The new crop of subcompact fuel-sippers is better than anyone could have imagined just five years ago, and the Rio hits some important targets for gas mileage and overall appeal.
So does the Chevy Sonic, a favorite in the class for its very capable handling and turbocharged acceleration, not to mention kicky styling.
The Ford Fiesta gets kudos for its tight steering and sharp lines, but the back seat is cramped and its sluggish PowerShift automatic transmission is at odds with its sporty character.
The Honda Fit wins on overall interior space along with the Accent, and both have high-quality cabins, with the Fit's flexible rear seat taking special honors.
The new Nissan Versa hatchback improves on interior room, but handling and styling, especially in its cabin, are a little drab.
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 2012 Kia RioBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Chevrolet SonicBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford FiestaBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Honda FitBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai AccentBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan VersaBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The yardsticks have moved--but the 2012 Kia Rio has kicked itself into contention in a class filled with very good economy cars. |
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is neither subsonic nor supersonic—but it's a good, sound choice and a world better than the Aveo it replaces. |
You could do better if you most value space and comfort, but the 2012 Ford Fiesta packs in a lot of style and substance. |
The 2012 Honda Fit is peppy and fun to drive, and its interior is incredibly space-efficient; but some might be turned off by its rather utilitarian look. |
Do Americans want small cars with more room and great gas mileage? The 2012 Hyundai Accent is betting they do--and so are we. |
The 2012 Nissan Versa is a reasonably comfortable, well-equipped new car for used-car money—but if you're a stickler for the details it can feel as cheap as it is. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $13,400 | $13,865 | $13,200 | $15,325 | $12,545 | $10,990 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact | Subcompact Car | Subcompact | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars | Compact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan LS 1LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 5-Door HB Manual | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan Manual 1.6 S |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | 4 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 5 Door Hatchback | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic | 2012 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Honda Fit | 2012 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Hyundai Accent | 2012 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Nissan Versa | |
