2021 Kia Rio vs. Its Competition

2021 Kia Rio
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

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.

2021 Kia Rio2021 Kia Rio
#23 in Compact Cars
Get Your Price		2021 Hyundai Accent2021 Hyundai Accent
#24 in Compact Cars
Get Your Price		2021 Nissan Versa2021 Nissan Versa
#15 in Compact Cars
Get Your Price		2020 Chevrolet Sonic2020 Chevrolet Sonic
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Quick Specs
5.3
The 2021 Kia Rio feels bigger than its subcompact size, but skips some big-boy features.
5.0
The 2021 Hyundai Accent is cheap and cheerful, but chintzy on safety.
6.2
The 2021 Nissan Versa doesn’t claim the cheapest-car title anymore—and it doesn’t look, feel, or drive like it anymore, either.
4.7
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$14,980$16,720
Gas Mileage   
33 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy29 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy27 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy26 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Turbocharged Gas I4
EPA Class   
Compact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact Cars
Style Name   
LX IVTSE Sedan ManualS Manual4-Door Sedan LS
Drivetrain   
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity   
5555
Passenger Doors   
N/AN/AN/A4
Body Style   
SedanSedanSedanSedan
Transmission   
CVT w/ODManual w/ODManual w/ODAutomatic
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Kia Rio vs. 2021 Hyundai Accent2021 Kia Rio vs. 2021 Nissan Versa2021 Kia Rio vs. 2020 Chevrolet Sonic