
The 2016 Kia Rio represents a good value for money, and its crisp European-derived styling will appeal to many.
But it's falling behind in gas mileage, and its safety scores are lagging.
For cabin space and versatility, the Honda Fit in particular has it beat.
The Nissan Versa sedan, too, has far more room inside, while the hatchback version—the Versa Note—also has decent interior room, though the handling and styling of both Versas, especially interior materials, are drab and unimpressive.
The Ford Fiesta is the most fun to drive, though it too is cramped in back, and its PowerShift automatic transmission remains a drawback.
Also from a Detroit maker, the Chevrolet Sonic remains a middle-of-the-market favorite.
Even after several years, it combines capable handling, perky turbocharged performance, and styling that works well in hatchback form.
The Rio is closest to its sibling under the skin, the Hyundai Accent, and both score for high-quality cabin materials—though the Rio has slightly less interior volume.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2016 Kia Rio is starting to fall behind, though an attractive design and good feature content offset its cramped rear seat and only adequate safety ratings. |
Despite its five years largely unchanged, the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic remains stylish and comfortable, and it scores big not only on safety ratings, but also driving fun. |
The 2016 Fiesta offers fun and features not expected at these prices, but it lacks interior space compared to top rivals. |
The 2016 Honda Fit isn't as entertaining to drive as it once was, but it's unmatched in safety and space, thanks to the Magic Seat. |
The 2016 Hyundai Accent is a practical and economical subcompact car, but crash-test scores are below par. |
MSRP From | ||||
$14,165 | $14,345 | $14,580 | $15,890 | $14,745 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
27 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 5-Door HB Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual SE |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2016 Kia Rio vs. 2016 Chevrolet Sonic | 2016 Kia Rio vs. 2016 Ford Fiesta | 2016 Kia Rio vs. 2016 Honda Fit | 2016 Kia Rio vs. 2016 Hyundai Accent |