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HomeComparisonsHyundai i30 Hatch vs Kia Rio
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Hyundai i30 Hatch vs Kia Rio

A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.

Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.

SpecHyundaiKia
Price (RRP)$26,990TBC
Fuel typePetrolPetrol
Power120kW79kW
0-100 km/h9.4s
Fuel Economy7.3 L/100km5.7 L/100km
Boot Space395L
Towing1,200kg1,050kg
Warranty5yr / Unlimited5yr / Unlimited
ANCAP SafetyNo dataNo data

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Price Breakdown

Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

Feature Showdown

Both come with modern infotainment systems.

The Hyundai i30 Hatch stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia Rio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai i30 Hatch uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 203Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.

The Kia Rio lines up making 79kW and 135Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the front wheels.

The Hyundai i30 Hatch has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 79kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai i30 Hatch measures 4,340mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 295mm longer than the Kia Rio at 4,045mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai i30 Hatch generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Hyundai i30 Hatch leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,050kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

10.5m to 10.6m

TightestKia Rio S 1.4 3-Door Hatch ManualTightest turn at 10.5m, easiest U-turns and carparks
Kia Rio S 1.4 3-Door Hatch Manual
10.5mTighter
Best
Hyundai i30 Hatch i30
10.6m
Worst
Hyundai i30 Hatch i30
10.6m · Good

Based on 10.6m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Kia Rio S 1.4 3-Door Hatch Manual
10.5m · Good

Based on 10.5m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestKia RioTightest turn at 10.5m, needs the least road to swing around
Hyundai i30 Hatch10.6 m
Good△ 3-point
Kia RioTightest10.5 m
Good△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep

Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.

True Cost to Own

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Hyundai i30 Hatch and $1,625/year for the Kia Rio. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Kia Rio.

Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Hyundai i30 Hatch) vs $1,625 (Kia Rio). The Kia Rio saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i30 Hatch) vs 5 years (Kia Rio). Both match on warranty length.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Hyundai i30 Hatch if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Kia Rio if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The Hyundai i30 Hatch takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Kia Rio will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, Hyundai i30 Hatch and Kia Rio?

The Hyundai i30 Hatch is the cheapest at $26,990 before on-road costs.

Which is the most fuel-efficient?

The Kia Rio uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.

What are the ANCAP safety ratings?

None of Hyundai i30 Hatch and Kia Rio carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.

Which can tow the most?

The Hyundai i30 Hatch has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.

Which is the most powerful?

The Hyundai i30 Hatch makes the most power at 120kW.

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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.

Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026

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