Kia Rio vs Hyundai i30 Hatch
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.
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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 counters with Apple CarPlay that the Kia Rio does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Rio lines up producing 79kW and 135Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai i30 Hatch responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 203Nm, paired to a manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
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 Kia Rio measures 4,045mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 295mm shorter than the Hyundai i30 Hatch at 4,340mm (2,650mm 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
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 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.
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 $1,625/year for the Kia Rio and $2,081/year for the Hyundai i30 Hatch. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Kia Rio.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Kia Rio) vs $2,081 (Hyundai i30 Hatch). 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 (Kia Rio) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i30 Hatch). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Rio if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai i30 Hatch if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai'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, Kia Rio and Hyundai i30 Hatch?
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 Kia Rio and Hyundai i30 Hatch 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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