Rio X (X-Line) I vs Soul III (SK3): which is better?
Kia Rio X (X-Line) I (2017–2023) vs Kia Soul III (SK3) (2019–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Rio X (X-Line) I
Kia Soul III (SK3)Specifications
| Kia Rio X (X-Line) I | Kia Soul III (SK3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2017–2023 | 2019–present |
| Body | hatchback | hatchback |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 123 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 151 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 240 mm | 4 195 mm |
| Width | 1 750 mm | 1 800 mm |
| Height | 1 510 mm | 1 600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 600 mm | 2 600 mm |
| Ground clearance | 170 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 50 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Rio X (X-Line) I
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- 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.
Kia Soul III (SK3)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 150 hp
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 engine (G4NA, G4NB): cylinder scoring
- Hyundai IVT CVT gearbox: some complaints of jerking when pulling away
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 (G4NA, G4NB)): cylinder scoring; increased oil consumption; catalytic converter debris.
Gearbox (Hyundai IVT CVT): the gearbox is relatively new, statistics are being gathered; there are complaints about jerks when pulling away.
Which one to choose
- Rio X (X-Line) I — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Soul III (SK3) — if you care more about: power, torque.
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 X (X-Line) I or Soul III (SK3)?
Rio X (X-Line) I: up to 123 hp, Soul III (SK3): up to 150 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Rio X (X-Line) I — about 13 675 ₸, Soul III (SK3) — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.