If you’re in the market for a quality compact car, your search has most likely led you to Kia. The question is whether you’d be better off with a new/used Kia Forte or a new/used Kia Rio.
Both of these four-door sedans are fantastic options that will make just about anyone happy. At the same time, they have enough differences that it’s worth diving into the compact car showdown.
Consider Your Wallet
The price is one of the most important things to most shoppers looking for a new car. While the numbers on the sticker don’t determine everything about a vehicle, it is a critical part of the decision-making process. If price is your biggest concern, you can probably stop reading and just go look for a Kia Rio.
The Forte starts with an MSRP of around $17,890, while the Rio starts at $15,850. The trend of the Rio being less expensive continues on higher-level trims, although the difference may not be enough to scare shoppers away, especially when other factors come into play.
The other thing to consider is that you can pick up a used Kia Forte at a much lower cost. The same is true for a pre-owned Rio, so there are definitely options to get the car you want, even if you’re on a budget.
Performance That Matters
The Kia Rio is equipped with a 1.6-liter engine that provides 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. It may not be the biggest engine in the Kia lineup, but it packs quite the punch. You’ll also enjoy an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined.
The Forte, however, brings a little more to the table. It starts with a 2,0-liter engine that provides 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. You can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or an intelligent variable transmission. This powertrain will earn you up to 29 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined.
The Forte has a second engine option if you’re looking for some serious oomph. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers a serious 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. You can bring this home with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual option. This engine might provide some more power, but it only earns 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
If you’re looking for a more powerful subcompact sedan, a new or used Kia Forte will do the trick.
Configurations and Trims
If you’re looking at taking home a sedan with lots of personalized options, take a look at these two cars’ available trims. The Kia Forte comes in six different trims. That means you have more options to get the features you desire.
The Kia Rio only comes in two trims. If you’re not looking to load up your vehicle with all kinds of features, the Rio is well-equipped and offers tons of value.
Which Car Is Right For Me?
Deciding if you would prefer a new or used Kia Forte or Rio really depends on what you’re looking for in a sedan. If you’re not looking for tons of extras and want to save some cash, the Rio is a great option for the price.
If, however, you want a vehicle with more trim options, better performance numbers, and the ability to practically customize your ride, the Forte is right for you. Either way, stop by your local Kia dealer to see both of these cars in action and explore your options today.
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