Kia Forte vs. Kia Rio

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

In comparing the Kia Forte's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Kia Forte has the advantage in the areas of reliability, 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, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Kia Forte's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Kia Rio is a better car than the Kia Forte.

Pricing: A used 2023 Kia Forte ranges from $15,357 to $23,014 while a used 2023 Kia Rio is priced between $13,977 to $19,993. For a new model, the Kia Forte's price is between $20,490 and $27,810, 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 Kia Forte loses 39.3 percent of its value and the Kia Rio loses 35.6 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 3.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Forte.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Forte is 7.7 out of 10 while the Kia Rio's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Kia Forte being ranked 25 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Kia Rio being ranked 16 out of 37.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Forte is 7.6 out of 10. For the Kia Rio the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Kia Forte a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Rio.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Forte’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Kia Rio base engine makes 120 horsepower. The Forte is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 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 advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Forte the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Forte, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg 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 head room.

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