DARE TO COMPARE
2023 Kia Rio vs. Kia Forte

Kia Rio

Kia Forte

At a Glance: Rio vs. Forte

Kia Rio

It’s time to choose your next ride. Would you rather go with the subtle approach of the Kia Rio, or the flashiness of the Kia Forte? Both are great options. It’s really all about what you’re looking for as a driver in Nicholasville, Lexington, and Frankfort, KY.

The experts at Car Town KIA are here to help you dig deeper with this 2023 Kia Rio vs. Kia Forte comparison. Ready to take a closer look at these two models? Let’s go!

HORSEPOWER

HORSEPOWER

120 HP | 147 HP
Rio vs Forte

EPA-ESTIMATED MPG

EPA-ESTIMATED MPG

32 city/41 hwy* | 31 city/41 hwy*
Rio vs Forte

STANDARD TOUCHSCREEN

STANDARD TOUCHSCREEN

8" | 8"
Rio vs Forte

2 of a Kind: See the Difference
Select a category below to learn more about how the Kia Rio compares to the Kia Forte.
PERFORMANCE

Kia Rio

Compact sedans like the Kia Rio and the Kia Forte are all about putting a little pep in your step. They offer an energetic performance and the efficiency you need to keep the fun going. Step on that gas pedal and let’s get moving.

Power and Prescence

The Kia Rio comes standard with a 1.6L I-4 engine. It’s more than capable of managing your daily chores, tasks, and commutes with 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. It works alongside an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), so your ride will feel as smooth as silk.

The Kia Forte, on the other hand, kicks things off with a standard 2.0L I-4 engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and also works with an IVT. If you need even more oomph, the Forte is also available with a Turbocharged 1.6L engine that pumps out over 200 horsepower.

How Efficient Are They?

Thanks to their compact size and efficient engines, these Kia sedans offer optimized efficiency. The Rio boasts an EPA-estimated 32 city/41 highway MPG, while the Forte boasts an EPA-estimated 31 city/41 highway MPG.*

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INTERIOR

Kia Rio

Compact on the outside and spacious on the inside—the Rio and the Forte are all about balance. You’ll be able to enjoy every mile of the drive with premium amenities and innovative infotainment. Let’s step inside!

Space and Comfort

Both Kia sedans boast generous interior dimensions. Here’s how they measure up:

Kia Rio
Kia Forte
Headroom (front/rear) 38.9/37.4 inches 38.8/37.5 inches
Shoulder Room (front/rear) 54.1/53.3 inches 56.1/55.3 inches
Legroom (front/rear) 42.1/33.5 inches 42.2/35.7 inches
Passenger Volume 89.9 cubic feet 96 cubic feet
Cargo Volume 13.7 cubic feet 15.3 cubic feet

As you stretch out in your seat, you’ll be able to find your ideal temperature with automatic climate control available in both models. They also offer power-adjustable front seats, so you can really dial into your perfect level of support.

Infotainment Technology

These Kia sedans are also particularly engaging when it comes to infotainment. A standard 8-inch touchscreen is your command center in both sedans. They act as your gateway to connective apps such as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.

Both models also bring crisp and clean audio to the table, so you can rock out everywhere you go. The Rio comes standard with a 6-speaker audio system, which is also available with the Forte. If you’re looking to really amp things up, the Forte is also available with a Harman Kardon® 320-watt, 8-speaker Premium Audio system.

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SAFETY

Kia Rio

Whether you’re flying solo or you have the whole crew along for the ride, the more confidence you have, the better off you’ll be. Luckily, both the Kia Rio and the Forte come with a bevy of smart safety systems to keep you dialed in behind the wheel.

Meet Kia Drive Wise

Kia puts your peace of mind first with Kia Drive Wise. It brings a litany of safety and driver-assistance features to your daily drive, so you can hit the road completely at ease. Both models offer features including:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Lane Following Assist
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Driver Attention Warning

The Kia Forte can also be equipped with some more advanced systems such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. It will alert you to vehicles riding alongside you, so you can change lanes with ease. It works with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, which helps ensure the coast is clear before backing out of a tight spot.

Parking Poise

Both models come standard with a Rear-View Monitor, which will show you the way into and out of every parking spot. The Forte goes one step further with the available Park Distance Warning-Rear, which uses a sonar system to alert you to detected obstacles behind the vehicle.

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Which Kia Sedan Is Better Suited for You?

Kia Forte

Both the Kia Rio and the Kia Forte serve as respectable, everyday rides for your trips around Nicholasville, Lexington, and Frankfort, KY. Now, there’s a decision to be made—and it’s entirely up to you! Let our team at Car Town KIA know whether you prefer the 2023 Kia Rio or the Kia Forte. You could also test drive either model—or both—to add a more personal touch to your research!

All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 2023 Rio for yourself are conveniently available right here online.


*EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition.

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