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.

In comparing 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, interior volume and overall quality score. The Nissan Versa has the advantage in the area of 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 $13,977 to $19,993 while a used 2023 Nissan Versa is priced between $14,336 to $19,990. For a new model, the Kia Rio's price is between $17,934 and $20,795, with the Nissan Versa priced between $18,149 and $21,823.

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 Nissan Versa loses 37.4 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 1.8 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 8.1 out of 10 while the Nissan Versa's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Kia Rio being ranked 16 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Versa being ranked 22 out of 37.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Rio is 7.4 out of 10. For the Nissan Versa the reliability rating is 7.1 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 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.