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Hyundai ELANTRA vs. Kia Rio

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA 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 Hyundai ELANTRA and the Kia Rio.

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

Pricing: A used 2024 Hyundai ELANTRA ranges from $21,995 to $27,989 while a used 2023 Kia Rio is priced between $16,575 to $21,187. For a new model, the Hyundai ELANTRA's price is between $22,531 and $28,639, with the Kia Rio priced between $17,202 and $20,674.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai ELANTRA loses 33.4 percent of its value and the Kia Rio loses 29 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 4.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 8.3 out of 10 while the Kia Rio's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 21 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Kia Rio being ranked 22 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 7.8 out of 10. For the Kia Rio the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai ELANTRA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Rio.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai ELANTRA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Kia Rio base engine makes 120 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai ELANTRA, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Kia Rio, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.

Safety Ratings: The Hyundai ELANTRA has an average safety rating of 4.64 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.

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Model & Pricing
Hyundai ELANTRA
Kia Rio

2024 Hyundai ELANTRA
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Hyundai ELANTRA for Sale

2023 Kia Rio
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Kia Rio for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$22,531 - $28,639

Starting MSRP:

$21,625

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

$26,555

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

$17,795 - $45,665

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$17,202 - $20,674

Starting MSRP:

$16,750

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)

$22,839

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)

$15,980 - $32,400

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$24,763

Price Range:

$21,995 - $27,989

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

$28,855

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

$19,171 - $47,673

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,744

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

11,647

# Good or Great Deals:

276

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$18,859

Price Range:

$16,575 - $21,187

Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)

$24,519

Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)

$16,561 - $34,445

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

132

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

32,380

# Good or Great Deals:

38

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$7,431

Depreciation %:

34.4%

Resale Value $:

$14,194

Residual Value %:

65.6%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

31.6%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

24.4% - 40.1%

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$5,056

Depreciation %:

30.2%

Resale Value $:

$11,694

Residual Value %:

69.8%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact Cars)

30.1%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact Cars)

29.7% - 30.2%

Hyundai ELANTRA Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.3 / 10

Reliability:

7.8 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 10

Safety:

8.6 / 10

Kia Rio Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

8.7 / 10

Safety:

Not available



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai ELANTRA

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.2

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

11.2

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

10.1 - 13.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

6.6%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Rio

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

8.1

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)

10.1

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)

8.1 - 12

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.7%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.1

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2 - 18.8

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.6

Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)

1.8

Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)

1.6 - 8.7

Hyundai ELANTRA Rankings

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

2 / 43

Best Small Cars for Tall People

3 / 43

Most Comfortable Small Cars

4 / 43

Best Small Cars for Teens

5 / 5

Best Small Cars for the Money

8 / 13

Most Affordable Small Cars

10 / 24

Best Small Cars Under $25k

10 / 13

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

12 / 43

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

17 / 43

Most Reliable Small Cars

17 / 43

Best Small Cars

21 / 43

Safest Small Cars

26 / 43

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

28 / 43

Kia Rio Rankings

Most Affordable Small Cars

3 / 24

Best Small Cars for the Money

3 / 13

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

5 / 43

Best Small Cars Under $20k

9 / 21

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

14 / 43

Most Comfortable Small Cars

14 / 43

Most Reliable Small Cars

18 / 43

Best Small Cars for Tall People

21 / 43

Best Small Cars

22 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

29 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

35 / 43

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Hyundai ELANTRA Trim Levels

Limited, N Line, SE, SEL

Kia Rio Trim Levels

LX, S

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.64 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

TOP SAFETY PICK

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.054 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

120 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque:

112 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.043 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.6 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


32 / 41 / 36

Range (city/hwy):

381 / 488 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Available

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

N/A

Heated Seats

N/A

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

N/A

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Available

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

56.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.6 inches

Cargo Space:

14.2 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

99.4 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.9 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.1 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

54.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

33.5 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53.3 inches

Cargo Space:

13.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

89.9 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2725 lbs

Width:

71.9 inches

Height:

55.7 inches

Length:

184.1 inches

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2767 lbs

Width:

67.9 inches

Height:

57.1 inches

Length:

172.6 inches

Wheelbase:

101.6 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.5 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 6.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

195/65R15

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 5.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

P185/65R15

Exterior Colors

Black

Abyss Black Pearl

Blue

Intense Blue Pearl

Gray

Amazon Gray Pearl / Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Fluid Metal Metallic

Red

Ultimate Red Pearl

White

Serenity White Pearl

Silver

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Aurora Black

Blue

Not available

Gray

Not available

Red

Not available

White

Clear White

Silver

Silky Silver

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

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