Kia Spectra vs. Toyota Corolla
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Spectra and Toyota Corolla 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 Spectra and the Toyota Corolla.
In comparing the Kia Spectra's and the Toyota Corolla's specifications and ratings, the Kia Spectra has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Kia Spectra's and the Toyota Corolla's specifications and ratings, the Kia Spectra is a better car than the Toyota Corolla.
Pricing: A used 2009 Kia Spectra ranges from $2,915 to $9,994 while a used 2009 Toyota Corolla is priced between $4,991 to $11,995.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Spectra’s base engine makes 138 horsepower, and the Toyota Corolla base engine makes 132 horsepower. The Spectra is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 420 miles. The Corolla is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. This gives the Toyota Corolla the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Spectra. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Spectra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear head room. The Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room, rear leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Toyota Corolla has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$13,550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$15,250
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$16,059
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$14,120 - $18,625
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$6,002
Price Range:
$2,915 - $9,994
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
21
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
130,572
# Good or Great Deals:
9
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$8,233
Price Range:
$4,991 - $11,995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$7,162
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$5,744 - $9,025
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
230
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
144,114
# Good or Great Deals:
71
Kia Spectra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Toyota Corolla Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Spectra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Corolla
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.4
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
19
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.1 - 19.1
Kia Spectra Rankings
Not yet available
Toyota Corolla Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 43Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 43Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 43Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 24Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
26 out of / 43Ranking
35 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan, Wagon
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Spectra Trim Levels
EX, LX, SX, Spectra5 SX
Toyota Corolla Trim Levels
Base, LE, S, XLE, XRS
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:
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
136 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
128 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
322 / 420 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
343 / 462 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
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
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup 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
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup 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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
12.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
92.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2701 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
57.9 inches
Length:
177.2 inches
Wheelbase:
102.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2723 lbs
Width:
69.3 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/60R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Silver
Bright Silver
White
Clear White
Beige
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sand Pearl
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Super White
Beige
Desert Sand Mica
Blue
Blue Streak Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Capri Sea Metallic
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Ash
Beige
Bisque
