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2019 Kia Rio vs. 2019 Nissan Versa

The Kia Rio was completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. Despite being just a year removed from a very robust redesign, the most current Rio sedan available at Classic Kia Carrollton does also offer a revised trim ladder with several features being reshuffled to be standard or available equipment on the remaining versions. A comparison between the 2019 Kia Rio vs. 2019 Nissan Versa is more proof that it’s more than just possible to offers an efficient and well-equipped subcompact sedan without cutting corners that take away from an enjoyable ownership experience. The Kia Rio is also available in a five-door hatchback sedan, but that will be covered separately by the product experts at Classic Kia Carrollton. Customers can schedule a test drive today by calling, 866-559-8140.
There are a few key differences that buyers interested in the 2019 Kia Rio or 2019 Nissan Versa may notice between the two vehicles. One of the clearest differences is the level of connectivity equipment that comes standard with each subcompact sedan. The 2019 Rio offers its native infotainment system with smartphone compatibility on both of its available trim grades. This means that owners who use Apple- or Android-based smartphones will be able to seamless connect their mobile devices to the infotainment system’s head unit and use most, if not all, of their favorite applications. The 2019 Nissan Versa does eventually offer this capability. However, a shopper choosing the competing model would need to choose the Nissan subcompact sedan’s top-of-the-line trim grade to have it available for use.

2019 Kia Rio

Vs.

2019 Nissan Versa

1.6-L, 4-Cyl. Engine 1.6-L, 4-Cyl.
130/119 Horsepower/Torque 109/107
Six-speed automatic Transmission CVT
Yes Std. Smartphone Integration No

Performance Specs

It would seem that the 2019 Rio and 2019 Versa would be closely matched because both vehicles use similar engines. That is not the case. Both available trim grades of the 2019 Rio sedan use a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine attached to a continuously variable transmission. Each of the trim versions will make 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, independent online reviews have praised the handling characteristics of the 2019 Rio sedan. The 2019 Nissan Versa, on the other hand, makes fewer than 110 horsepower with its competing version of a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. It also uses the Nissan version of the continuously variable transmission.
The 2019 Versa does record slightly better fuel economy scores than the 2019 Kia Rio. However, considering the clear disparity in performance, the difference in fuel efficiency is negligible.
A photo of the touchscreen interface used in the 2019 Kia Rio.
A photo of the trunk space in the 2019 Kia Rio.
A photo of the rear camera and its guidelines in the 2019 Rio.
A cut away photo showing how much passenger space is available in the 2019 Rio.