Subaru Impreza vs. Kia Rio

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Impreza and Kia Rio 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 Subaru Impreza and the Kia Rio.

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

Pricing: A used 2023 Subaru Impreza ranges from $17,400 to $24,700 while a used 2023 Kia Rio is priced between $13,977 to $19,993.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Impreza loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Kia Rio loses 35.6 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Impreza retains 1.1 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 Subaru Impreza is 8.2 out of 10 while the Kia Rio's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Impreza being ranked 9 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Kia Rio being ranked 16 out of 37.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Impreza is 7.7 out of 10. For the Kia Rio the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Impreza a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Rio.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Impreza’s base engine makes 152 horsepower, and the Kia Rio base engine makes 120 horsepower. The Impreza is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. The Rio is rated to deliver an average of 36 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. This gives the Kia Rio the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru Impreza. Both models use regular unleaded.

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

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