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Kia Rio vs. Kia Forte

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

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

Pricing: A used 2023 Kia Rio ranges from $16,575 to $21,187 while a used 2024 Kia Forte is priced between $19,899 to $26,527. For a new model, the Kia Rio's price is between $17,202 and $20,674, with the Kia Forte priced between $20,394 and $27,514.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Rio loses 29 percent of its value and the Kia Forte loses 33 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 4 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 Rio is 8.2 out of 10 while the Kia Forte's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Kia Rio being ranked 22 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Kia Forte being ranked 27 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Rio is 7.7 out of 10. For the Kia Forte the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Kia Rio a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Forte.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Rio’s base engine makes 120 horsepower, and the Kia Forte base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Rio is rated to deliver an average of 36 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. The Forte is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 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.

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Model & Pricing
Kia Rio
Kia Forte

2023 Kia Rio
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Kia Rio for Sale

2024 Kia Forte
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Kia Forte for Sale

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

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$20,394 - $27,514

Starting MSRP:

$19,990

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

$26,555

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

$17,795 - $45,665

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:

114

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

17,353

# Good or Great Deals:

45

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$22,724

Price Range:

$19,899 - $26,527

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

$28,855

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

$19,171 - $47,673

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

8,120

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

392

# Good or Great Deals:

84

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%

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$6,839

Depreciation %:

34.2%

Resale Value $:

$13,151

Residual Value %:

65.8%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

31.6%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

24.4% - 40.1%

Kia Rio Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

8.7 / 10

Safety:

Not available

Kia Forte Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.0 / 10

Reliability:

7.6 / 10

Retained Value:

8.5 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10



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%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Forte

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.3

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:

7.4%



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

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.2

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2 - 18.8

Kia Rio Rankings

Most Affordable Small Cars

3 / 24

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

5 / 43

Best Small Cars for the Money

5 / 12

Best Small Cars Under $20k

9 / 21

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

14 / 43

Most Comfortable Small Cars

15 / 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

Kia Forte Rankings

Most Affordable Small Cars

7 / 24

Most Comfortable Small Cars

12 / 43

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

13 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

13 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

13 / 43

Best Small Cars Under $20k

14 / 21

Best Manual Transmission Small Cars

17 / 24

Most Reliable Small Cars

24 / 43

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

25 / 43

Best Small Cars

27 / 43

Best Small Cars for Tall People

27 / 43

Safest Small Cars

32 / 43

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Kia Rio Trim Levels

LX, S

Kia Forte Trim Levels

GT, GT-Line, LX, LXS

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

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):

Not yet available

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

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

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm

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

0.053 hp per pound

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

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):


28 / 39 / 32

Range (city/hwy):

392 / 546 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Available

Internet Radio:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Adaptive Cruise Control:

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 Seats

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Navigation System:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Available

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

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

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

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

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.8 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

56.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.3 inches

Cargo Space:

15.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

96.0 cubic feet

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

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2769 lbs

Width:

70.9 inches

Height:

56.5 inches

Length:

182.7 inches

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.3 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 5.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

P185/65R15

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

195/60R15

Exterior Colors

Black

Aurora Black

Silver

Silky Silver

White

Clear White

Gray

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Aurora Black Pearl

Silver

Not available

White

Clear White

Gray

Gravity Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Interior Colors

Black

Black

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