Kia Rio vs. Toyota Corolla Hatchback

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Rio and Toyota Corolla Hatchback 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 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

When comparing the Kia Rio's and the Toyota Corolla Hatchback'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. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Rio's and the Toyota Corolla Hatchback's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.

Pricing: A used 2023 Kia Rio ranges from $16,575 to $21,187 while a used 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is priced between $22,000 to $28,498. For a new model, the Kia Rio's price is between $17,202 and $20,674, with the Toyota Corolla Hatchback priced between $24,046 and $29,883.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Rio loses 29 percent of its value and the Toyota Corolla Hatchback loses 28 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Corolla Hatchback retains 1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Rio.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Rio’s base engine makes 120 horsepower, and the Toyota Corolla Hatchback base engine makes 169 horsepower. The Rio is rated to deliver an average of 36 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. The Corolla Hatchback is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 541 miles.This gives the Kia Rio the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Toyota Corolla Hatchback the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Corolla Hatchback, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Kia Rio, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear leg room.

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