Kia Optima vs. Kia Rio

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

When we compare the Kia Optima's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima 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 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 Kia Optima's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Kia Rio.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $13,949 to $22,944 while a used 2020 Kia Rio is priced between $10,698 to $18,095.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value and the Kia Rio loses 29 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 14.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Kia Rio's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Rio being ranked 22 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

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

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the Kia Rio base engine makes 120 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 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 Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Optima, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

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