2008 KIA RIO vs. 2008 Nissan Versa

The 2008 Kia Rio is a good option for drivers interested in the bare necessities of driving.

Comfortable seating but a lack of many interior features drivers consider basic. For some, the Rio makes up for this with its standard safety features. The Rio remains among the lowest-priced autos. But it's built on a new platform and has slicker styling, more power, additional room and added safety features.

If finding a car with the highest fuel efficiency, best resale value and strongest customer satisfaction, “I would have to say the Rio is for you”. The Kia Rio is a subcompact that is inexpensive, stylish and a spacious little car. It delivers in its performance, great fuel economy and good handling.

The Kia Rio is front-wheel drive with independent front suspension, a semi-independent rear suspension, 14-inch wheels, and front and rear stabilizer bars. The power is controlled by a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic, Safety features include seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and front seat belt pretension.

The Rio earned 4 out of 5 stars for driver protection and 5 stars for front passenger protection in frontal offset tests. In side crashes, the 2008 Rio earned 4 stars for the front seats but only 3 out of 5 stars for rear seat protection.

The 2008 Kia Rio's six air bags "suggest that Kia is serious about safety. Those six air bags include dual front advanced, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain. Side-impact and front and rear crumple zones are all a part of the Rio's efforts to protect its passengers.

According to Kia, the decision to upgrade its power was a fuel economy decision as well. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2008 Kia Rio at 25 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway with an automatic transmission. The Rio's manual transmission rates at 27 mpg for the city, 32 on highways.

Vehicle Comparison

	2008 Kia Rio	2008 Nissan Versa
MSRP	$10,890 - $13,615	$12,630 - $15,630
Available Engines	110-hp 1.6-liter I-4	122-hp 1.8-liter I-4 Available
Transmissions	4-spd automatic w/OD	2-spd CVT w/OD
	5-spd man w/OD	4-spd automatic w/OD
		6-spd man w/OD
Fuel Economy City	25 mpg	24 mpg
Fuel Economy Highway	35 mpg	31 mpg