Distance To Empty	Available	Yes
Low Fuel Warning	Available	Yes
Fuel Efficiency	Available	6.3
Real-world Mileage	Available	14.7

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
CO2 Emissions	222	145
Start Stop System	Standard	No
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Idle CO2 Output	2.0	Within Euro 5 Emission Limits
Fuel Octane Requirement	Unleaded 95 RON	93 RON Unleaded
Noise Level	Available	68
Particulate Filter	Available	GPF Fitted
Euro Emission Standard	Available	Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating	Available	Not Independently NCAP Green Rated
Fuel Evaporation Control	Available	Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Airbags	8	6
ABS	Standard	Yes
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Yes
Traction Control	Standard	Yes
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Yes
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Yes
Brake Assist	Standard	Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Yes
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	No
Hill Start Assist	Standard	Yes
Alarm System	Standard	Yes
Central Locking	Standard	Yes
Front Parking Sensors	Yes	No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Yes
Side Impact Beams	Available	Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	Available	Yes
Speed Alert System	Available	Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB	Available	Yes
Safety Rating	Available	3 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017 Assessment)
Whiplash Protection	Available	Yes — Active Head Restraints Front
Lane Change Warning	Available	Yes
AEB	Available	Yes
BA	Available	Yes
Brake Override System	Available	Yes
Curtain Airbags	Available	Yes — Full Length Curtain Airbags
Driver Airbag	Available	Yes
EBD	Available	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Available	Yes
Fatigue Detection	Available	Yes
Hill Hold	Available	Yes
Passenger Airbag	Available	Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Available	Yes — Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners
Side Airbags	Available	Yes — Front Side Airbags
TCS	Available	Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring	Available	Yes
Knee Airbag	Available	No

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Cruise Control	Standard	Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard	Yes
Lane Keep Assist	Standard	Yes
Lane Departure Warning	Standard	Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring	Standard	Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Standard	Yes
Parking Sensors	Rear	Yes
Rear View Camera	Standard	Yes
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	No
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition	Standard	No
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert	Yes	Yes
Auto Highbeam	Available	No
Auto Lights	Available	Yes
Auto Wipers	Available	Yes
Drive Modes	Available	Eco Mode Only
Eco Mode	Available	Yes
EV Mode	Available	Not Applicable — Petrol Engine
Reverse Camera	Available	Yes
Sport Mode	Available	No
Adaptive Cruise Control	Available	Yes
Park Assist	Available	No

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Seat Material	Morizo Edition Suede / Alcantara	Leather
Seat Adjustment	Manual 8-Way	Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
Heated Seats	Standard	Yes — Front Heated Seats
Ventilated Seats	Standard	No
Steering Type	Rack and Pinion	Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Standard	No
Folding Rear Seats	Standard	Yes — 60/40 Split Fold
Front Armrest	Standard	No
Cup Holders	4	2
Interior Colour Options	Black	2
Leather Seats	Available	Yes
Rear Armrest	Available	No
Rear AC Vents	Available	No
Rear USB Ports	Available	0
Steering Wheel Material	Available	Leather-Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type	Available	Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
Driver Lumbar Support	Available	No
Door Map Pockets	Available	Yes
60 40 Split Seat	Available	Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat	Available	Yes
Adjustable Front Seat	Available	Yes
Cooled Seats	Available	No
Driver Seat Adjustment	Available	6-Way Manual Adjustment
Fabric Seats	Available	No
Front Headrest	Available	Yes — Adjustable
Memory Seats	Available	No
Passenger Seat Adjustment	Available	4-Way Manual Adjustment
Rear Headrest	Available	Yes — Adjustable

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Climate Control	Dual-Zone Auto AC	Automatic Climate Control
Power Windows	All Doors	Yes — All Four Windows
Keyless Entry	Standard	Yes
Push Button Start	Standard	Yes
Wireless Charging	Standard	Yes
Sunroof	Not Available	No
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	No
Automatic Headlamps	Standard	Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers	Standard	Yes
Stabilizer Bar	Front and Rear	Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Engine Warranty	5 Years / 150,000 km	7 Years/150
Service Plan	3 Years / 45,000 km	3 Years/45
Fuel Consumption Combined	9.5	6.3 L/100km — WLTP Combined Cycle
Power Mirrors	Power Adjustment	Yes
Payload Capacity	500	Not Applicable — Passenger Vehicle
Auto Dimming Mirror	Available	No
Rear Window Defroster	Available	Yes
Electric Mirror Folding	Available	Yes
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	Available	Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Available	Yes
12V Accessory Socket	Available	Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket
Speed Limiter	Available	Yes
AC Type	Available	Single Zone Auto AC
Adaptive Dampers	Available	No
Aero Kit	Available	No
Auto Dimming Irvm	Available	No
Boot Opener	Available	Yes — Electric Boot Release Button
Chrome Exterior Highlights	Available	Yes
Chrome Grille	Available	No
Climate Zones	Available	Single Zone
Door Ajar Warning	Available	Yes
Drag Coefficient	Available	0.32 Cd
Driver Display	Available	Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster with MID
Electric Folding Mirrors	Available	Yes
Engine Check Warning	Available	Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination	Available	Yes
Engine Start Stop	Available	No
Engine Start Stop Button	Available	Yes
Exhaust Finish	Available	Standard Single Outlet Chrome Tip
Exhaust Type	Available	Single Exhaust System
Front Armrest	Available	No
Front Power Outlet	150	Yes — 12V Socket
Fuel Lid Opener	Available	Yes — Remote Fuel Lid Opener
Gear Shift Type	Available	Floor-Mounted Selector
Glovebox Cooling	Available	No
Ground Clearance Unladen	Available	155
Headlamp Height Adjust	Available	Yes — Manual Headlamp Beam Adjustment
Headlamp Washer	Available	No
Headrest Adjustable	Available	Yes
Heads Up Display	Available	No
Hill Start Assist	Available	Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock	Available	Yes
Intercooler	Available	Not Applicable — Naturally Aspirated Engine
Launch Control	Available	No
Multi Function Steering	Available	Yes
Panoramic Roof	Available	No
Performance Data Logger	Available	No
Push Button Start	Available	Yes
Rear Defogger	Available	Yes
Rear Reading Lamps	Available	Yes
Rear Seat Split	Available	60/40 Split Fold
Rear Wing	Available	No
Remote Engine Start	Available	No
Rev Matching	Available	No
Ride Mode Selection	Available	No
Roof Antenna	Available	Yes
Seat Type	Available	Leather
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner	Available	Yes — Front
Seatbelt Reminder	Available	Yes
Service Reminder	Available	Yes
Side Steps	Available	No
Skid Plates	Available	No
Spare Wheel	Available	Full Size Spare Tyre
Speed Alert System	Available	Yes
Stability Control	Available	Yes
Steering Mounted Controls	Available	Yes
Steering Response	Available	Electric Power Assisted Steering
Tachometer	Available	Yes
Tail Lamps	Available	LED Combination Tail Lamps
Telescopic Steering	Available	-
Tilt Steering	Available	-
Trip Computer	Available	Yes
Tyre Repair Kit	Available	No — Full Size Spare Provided
Valves Per Cylinder	Available	4
Vanity Mirror	Available	Yes
Voice Command	Available	Yes
Voice Command Support	Available	Yes

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Infotainment Screen	8-inch Touchscreen	8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Yes
Android Auto	Standard	Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Yes
Number of Speakers	6	6
Navigation System	Standard	Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay
Digital Instrument Cluster	Standard	Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster
USB Ports	2	2
FM Radio	Yes	Yes
AUX Input	Yes	Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Available	No
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Available	Yes
Voice Recognition	Available	Yes
Infotainment Screen Size	Available	8
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Available	No
Audio Controls On Steering	Available	Yes
Infotainment Display	Available	8-Inch Touchscreen Display
Rear Usb	Available	No
Premium Audio	Available	No

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
LED Headlamps	Standard	Yes
Daytime Running Lamps	Standard	Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Fog Lamps	Standard	Yes
Alloy Wheel Design	Standard	Sport Design
Roof Rails	Not Available	No
Chrome Exterior Finish	Not Available	No
Rear Spoiler	Standard	Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
Door Handle Finish	Chrome Finish	Body-Coloured Door Handles
Exterior Colour Options	Pearl White	5
Body Cladding	Available	No
Roof Type	Available	Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type	Available	Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators
Rear Wiper	Available	Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
Body Type	Available	5-Door Hatchback
DRL	Available	Yes — LED DRL
Fog Lights	Available	Yes
Front Fog Lights	Available	Yes
Led Headlights	Available	Yes
Led Taillights	Available	Yes
Rear Fog Lights	Available	Yes

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Tyre Size	235/40 R18	185/60 R15
Wheel Type	Forged Alloy	Alloy Wheels
Front Brake Type	Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Disc
Spare Wheel Type	Not Available	Full Size Spare
Front Brake Disc Diameter	300	247
Rear Brake Drum Diameter	Available	234
Parking Brake Type	Available	Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Load Index	Available	84
Tyre Speed Rating	Available	T
Wheel Rim Size	Available	15 Inches
Brake Type Front	Available	Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear	Available	Disc
Spare Tyre	Available	Full Size Spare
Tyre Type	Available	Tubeless Radial
Front Tyre Width	Available	185
Rear Tyre Width	Available	185
Wheel Diameter	Available	15

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension	Double Wishbone	Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Chassis Type	Reinforced Monocoque	Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
Power Steering	Electric	Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring	Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Yes	Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Steering Column	Available	Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Rear Spring Type	Available	Coil Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Available	Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Shock Absorber Type	Available	Telescopic Gas Dampers

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Service Interval	10000 km / 12 months	15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First
Approx Service Cost	High	Approx R2,500–R3,200 per Service
Battery Warranty	24 Months	12 Months KIA Battery Warranty
First Service At	5000	1,000 km Inspection and Safety Check
Maintenance Plan	Available	Included — 3 Years/45
Engine Oil Change Interval	Available	10,000 km or 6 Months
Service Plan Duration	Available	3 Years KIA Service Plan
Service Plan Distance	Available	45000
Anti-Rust Treatment	Available	Underbody Anti-Rust Protection
Alternator	Available	80A Alternator
Battery Type	Available	12V 45Ah Lead-Acid Battery
Gear Shift Indicator	Available	Yes

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Warranty Years	3	7
Warranty Kilometers	100000	150000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	5 Years Roadside Assistance
Basic Warranty	3 Years / 100,000 km	7 Years/150
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	5 Years / Unlimited km	5 Years

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
Real-world City Mileage Min	10	7.2
Real-world City Mileage Max	13	8.8
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	7.5	4.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	9.5	5.5
Owner Review Count	4	0

Spec	GR Corolla	Picanto
4WD System Type	Part-time 4WD	Not Applicable — FWD Only
Approach Angle	25	17
Departure Angle	23	22
Wading Depth	600	0
Terrain Modes	Available	Not Applicable — Urban Hatchback
Locking Differential	Available	Not Available
Underbody Protection	Available	Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle	Available	0
Recovery Hooks	Available	1 Rear Tow Hook
Hill Descent Control	Available	No
Ramp-over Angle	Available	0

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Toyota GR Corolla wins with 60 pts vs 52 pts for Picanto

In structured scoring, GR Corolla emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Picanto may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

Buyers Also Looked At These

Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the GR Corolla edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.

Efficiency scores: GR Corolla 0 vs Picanto 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.

Safety scores: GR Corolla 20, Picanto 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.

Long-term ownership scores: GR Corolla 12, Picanto 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.

Practicality scores: GR Corolla 9, Picanto 9. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: GR Corolla 19, Picanto 5. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.

Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.

Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.

Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The GR Corolla edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The GR Corolla scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.

In Depth — Breaking It All Down

The comparison between GR Corolla and Picanto in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: GR Corolla scores 19 vs 5.

Efficiency: GR Corolla scores 0 vs 0.

Safety: GR Corolla scores 20 vs 18.

Practicality: GR Corolla scores 9 vs 9.

Ownership: GR Corolla scores 12 vs 20.

Final structured scoring gives GR Corolla the advantage in this comparison.

Toyota GR Corolla vs KIA Picanto

Toyota GR Corolla

KIA Picanto

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Key Specs Side by Side

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

GR Corolla

Picanto

The Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

Score Breakdown by Category

GR Corolla

Picanto

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

GR Corolla

Picanto

Which One's Right for You?

GR Corolla

Picanto

Full Specs, Side by Side

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Other Comparisons Worth Checking

Buyers Also Looked At These

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

In Depth — Breaking It All Down