Hyundai i20 vs. Kia Rio: which is better?
Looking at superminis to buy? See how the Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio compare on performance, interior space, design features, costs and more
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If you’re in the market for a small hatchback, then you’ll be inundated with choice. An incredibly popular market, these cars appeal to solo drivers and small families alike.
The Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio are two models from two different South Korean manufacturers, and they tick a lot of boxes.
Below, we outline all of the similarities that make these cars so worthy of your consideration, as well as some of the key differences that could influence your decision on whether to choose a used Kia Rio vs. a used Hyundai i20.
Does the Hyundai i20 or Kia Rio offer more style?
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Both the Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio are very popular superminis that appeal to those looking for a spacious and practical small car. They’ve come a long way in recent years, going from being budget-conscious models to seriously stylish cars that are still affordable.
Overall, the Hyundai has a classier look, with a modern design inspired by the larger i30. In fact, it uses similar proportions on a smaller scale to give the illusion of it being largerr than it is, and plenty of chrome finishes add to the sense of bringing the car more upmarket.
Kia focuses more on making its cars sportier-looking, and the Rio has a slightly more basic design that has some sporty touches, such as the distinctive grille area.
Is the Kia Rio or Hyundai i20 better to drive?
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Unsurprisingly, because these cars are built on the same platform, they offer a very similar driving experience.
The Hyundai i20 is a fun and engaging car to drive and is a worthy rival to the Ford Fiesta, which has long been crowned as one of the best-driving superminis around. The Rio is just as good and makes for an excellent town and city model.
You’ll notice that both come with similar engine options, including a perky 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol. You can have 100hp and 120hp variants, with newer cars also getting mild hybrid tech that’s designed to improve efficiency.
Some also get an excellent smooth-shifting dual-clutch automatic gearbox option, which is great, because sometimes the automatics you get in smaller cars can be a little disappointing.
Hyundai i20 vs. Kia Rio: interior
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Previously seen as low-end options, both the Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio have some seriously impressive interiors in their latest generations.
For example, most but entry-level models come with a great touchscreen infotainment system, and smartphone connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The interior layout of both models is simple, and there are still plenty of controls for changing things like the temperature, which is great news for anyone who prefers not to use a distracting screen on the go.
If car tech is important to you, you may want to look more seriously at the Hyundai i20, which has more equipment and optional extras like all-round parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry, a wireless phone charger, heated seats and even a heated steering wheel.
Kia Rio vs. Hyundai i20: which has more boot space?
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Both of these cars are small hatchbacks, and the space they offer is pretty average. If boot space is important to you, consider the Hyundai i20, which has a 352-litre boot. The Kia Rio has a smaller 325-litre boot.
Compare Kia Rio and Hyundai i20: which is more reliable?
Kia and Hyundai have maintained their names as budget-friendly options despite making huge advancements in terms of quality and technology. Thus, they still offer excellent value for money despite being a touch pricier than they used to be.
Another area they’ve continued to excel in is reliability, with both cars having excellent track records and glowing customer reports.
It’s worth noting that they have different warranty options despite being part of the same group of manufacturers. The Kia Rio has a longer seven-year warranty that’s limited to 100,000 miles (or just over 14,000 miles per year), while the Hyundai i20 has a shorter five-year warranty that doesn’t have a mileage limit.
Hyundai i20 vs. Kia Rio size and dimensions
Even though they have completely different bodies, these cars actually share the same exterior dimensions. Both are 4,065mm long and 1,450mm tall.
However, the Hyundai i20 is 5cm wider, at 1,775mm compared with 1,725mm, which could make a difference if you need to carry a few adults or more luggage frequently. In terms of navigating tight car parks, though, you won’t notice any difference.
Used Kia Rio vs. used Hyundai i20: which should you buy?
The reality is that both cars offer an excellent blend of affordability, reliability and quality, and there’s very little separating them in terms of efficiency and size.
Instead, you’ll want to make your decision based on how they feel – for something with a more premium edge, consider the Hyundai i20, but for something that’s less tech-heavy and more budget-friendly, you may want to look at the Kia Rio.