Chevrolet Sonic vs Kia Rio
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2023 Kia Rio
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia RioLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LS | LX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2020 | 2023 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia RioLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $16,720 (best) | $16,750 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $16,606 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $16,606 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $16,606 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia RioLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 32 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG | 41 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 12.2 gal (best) | 11.9 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia RioLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 138 hp (best) | 120 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft (best) | 112 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 1.4 L | 1.6 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia RioLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.9 cu ft (best) | 13.7 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 2,857 lbs | 2,767 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 99.4 in | 101.6 in (best) |
| Length | 173.9 in (best) | 172.6 in |
| Width | 68.3 in (best) | 67.9 in |
| Height | 59.7 in (best) | 57.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia RioLX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Chevrolet Sonic | Kia Rio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LS $16,720 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LX $16,750 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LT Fleet $17,220 MSRP | S $17,390 MSRP |
| 3 | LT $18,620 MSRP | S $17,690 MSRP |
| 4 | LT $19,420 MSRP | — |
| 5 | Premier $20,720 MSRP | — |
| 6 | Premier $21,520 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Chevrolet Sonic vs Kia Rio FAQ
- Which is better: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2023 Kia Rio?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2020 Chevrolet Sonic vs 2023 Kia Rio on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2023 Kia Rio?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic starts lower at $16,720. Live Kia Rio listings start at $16,606.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2023 Kia Rio?
- The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (16,720).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2023 Kia Rio?
- The 2023 Kia Rio leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (36).
- Which has better horsepower: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2023 Kia Rio?
- The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic leads on horsepower in this comparison (138).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2020 Chevrolet Sonic vs 2023 Kia Rio?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Sonic (5/5 NHTSA overall); Kia Rio (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).