Kia Rio vs. Toyota Prius c

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Rio and Toyota Prius c 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 Prius c.

When we compare the Kia Rio's and the Toyota Prius c's specifications and ratings, the Kia Rio has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Toyota Prius c has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Kia Rio's and the Toyota Prius c's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Prius c is a better car than the Kia Rio.

Pricing: A used 2019 Kia Rio ranges from $9,865 to $17,017 while a used 2019 Toyota Prius c is priced between $11,674 to $24,061.

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 Prius c loses 27.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Prius c retains 1.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Rio.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Rio is 8.2 out of 10 while the Toyota Prius c's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Kia Rio being ranked 22 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Toyota Prius c being ranked 2 out of 9 Best Hybrid Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Rio is 7.7 out of 10. For the Toyota Prius c the reliability rating is 8.7 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Prius c a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Rio.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Rio’s base engine makes 130 horsepower, and the Toyota Prius c base engine makes 99 horsepower. The Rio is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 440 miles. The Prius c is rated to deliver an average of 46 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles.This gives the Toyota Prius c the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Rio the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Prius c has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear leg 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, rear head room and rear shoulder room.

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