Hyundai KONA vs. Kia Rio
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai KONA 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 KONA and the Kia Rio.
In comparing the Hyundai KONA's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai KONA has the advantage in the areas of interior volume 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 fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai KONA's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Kia Rio is a better car than the Hyundai KONA.
Pricing: A used 2023 Hyundai KONA ranges from $17,434 to $26,195 while a used 2023 Kia Rio is priced between $13,977 to $19,993. For a new model, the Hyundai KONA's price is between $24,947 and $32,270, with the Kia Rio priced between $17,934 and $20,795.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai KONA loses 42.2 percent of its value and the Kia Rio loses 35.6 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 6.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai KONA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai KONA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Kia Rio base engine makes 120 horsepower. The KONA is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. The Rio is rated to deliver an average of 36 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. This gives the Kia Rio the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Hyundai KONA. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai KONA, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Kia Rio, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Hyundai KONA has an average safety rating of 4.67 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
24947 - 32270
Starting MSRP:
22140
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
25483
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
19650 - 34950
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
17934 - 20795
Starting MSRP:
16750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
22144
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
15980 - 32400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
21125
Price Range:
17434 - 26195
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
23866
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
19042 - 30187
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
963
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
40583
# Good or Great Deals:
436
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
16883
Price Range:
13977 - 19993
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
21488
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
15025 - 30886
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
230
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
49937
# Good or Great Deals:
71
Hyundai KONA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.7 / 10
Kia Rio Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai KONA
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
9.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7.1 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Rio
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
8.7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
6.1 - 13.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.042
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.793212427676606
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.2 - 14.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8959220238278798
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.3 - 7.9
Hyundai KONA Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 54Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
58 out of / 66Kia Rio Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 31Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Hyundai KONA 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):
4.67 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 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):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 35 / 32
Range (city/hwy):
396 / 462 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
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
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
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
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
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 Seat Reminder:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
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 Seat Reminder:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
19.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
45.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
113.3 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
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
89.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2899 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
61 inches
Length:
165.6 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 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:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/60R16
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 / Ultra Black
Blue
Blue Wave / Teal Isle
Gray
Ecotronic Gray / Thunder Gray
Green
Cactus Fern
Red
Pulse Red / Ultimate Red Pearl
Silver
Cyber Silver
White
Lunar White
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Silky Silver
White
Clear White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
