Toyota Corolla vs. Kia Rio

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

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

Pricing: A used 2023 Toyota Corolla ranges from $17,897 to $24,997 while a used 2023 Kia Rio is priced between $13,977 to $19,993. For a new model, the Toyota Corolla's price is between $22,925 and $29,635, with the Kia Rio priced between $17,934 and $20,795.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Corolla loses 31.3 percent of its value and the Kia Rio loses 35.6 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Corolla retains 4.3 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 Toyota Corolla is 8.3 out of 10 while the Kia Rio's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Corolla being ranked 6 out of 29 Best Small Cars and the Kia Rio being ranked 17 out of 29.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Corolla is 7.8 out of 10. For the Kia Rio the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Corolla a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Rio.

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

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

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