Ford Fiesta vs. Kia Rio

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Fiesta and the Kia Rio.

In comparing the Ford Fiesta's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fiesta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and reliability. The Kia Rio has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Fiesta's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Kia Rio is a better car than the Ford Fiesta.

Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Fiesta ranges from $8,991 to $16,993 while a used 2019 Kia Rio is priced between $9,865 to $17,017.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fiesta loses 30.3 percent of its value and the Kia Rio loses 29 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 1.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Fiesta.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Fiesta is 8.2 out of 10 while the Kia Rio's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fiesta being ranked 23 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Kia Rio being ranked 22 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fiesta is 8.0 out of 10. For the Kia Rio the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fiesta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Rio.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fiesta’s base engine makes 120 horsepower, and the Kia Rio base engine makes 130 horsepower. The Fiesta is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 434 miles. The Rio is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 440 miles. This gives the Kia Rio the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Fiesta. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are subcompact cars, the Kia Rio has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Fiesta has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.

Safety Ratings: The Ford Fiesta has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.