
The subcompact car segment is losing entrants quickly.
The redesigned Nissan Versa is one of the best in the niche; it has an elevated feel and is available with some luxurious options.
Don’t dismiss the Chevrolet Sonic but do catch up with it soon, as it’s set to disappear from the lineup.
The Hyundai Accent is a kissing cousin to the Rio, and it comes with a few more features for a slightly higher price.
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![]() #26 in Compact Cars Get Your Price | ![]() #29 in Compact Cars Get Your Price | ![]() #14 in Compact Cars Get Your Price | ![]() #30 in Compact Cars |
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Quick Specs | |||
The 2021 Kia Rio feels bigger than its subcompact size, but skips some big-boy features. |
The 2021 Hyundai Accent is cheap and cheerful, but chintzy on safety. |
The 2021 Nissan Versa doesn’t claim the cheapest-car title anymore—and it doesn’t look, feel, or drive like it anymore, either. |
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic looks and drives younger than its age, and still offers value and a pinch of fun. |
MSRP From | |||
$16,050 | $15,395 | $14,930 | $16,720 |
Gas Mileage | |||
33 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||
Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | |||
LX IVT | SE Sedan Manual | S Manual | 4-Door Sedan LS |
Drivetrain | |||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 |
Body Style | |||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | |||
CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2021 Kia Rio vs. 2021 Hyundai Accent | 2021 Kia Rio vs. 2021 Nissan Versa | 2021 Kia Rio vs. 2020 Chevrolet Sonic |