2024 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2023 Kia Rio Review

Picture of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu

2024 Chevrolet
Malibu

MSRP*: $25,100 to $31,500
See details & photos

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Picture of the 2023 Kia Rio

2023 Kia
Rio

MSRP*: $16,750 to $17,390
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 27 MPG 32 MPG
MPG - Hwy 35 MPG Info not available
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 163-hp, 1.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 120-hp, 1.6-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Continuously Variable Continuously Variable
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 163 hp 120 hp
Exterior Length 194.2 in 172.6 in
Exterior Width 73.0 in 67.9 in
Leg Room Front 41.5 in
Rear 38.1 in
Front 42.1 in
Rear 33.5 in
Head Room Front 39.1 in
Rear 37.5 in
Front 38.9 in
Rear 37.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Due to its greater rear head- and legroom, backseat passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Chevrolet Malibu than the Kia Rio. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between the Chevrolet Malibu and the Kia Rio in the front seats.

Convenience
The Chevrolet Malibu will require fewer stops at the gas station than the Kia Rio, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Chevrolet Malibu will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Kia Rio, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Chevrolet Malibu is much wider than the Kia Rio, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. If you go with the Chevrolet Malibu, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Kia Rio.

Handling
The Chevrolet Malibu has a significantly larger turning radius than the Kia Rio, making it much more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Chevrolet Malibu has a much more powerful engine than the Kia Rio. However, something you should consider is that higher horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the engine of the Chevrolet Malibu does a much better job of transmitting power to the wheels than the Kia Rio.

Utility
In terms of seating you'll be able to fit the same number of people in both the Chevrolet Malibu and the Kia Rio.