2009 Kia Rio

2009 Kia Rio Price Range: $11,495 - $14,025

Utility
The Rio and the average sedan can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the average sedan packs quite a punch and will knock the Kia Rio down a few rungs. On the flip side, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Dimensions
The average sedan is tremendously heavier than the Kia Rio. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the average sedan than the Kia Rio because of its bigger tank. The Kia Rio and the average sedan compete for the same parking spaces. The Kia Rio's shorter wheelbase will give a nimbler feel in daily traffic. On the other hand, the typical sedan is likely to have a smoother, more stable ride.

Convenience
You'll definitely have to take the Kia Rio for a fill-up more often than the typical sedan because of its tank size and fuel economy.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the Kia Rio to the dealership as the average sedan. In terms of fuel economy, the Kia Rio has the average sedan beat. Producing an exact fuel economy evaluation is so tough that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though the Kia Rio is the winner with respect to fuel economy. The Rio is tremendously less pricey than the average sedan with respect to MSRP. The average sedan will cost you a bundle in gasoline every year compared to the Kia Rio. The Kia Rio will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the average sedan.

Handling
With its tighter turning radius, the Rio is most certainly nimbler than the average sedan, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the flip side, note that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The average sedan has a larger engine than the Kia Rio. Bear in mind that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the average sedan is tremendously more powerful than the Kia Rio. The Kia Rio could learn a lesson or two from the average sedan in terms of pickup.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Kia Rio offers a bit more head room than the typical sedan, there frankly isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the average sedan offers a bit more head- and leg-room than the Kia Rio, there frankly isn't much of a difference.

Warranty
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the average sedan isn't quite as generous as the Kia Rio's.