Volkswagen Golf vs. Kia Rio

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf and the Kia Rio.

When we compare the Volkswagen Golf's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of reliability, 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 and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf's and the Kia Rio's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Kia Rio.

Pricing: A used 2021 Volkswagen Golf ranges from $15,188 to $22,985 while a used 2021 Kia Rio is priced between $12,995 to $18,998.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Kia Rio loses 29 percent of its value. This means the Kia Rio retains 5.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Golf.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.8 out of 10 while the Kia Rio's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Kia Rio being ranked 22 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Rio the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Rio.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Kia Rio base engine makes 120 horsepower. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 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 Volkswagen Golf the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

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

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