The Car Guide's Best Buys for 2022: Kia Rio

The Car Guide is back with its annual list of Best Buys covering all the different vehicle categories in the industry.

As you know, many SUV-obsessed automakers have abandoned small cars in recent years. The current survivors may not even be around in a couple of years. On the other hand, Nissan brought back the Versa last year to replace the Micra.

After winning our Best Buy award in 2020 and 2021, the Kia Rio does it again for 2022.

Photo: Kia

Offering decent performance (120 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque) along with good handling and solid construction, the Rio further stands out with a surprising amount of room considering its diminutive size.

The sedan is no more, but the more versatile Rio 5-door hatchback received some styling revisions last year.

Photo: Kia

Second place in the small-car segment goes to the aforementioned Versa, which also handles well. Unlike the Rio, it is available only in four-door configuration. Too bad the price is so close to the Sentra’s.

The Chevrolet Spark remains unchanged for 2022 but drops a spot to third. It continues to shine with the lowest entry price among all new vehicles in Canada, plus several connectivity features.

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