Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the RM5,833-cheaper Kia Picanto JA is the easier daily proposition: its four-speed automatic, reverse camera, 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six-speaker audio are meaningful advantages in town. The Kia Picanto TA counters with a five-speed manual, 86 hp rather than 83 hp, a 292-litre boot versus 255 litres, plus stronger stated Euro NCAP and ANCAP ratings when equipped with six airbags and stability control. Both retain the same 1,248 cc petrol format, 35-litre tank and six airbags. Choose based on transmission first.
Pick the Kia Picanto TA if you want the five-speed manual, 292-litre boot and 86 hp output.
Pick the Kia Picanto JA if you want an automatic hatchback with a reverse camera, smartphone connectivity and a lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Picanto TA RM52,912; Kia Picanto JA RM47,079.
- Transmission: Kia Picanto TA five-speed manual; Kia Picanto JA four-speed conventional automatic.
- Output: Kia Picanto TA 86 hp and 120 Nm; Kia Picanto JA 83 hp and 122 Nm.
- Boot space: Kia Picanto TA 292 litres; Kia Picanto JA 255 litres.
- Wheelbase: Kia Picanto TA 2,385 mm; Kia Picanto JA 2,400 mm.
- Audio and reversing: Kia Picanto TA has four speakers and no reverse camera; Kia Picanto JA has six speakers and a reverse camera.
TA
- Five-speed manual with 86 hp at 6,000 rpm
- 292-litre boot, 37 litres larger
- Euro NCAP four stars and ANCAP five stars with six airbags and stability control
- No automatic transmission
- No reverse camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- No front foglamps or steering audio controls
JA
- Four-speed conventional automatic
- 7.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Reverse camera, front foglamps and keyless push-button start
- 255-litre boot is 37 litres smaller
- 83 hp is 3 hp down on the TA
- Euro NCAP rating is three stars versus the TA's four stars
What the JA has over the TA
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
Boot space favours the TA: 292 litres against 255.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM52,912 | RM47,079✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | A-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70 | RM70 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM540/mo | RM480/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM1,624 | RM1,472✓ |
| Fuel / year (est.) | RM2,547 | RM2,308✓ |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM12.74 | RM11.54✓ |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM21,204 | RM19,251✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,248 cc | 1,248 cc |
| Horsepower | 86 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 83 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 122 Nm at 4,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 71 mm × 78.8 mm | 71 mm × 78.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 5-Speed Manual | 4-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 5 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | —✓ | 5.8 L/100 km |
| Co2 | —✓ | 134 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,595 mm | 3,595 mm |
| Width | 1,595 mm | 1,595 mm |
| Height | 1,490 mm | 1,485 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,385 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Weight | — | 983 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 35 litres | 35 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 292 litres✓ | 255 litres |
| Front Tyre | 165/60R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 165/60R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Nexen N'blue HD Plus |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 14" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 14" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control✓ | 3 stars |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control✓ | 4 stars — With AEB |
| ASEAN NCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Available for all seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen projector | Halogen projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding, tip-up cushion | 60:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual | Manual Single-Zone |
| Power Sockets | 1 front | 2 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Room lamp | Room lamp |
| Cup Holders | 2 front, 1 rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with CD, MP3, AUX and USB with 4 speakers | 7.0-inch Touchscreen Radio with CD, MP3, AUX, USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
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TA vs JA FAQ
Is the Kia Picanto TA or Kia Picanto JA better?
The Kia Picanto JA is better for most urban drivers because it costs less and has an automatic, reverse camera and smartphone connectivity. Pick the Picanto TA if the manual gearbox, 292-litre boot and higher stated Euro NCAP and ANCAP ratings matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Picanto TA costs RM52,912 and the Kia Picanto JA costs RM47,079, so the TA is RM5,833 more expensive.
Which Picanto has the larger boot?
The Kia Picanto TA has the larger boot at 292 litres. The Kia Picanto JA has 255 litres, a 37-litre shortfall, though both have 60:40 split-folding rear seats.