Verdict
At RM75,381, the Kia Rio costs RM12,619 less and brings a larger 325-litre boot, 2,580-mm wheelbase and 45-litre tank. That is meaningful money for a Malaysian hatchback buyer. The Toyota Yaris answers with 105 hp and 150 Nm against the Rio’s 99 hp and 133 Nm, plus a CVT, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision braking. Its RM88,000 price also buys seven airbags to the Rio’s six. Pick on priorities: the Rio is the cheaper, roomier-load carrier; the Yaris is the better-equipped safety choice.
Pick the Kia Rio if you want to save RM12,619, carry 39 litres more luggage and have a sunroof.
Pick the Toyota Yaris if you prioritise its 150 Nm engine, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision braking.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Rio RM75,381; Toyota Yaris RM88,000.
- Engine output: Kia Rio 99 hp and 133 Nm; Toyota Yaris 105 hp and 150 Nm.
- Transmission: Kia Rio four-speed conventional automatic; Toyota Yaris CVT with seven-speed sports sequential shift.
- Boot space: Kia Rio 325 litres; Toyota Yaris 286 litres.
- Safety: Kia Rio has six airbags; Toyota Yaris has seven airbags plus blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision braking.
- Wheels and tyres: Kia Rio 17-inch alloys with 205/45R17 tyres; Toyota Yaris 16-inch two-tone alloys with 195/50R16 tyres.
Rio
- RM12,619 cheaper
- 325-litre boot
- Sunroof and 2,580-mm wheelbase
- 99 hp and 133 Nm trail the Yaris’ 105 hp and 150 Nm.
- No blind-spot monitoring, pre-collision braking or 360-degree camera.
- Six airbags versus seven in the Yaris.
Yaris
- 105 hp and 150 Nm
- Seven airbags, blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision braking
- 360-degree camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Costs RM12,619 more.
- 286-litre boot is 39 litres smaller.
- No sunroof; its 2,550-mm wheelbase is 30 mm shorter.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM75,381✓ | RM88,000 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,368 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 99 hp at 6,000 rpm | 105 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 133 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,200 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 72 mm × 84 mm | 72 mm × 91.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4-Speed Automatic | CVT with 7 Speed Sports Sequential Shift |
| Gears | 4 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,065 mm | 4,140 mm |
| Width | 1,725 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,475 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm | 2,550 mm |
| Weight | 1,162 kg | 1,140 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 42 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 325 litres✓ | 286 litres |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 195/50R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 195/50R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 16" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Continental ContiSportContact 5 | Toyo Proxes R50 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 16" Two-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 16" Two-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Front, Tilt and Slide | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 5" Floating Screen with 6 Speakers | 9.0" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Rio & Yaris for sale
Rio vs Yaris FAQ
Is the Kia Rio or Toyota Yaris better?
The Toyota Yaris is better for safety equipment and driver assistance, with seven airbags, blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision braking. The Kia Rio is the better buy for lower upfront cost, a 325-litre boot and a sunroof.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Yaris costs RM88,000 and the Kia Rio costs RM75,381, so the Yaris is RM12,619 more expensive.
Which has more boot space, the Kia Rio or Toyota Yaris?
The Kia Rio has the larger boot at 325 litres, compared with 286 litres in the Toyota Yaris. The Rio therefore carries 39 litres more luggage.
