Toyota Prius vs. Kia Spectra Review

Performance
With respect to horsepower, the Kia Spectra packs quite a wallop and will knock the Toyota Prius down a few rungs. On the flip side, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their comparable turning circles, the Kia and the Prius most certainly handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Kia Spectra's engine isn't much more massive than the Toyota Prius's. Torque equals pickup, and the Kia Spectra will have picked up and gone by the time the Toyota Prius finally gets moving. The Toyota Prius could learn a lesson or two from the Spectra regarding torque.

Utility
Neither the Kia Spectra nor the Toyota Prius has a marked advantage with respect to seating capacity.

Convenience
You will most definitely have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Kia Spectra than with the Prius.

Comfort
Taller drivers will substantially enjoy the extra head room in the Kia Spectra's front cabin compared to the Toyota Prius.

Dimensions
The Toyota Prius is tremendously heavier than the Kia Spectra. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Kia than the Toyota because of its larger tank. The Prius and the Kia Spectra compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Kia Spectra to the dealership as the Toyota Prius. The Prius will save you money at the pump compared to the Kia Spectra. The Spectra will tax your gas budget tremendously more than the Toyota Prius will. The Toyota Prius is tremendously costlier than the Kia Spectra when it comes to MSRP. The Toyota Prius will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the Kia. The Kia Spectra will cost you a bundle in gas every year compared to the Toyota Prius.

Warranty
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Toyota Prius isn't quite as generous as the Kia Spectra's.