Kia Rio vs. Nissan Versa
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Rio and Nissan Versa 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 Nissan Versa.
When we compare the Kia Rio's and the Nissan Versa'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 interior volume. The Nissan Versa has the advantage in the areas of overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Rio's and the Nissan Versa's specifications and ratings, the Kia Rio is a better car than the Nissan Versa.
Pricing: A used 2023 Kia Rio ranges from $16,575 to $21,187 while a used 2024 Nissan Versa is priced between $17,762 to $22,970. For a new model, the Kia Rio's price is between $17,202 and $20,674, with the Nissan Versa priced between $18,070 and $22,500.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Rio loses 29 percent of its value and the Nissan Versa loses 30.9 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 1.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Versa.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Rio is 8.2 out of 10 while the Nissan Versa's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Kia Rio being ranked 22 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Versa being ranked 16 out of 43.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Rio is 7.7 out of 10. For the Nissan Versa the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Kia Rio a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Versa.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Rio’s base engine makes 120 horsepower, and the Nissan Versa base engine makes 122 horsepower. The Rio is rated to deliver an average of 36 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. The Versa is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 378 miles. This gives the Kia Rio the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Versa. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are subcompact cars, the Kia Rio has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room and rear leg room. The Nissan Versa has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Nissan Versa has an average safety rating of 4.77 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
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:
$18,070 - $22,500
Starting MSRP:
$16,390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
$25,089
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$16,390 - $35,700
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:
132
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
32,380
# Good or Great Deals:
38
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,333
Price Range:
$17,762 - $22,970
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
$29,562
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$18,098 - $38,830
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
504
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
12,548
# Good or Great Deals:
110
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 $:
$5,255
Depreciation %:
32.1%
Resale Value $:
$11,135
Residual Value %:
67.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact Cars)
36%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
32.1% - 39.4%
Kia Rio Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Nissan Versa Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
9.5 / 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 Nissan Versa
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
9.5 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
2.2%
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:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.8 - 3.3
Kia Rio Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 24Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
18 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
22 out of / 43Ranking
29 out of / 43Ranking
35 out of / 43Nissan Versa Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 43Ranking
1 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
10 out of / 43Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
16 out of / 43Ranking
19 out of / 43Ranking
19 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
33 out of / 43Ranking
33 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Rio Trim Levels
LX, S
Nissan Versa Trim Levels
S, SR, SV
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.77 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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:
122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
114 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 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:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
292 / 378 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:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
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:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
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:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
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:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
14.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
88.9 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:
2599 lbs
Width:
68.5 inches
Height:
57.3 inches
Length:
177 inches
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 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:
195/65R15
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black
Silver
Silky Silver
White
Clear White
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Fresh Powder
Blue
Electric Blue Metallic
Gray
Gun Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
