Consumer Reports can be a helpful tool to access different cars and compare them in areas where it counts. This is important because the Kia Rio is a car that gets mocked or ignored because of its small size. However, many folks think the Kia Forte is a good pick compared to the Kia Rio. Still, Consumer Reports picked the Rio over the Forte, and here’s why.
How the 2022 Kia Rio scored
2022 Kia Rio | Kia
Overall, the Rio got average scores across the board. Consumer Reports gave it an overall score of 53 out of 100, which isn’t great. It was primarily thanks to the Rio’s average road-test score of 61 out of 100. The Rio’s predicted reliability score was average as well, with a 3 out of 5 there. Its predicted owner satisfaction score was its lowest overall, at just 2 out of 5.
In terms of performance, the Rio received decent scores overall. It got a 3 out of 5 for its acceleration and 4 out of 5 for its transmission, braking, and emergency handling capabilities. It was pretty mixed in terms of its comfort and convenience ratings. Consumer Reports gave the Rio a few 2 out of 5 and 3 out of 5 ratings in that category.
The 2022 Kia Forte scored worse overall
According to Consumer Reports, the Rio didn’t get the best scores in the segment, but the Forte received worse scores. Its overall score was a mere 39 out of 100, making it the worst-reviewed car in the segment. This low overall score was essentially thanks to the Forte’s predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction ratings. The Forte got 1 out of 5 in both categories, while it got a 67 out of 100 in its road test.
Unsurprisingly, the Forte received similar ratings regarding its performance, comfort, and convenience features. The Forte received a 4 out of 5 for its acceleration score and 4 out of 5 for everything else in the performance category. In terms of its comfort and convenience ratings, the Forte, just like the Rio, got a mix of 2 out of 5 and 3 out of 5 ratings.
A comparison between the two Kias
The Forte’s superior performance capabilities shouldn’t be a surprise since Kia offers two engines and both are more powerful than the Rio. The Rio’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder gets 120 hp, and it takes 9.6 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. In comparison, the Forte has a choice between the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2.0-liter gets 144 hp, while the 1.6-liter gets 201 hp.
Overall, the Forte can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. But despite being more powerful, the Forte is slightly more fuel-efficient. It gets 34 mpg combined, which is better than the Rio’s 33 mpg combined. Despite this power gap, the Forte received worse scores largely thanks to its abysmal track record in terms of reliability and owner satisfaction.
Over the years, the Forte’s received many bad ratings for its owner satisfaction score, which is not a good sign. The Forte’s reliability history also has some ups and downs, so that’s why Consumer Reports gave it a poor predicted reliability rating. Taken together, the Forte’s poor predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction scores make it a worse car than the Rio.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Somehow Recommends the Kia Rio Over the Kia Forte