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The 2022 Kia Rio and 2022 Nissan Versa are popular new cars on the market. What sets these two sedans apart, and does one offer more than the other? Let’s take a look at the fuel economy, safety features, and other tech features that make these sedans worth purchasing.

The 2022 Kia Rio and 2022 Nissan Versa cost comparison

2022 Kia Rio vs. 2022 Nissan Versa
2022 Kia Rio vs. 2022 Nissan Versa | Kia, Nissan

Kelley Blue Book compared the 2022 Kia Rio and the 2022 Nissan Versa to see which vehicle pulled ahead. When it comes to the 2022 Kia Rio, buyers get a lot of features at a reasonable price. The starting price for the new Kia Rio is $16,150. With that, buyers get things like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two trim levels to choose from. The Versa offers an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, with 41 mpg on the highway and 33 mpg in the city. The Rio has a hatchback option for buyers who prefer that body style.

The 2022 Nissan Versa starting price is just below the Rio at $15,080. It has three trim levels, but the base trim is lacking in some areas. In order to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, buyers have to upgrade to the SV or SR trims. The new Nissan Versa gets 30 mpg combined, broken down to 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It also offers an available manual transmission for those who might be interested.

Does the 2022 Kia Rio or 2022 Nissan Versa have better safety features?

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The 2022 Kia Rio LX trim doesn’t offer too many features. Upgrading to the S trim gets buyers Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Rear-Occupant Alert (ROA). Blind Spot Warning (BSW) isn’t offered, along with other crucial active safety features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet rated the 2022 Rio.

The 2022 Nissan Versa comes with things like Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) standard. Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) are offered but don’t come standard. Still, the NHTSA gave the new Versa an overall five-star safety rating.

When it comes down to it, which sedan pulls ahead?

Kelley Blue Book says that the 2022 Nissan Versa has above average safety and driver assistance technology, good fuel economy and offers buyers a substantial value. The engine isn’t the strongest with a full car, but that situation might not be too frequent. The sedan also has a larger trunk than the Rio. Overall, the Versa is a well-equipped sedan with valuable features that make it a good choice.

As far as the 2022 Kia Rio goes, the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features is a plus. It offers buyers excellent fuel economy and is an affordable choice. It could have more room and more safety features standard. However, Kelley Blue Book says it is “high on practicality and efficiency and low on cost.”

Depending on which of these features is more important, both the Nissan Versa and Kia Rio bring a lot to the table.

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Staff Writer

Amanda Cline

Amanda Cline is an avid fan of Formula 1 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2021. A Southwest Floridian, she easily and often finds automotive events to attend in the Tampa, Orlando, and Miami areas.
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s in English Literature and a Master’s in Technical Communication. Combining her editorial and digital media expertise, Amanda served as a content creator for FanSided and now provides our readers with a variety of automotive subject matter like pickup trucks and SUVs, including valuable consumer advice.

Amanda closely follows many F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Her all-time favorite author is Shel Silverstein.