Rio IV (FB) vs Corolla E210: which is better?
Kia Rio IV (FB) (2017–2023) vs Toyota Corolla E210 (2018–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Rio IV (FB)
Toyota Corolla E210Specifications
| Kia Rio IV (FB) | Toyota Corolla E210 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2017–2023 | 2018–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 123 hp | 122 hp |
| Torque, up to | 151 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 400 mm | 4 630 mm |
| Width | 1 740 mm | 1 780 mm |
| Height | 1 470 mm | 1 435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 600 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | 160 mm | 150 mm |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 50 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Rio IV (FB)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan, Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 engine (G4FC, G4FG): catalytic converter breakdown and debris entering the cylinders — scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 (G4FC, G4FG)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders — scoring; timing chain stretch after 150k km; knocking when worn (valves adjusted with shims).
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Toyota Corolla E210
Pros
- Toyota CVT gearbox: generally reliable
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 1ZR-FE/FAE engine (1.6): oil consumption from 150k km
- Toyota CVT gearbox: jerking with old fluid
Engine (Toyota 1ZR-FE/FAE (1.6)): oil consumption from 150k km; VVT-i coupling rattle; water pump leak.
Gearbox (Toyota CVT): generally reliable; jerks with old oil.
Which one to choose
- Rio IV (FB) — if you care more about: power, ground clearance.
- Corolla E210 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Rio IV (FB) or Corolla E210?
Rio IV (FB): up to 123 hp, Corolla E210: up to 122 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Rio IV (FB): 160 mm, Corolla E210: 150 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Rio IV (FB) — about 13 675 ₸, Corolla E210 — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.