2013 Kia Rio vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

Today's subcompacts could be the best crop ever, and the Kia Rio meets almost all the targets for the class--gas mileage, features, styling, space.

So do a raft of other new vehicles, including some longtime favorites like the Honda Fit, which beats out the Rio on overall interior space.

It's as roomy as the Hyundai Accent, and both have high-quality cabins, with the Fit's flexible rear seat taking special honors.

The Accent's identical powertrain to the Rio is met with slightly different suspension and steering tuning, and more avant garde styling that looks quite a bit like the Ford Fiesta.

The Fiesta, meanwhile, 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 new Nissan Versa hatchback improves on interior room, but handling and styling, especially in its cabin, are a little drab.

Our current favorite in the segment for fun? The Chevy Sonic, for its very capable handling and turbocharged acceleration, not to mention kicky styling.