Chevrolet Sonic vs Kia Rio: reliability compared
From 2011 to 2020, owners filed an average of 96 complaints per model year about the Chevrolet Sonic and 52 about the Kia Rio.
Side by side
| Chevrolet Sonic | Kia Rio | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2011-2020 | 2011-2020 |
| Owner complaints | 955 | 523 |
| Complaints per model year | 96 | 52 |
| Recalls | 16 | 4 |
| Years to avoid | 2012201320142015 | 20132016 |
| Best years | None stand out | 2019 |
| Most common problem | Engine | Engine |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 29 mpg combined (2020) | 36 mpg combined (2020) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Sonic | Rio | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 255 | 219 |
| Transmission | 231 | 26 |
| Electrical | 227 | 75 |
| Airbags | 126 | 80 |
| Fuel system | 74 | 29 |
| Steering | 54 | 25 |
| Brakes | 44 | 92 |
Questions about the Chevrolet Sonic vs Kia Rio
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Sonic or the Kia Rio?
Between 2011 and 2020, the Chevrolet Sonic has 4 years to avoid and the Kia Rio 2. The Kia Rio has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Kia Rio drew fewer complaints per model year (52 vs 96), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Sonic or the Kia Rio?
From 2011 to 2020, the Chevrolet Sonic was covered by 16 recalls and the Kia Rio by 4.
What years of the Chevrolet Sonic and Kia Rio should you avoid?
Chevrolet Sonic: 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Kia Rio: 2013 and 2016.
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