Hatchback showdown: Edmunds compares Honda Fit and Kia Rio

Driving a small hatchback offers many advantages.They’re efficient, maneuverable, practical and, above all, affordable. Sometimes they’re even fun to drive. Kia and Honda have each updated their cars in this segment for 2018. The Kia Rio is all-new, while the Honda Fit has received a number of minor upgrades. Each has its own appeal, so how do Kia and Honda’s updated small cars compare?DrivingOne of Kia’s objectives with the 2018 Rio redesign was improving handling and stability, and the company has succeeded. Handling is sporty, and the car is rock steady at freeway speeds. Steering is precise, and on-center feel has improved tremendously over the previous generation. Even with its 2018 updates, the Fit doesn’t feel as sporty. In turns and at freeway speeds, the Fit feels less planted and isn’t as engaging or confidence-inspiring as the Rio.Both cars use efficient four-cylinder engines that produce 130 horsepower, which is sufficient for such small cars. Both offer a choice of manual or automatic transmission. Honda’s continuously variable automatic transmission maintains peak power without changing gears. Kia’s six-speed automatic has to spend more time shifting, although it does so smoothly and quickly. More: Auto sales solid but consumers may finally get a… Read full this story

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