Kia Rio vs. Kia Soul

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

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

Pricing: A used 2023 Kia Rio ranges from $13,977 to $19,993 while a used 2023 Kia Soul is priced between $15,154 to $22,664. For a new model, the Kia Rio's price is between $17,934 and $20,795, with the Kia Soul priced between $20,865 and $27,688.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Rio loses 35.6 percent of its value and the Kia Soul loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 6.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Soul.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Rio is 8.1 out of 10 while the Kia Soul's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Kia Rio being ranked 17 out of 31 Best Small Cars and the Kia Soul being ranked 2 out of 3 Best Wagons.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Kia Rio and Kia Soul is 7.4 out of 10.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Rio’s base engine makes 120 horsepower, and the Kia Soul 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 Soul is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 472 miles. This gives the Kia Rio the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Soul. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are subcompact cars, the Kia Soul 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 has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

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