Kia Rio vs MG MG3
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 MG MG3 counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate 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 MG MG3 responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 142Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds.
The MG MG3 has the clear power advantage at 81kW 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, 68mm shorter than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase).
For towing, the Kia Rio leads with a 1,050kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 550kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.5m
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m 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 $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Kia Rio.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Kia Rio) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The Kia Rio saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Kia Rio) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Rio if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Rio and MG MG3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Kia Rio will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. The MG MG3 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. 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 MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 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.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG MG3 all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Rio has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,050kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG MG3 makes the most power at 81kW.
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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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