Which is better: Lada X-Ray Cross 2022 or Kia Rio X-Line 2022

Recently, the world famous South Korean automobile company Kia presented to the public the updated Kia Ray city car.

A compact city car with 5 doors is presented by the manufacturer as a microvan, which has undergone a planned but much-needed update, received a more stylish appearance, an improved interior and many variations regarding the car’s configurations.

Today's article is focused on the pricing policy, configuration variations, and technical equipment of the Kia Ray 2018-2019. The review is supplemented with a video report and reliable photographs of the model year.

Photo, appearance of the Kia Rey 2018-2019
The brand new Kia Rey 2018-2019 can already be purchased at South Korean car dealerships. The approximate cost of the restyled Kia Rey varies between 12-15 million Korean won (650 - 850 thousand rubles).

Photo of the compact van Kia Ray 2018-2019

Rating

Expert assessments

Kia Rio X-Line	Renault Sandero Stepway	Lada X-Ray Cross
Interior	8	7	7
Driver's workplace	9	6	8
Cabin capacity	8	7	6
Trunk	9	7	8
Visibility	7	8	8
Interior noise insulation	6	7	6
Controllability	8	7	8
Accelerating dynamics	8	6	8
Smooth ride	8	7	8
Brakes	8	7	7
Off-road performance	6	8	9
Set of options	9	7	8
Budget	6	7	8
Total	100	91	99

Technical characteristics of Kia Ray 2018-2019

The updated microvan technically almost completely copies the pre-reform model. The hatchback has only one power plant - a 1.0-liter three-cylinder MPI engine from the Kappa family. Its output is 78 hp. (at 6400 rpm) and 94 Nm (at 3500 rpm). According to the manufacturer, the engine received a new control program and some design improvements, which should have a positive effect on fuel consumption. Paired with the power unit is a 4-speed automatic transmission.

In the future, the line of Kia Ray modifications may be replenished with an electric version. If one appears, then we should expect much better characteristics from it than the pre-restyling EV version had. And its performance was as follows: engine – 68 hp. and 167 Nm, battery – 16.4 kWh, range – 139 km.

The Kia Ray chassis has completely retained its layout after the update. The front still uses independent suspension with MacPherson struts, and the rear is a semi-independent torsion beam. The steering of the car is equipped with an electric booster.

After the release of the Hyundai Creta in Russia, many were waiting to see how Kia would respond when they too had a compact SUV. And then the Rio X-Line appeared. Why not a crossover?

The Hyundai-Kia plant in St. Petersburg does not have enough capacity to make another model that will be produced in tens of thousands. The bet is on Creta - and it is justified if you look at the sales statistics. But Kia had to abandon the all-terrain vehicle for now in favor of a raised hatchback.

The X-Line differs from the regular Rio primarily in its off-road body kit made of unpainted plastic, roof rails and increased ground clearance - 170 mm versus 160 mm for the sedan. There are not many changes at the front, but at the rear you can recognize the X-Line by the strip between the LED taillights and the dual exhaust pipes.

Nothing special? But visually, I think the raised Rio looks nicer than its sedan brother.

In addition, the hatchback is 10 millimeters wider and 50 millimeters taller than the four-door. The roof is raised by 14 mm in the area of the second row - so tall passengers do not have to support the ceiling with their heads.

The interior is completely carried over from the regular Kia. And there is nothing wrong with that, as it is one of the best in the segment. Almost perfect ergonomics, a cozy interior, easily readable instruments and multimedia with a simple and logical interface.

The only things I can complain about are the hard plastic (although it’s still worth making a discount for a “state employee”) and the lack of lumbar adjustment in the driver’s seat. The latter will be especially noticeable for those who have back problems.

There are two 12-volt sockets in front, USB and AUX. In my opinion, it would be better to install two USB connectors; in the age of gadgets, one is no longer enough, and when the car is full of passengers, everyone wants to recharge their device. Bribing adapters is not an option.

The legroom on the rear seat is the same as in the Rio, but, as already mentioned, there is a little more headroom here: the roof is higher than that of the regular version.

The trunk is smaller than the sedan's - 390 liters versus 480 liters. However, this volume is 29 liters more than that of the Lada Xray and 70 liters than that of the Renault Sandero. In addition, by folding the rear seat backs in parts, it is more convenient to transport large cargo in the X-line.

The only pity is that there are no hooks; you will have to be content with only niches on the sides. In this regard, of course, Koreans should take a closer look at what AvtoVAZ is doing now. The Lada Vesta SW Cross, which many call for some reason a competitor to the X-Line, has so many nice and convenient “chips” in the trunk that even Skoda would be jealous.

But let's return to X-Line. I liked the hatchback with a large number of useful and pleasant options, which will come in very handy right now. Our car had heated front seats, windshield and rear windows, steering wheel and rear seat. The only thing missing was heating the windshield washer nozzles and remote start. However, even without this, Kia's winter package is truly impressive. In the morning before work, you won't have to waste precious minutes clearing ice from your windows.

Prestige and dimensions

The Korean model, like the Hyundai Solaris, has become a real bestseller on the Russian market, immediately becoming a sales leader.
As for status, everything is more complicated. Yes, the Korean company is constantly improving the reputation of its brand and has already achieved considerable success in this direction, but it is still far from more prestigious brands like Volkswagen, Honda, etc. AvtoVAZ is just beginning its journey of fighting foreign cars on equal terms. Naturally, many, although they recognize the undoubted advantages of the model, still do not risk putting it on the same level as foreign ones. However, “the ice has broken.”

Dimensions	LADA XRAY	KIA Rio
Length	4165 mm	4120 mm
Width	1764 mm	1700 mm
Height	1570 mm	1470 mm
Wheelbase	2592 mm	2570 mm
Front track	1492 mm	1495 mm
Rear track	1532 mm	1502 mm
Clearance	195 mm	160 mm
Trunk volume	361 l (1207 l)	389 l
Weight	1190 kg (1650 kg)	1120 kg (1565 kg)

As you can see, in terms of dimensions, the LADA XRAY is better than the KIA Rio, and the superiority of the Russian model can be seen in almost all parameters, with the exception, perhaps, of the trunk and weight. Otherwise, X-Ray continues the line of Vesta, which in its dimensions surpasses almost everyone in its class. The advantage in ground clearance is especially noticeable – by 35 mm.

Popularity and dimensions of vehicles

Korean cars from the Kia concern have been conquering the market for a long time. Like the Hyundai Solaris, the Kia Rio is one of the top sellers.

Nevertheless, the prestige of the Korean manufacturer is still at a fairly low level, not reaching such famous concerns as Volkswagen, Honda and Mercedes.

AvtoVAZ, on the contrary, has just entered the fight against foreign cars and is still far behind them. Domestic cars are seriously guilty of minor flaws and ill-conceived designs of running gear.

When choosing which is better: Lada X-Ray or Kia Rio, you should take into account the dimensions of the vehicles.

A car from a Korean manufacturer in a hatchback body has the following dimensions:

length – 4,120 millimeters;
width – 1,700 millimeters;
height – 1,470 millimeters;
weight – 1,120 kilograms.

The wheelbase of the Kia Rio is 2,570 millimeters, and the ground clearance is 160 millimeters. The luggage compartment volume with the seats up in the hatchback is 389 liters.

The domestic car can boast of the following weight and size parameters:

length – 4,165 millimeters;
width – 1,764 millimeters;
height – 1,570 millimeters;
weight – 1,190 kilograms.

The wheelbase of the Lada X-Ray is 2,592 millimeters, and the ground clearance is 195 millimeters. The trunk volume in the domestic crossover with the rear seats up is 361 liters.

According to the above data, we can conclude that the domestic car is significantly larger in size and has a significantly higher ground clearance. At the same time, the Korean vehicle is much smaller, but has a more capacious luggage compartment.

In general, it is difficult to determine which is better, since some people value compactness, while others want to drive a large car.

Exterior

In terms of appearance, a lot will depend on personal preference, as designs vary significantly. X-Ray is definitely suitable for those who like a cocky and aggressive look. Of course, the production hatchback doesn’t reach the level of a chic concept car, but it looks great.

In its style, one cannot help but pay attention to the stampings on the body, which catch not only the doors, but also the fenders and even the bumpers. However, these ornate curves in the shape of the letter “X”, together with the 15-inch wheels that come as standard, and the impressive ground clearance, visually make the car shorter, and not everyone likes it. However, one cannot help but admit that the muscular body shapes, feet, headlights, chrome and trims look very advantageous.

The design of the KIA Rio has a completely different approach. This hatchback is designed more universally. It is not without reason that it is believed that in a comparison of Rio and Solaris, it is KIA that in most cases is chosen by young people. And we have to admit that Korean designers did not make a mistake.

As a result, they got a pretty and moderately correct image, which, on the one hand, does not have any features that break out of the overall picture, and on the other, never gets boring. A wide radiator grille, sharpened headlights, short overhangs and a line of side glazing extending upwards combine perfectly with branded lining on the front fenders and nice wheels.

In general, it is difficult to say which looks better externally - the Lada X-Ray or the Kia Rio, because everyone has different tastes.

Specifications

In terms of technical characteristics, the rivals are approximately equal, although in certain aspects it is immediately clear that one of them wins. This means that if you really need to identify the winner in the battle between Lada X Ray vs KIA Rio, you should clearly define your requirements.

Engines

In this case, you can put an equal sign. Both the Russian and Korean hatchbacks have a pair of gasoline engines, which are very similar in their performance. A characteristic difference between the engines is the larger displacement of X-Ray, with generally the same power.

The basic version of LADA XRAY is offered with a 1.6-liter aspirated in-line engine. This engine was developed at VAZ, and the VAZ-21129 type was chosen as the basis for it. As a result, the designers managed to achieve a power of 106 hp. With. at around 6300 rpm, supplementing it with a thrust of 148 Nm at 4200 rpm.

All this made it possible to guarantee the model good dynamics of 11.4 seconds. up to hundreds, as well as a peak acceleration of 174 km/h. At the same time, they also maintained acceptable consumption, which in city traffic is only a little more than 9 liters.

1.6 liter X Ray engine

On the KIA Rio side there is the same 16-valve aspirated engine, but with a volume of 1.4 liters. However, the smaller cubic capacity did not affect its performance in any way - 170 hp. With. this unit produces at 6300 rpm, while the torque is at 5,000 rpm. equal to 135 Nm.

The dynamics, despite the lower traction, are almost the same - 11.6 seconds, but the maximum speed is 11 km/h higher - 185 km/h. But the main thing is that gasoline consumption is significantly lower, which in the city is 7.6 liters.

Rio with a 1.4-liter engine

At the top, X-Ray offers a new 1.8-liter engine of its own design. However, the main innovation lies precisely in the increase in working volume. Otherwise, this is a regular in-line injection engine. However, the increase in cubic capacity had a beneficial effect on the output, which increased to 122 hp. With. at 6900 rpm And the moment rose to 170 “newtons”.

This unit guaranteed an improvement in acceleration dynamics to 10.4 seconds, as well as an increase in the speed limit to 185 km/h. And the consumption did not increase, remaining at the same 9.3 liters. per hundred.

KIA Rio meets it with a 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 123 hp. s., which the driver receives at 6300 rpm. But in terms of torque, the Korean model is significantly inferior - only 155 Nm at 4200 rpm. However, the dynamics are the same as those of the competitor - 10.3 seconds, at a maximum speed of 190 km/h. Appetite fluctuates around 8.5 liters.

The 1.6-liter KIA engine is not inferior in power to the 1.8-liter Lada

As you can see, in many ways the motors are equal. Yes, LADA has a larger volume and, thanks to this, more torque. However, KIA responds with lower fuel consumption, which is extremely important in the current realities. Therefore, in the rivalry between X Ray and Rio, the chances are approximately equal.

Transmissions

In terms of gearboxes, the KIA Rio is better than the Lada X-Ray, which is simply worth admitting. This is due to both a wider selection and the presence of a classic automatic machine, but with some reservations.

Both engines of the Russian hatchback can be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission developed in France.

The Korean model also has a 5-speed manual transmission, but it is intended only for 1.4-liter modifications.

Cars with a 1.6 liter engine are equipped with a manual transmission6, which largely explains the efficiency of the car.

And this is already a 6-speed manual transmission

For fans of 2-pedal versions, the XRAY can be purchased with a 5-band AMT. This is a robotic transmission created from the MT 21826 box. The decision to use a robot rather than an automatic transmission allowed VAZ to reduce the price of the hatchback as much as possible.

KIA took a different route and chose a classic automatic transmission. For 1.4-liter versions, only 4-band AT is available. Although this is normal for class B, I still want more modern solutions.

And they are offered with a 1.6 liter engine. It is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which gives the Korean a decisive advantage.

Modern 6-speed automatic

Chassis

The suspension of both models is structurally the same. No one has a multi-link design - only a semi-independent layout, with a torsion beam on the rear axle and MacPherson struts at the front. There is no all-wheel drive either.

But the handling of competitors is different. KIA Rio performs well on a flat road, without serious defects or damage. And the point is not so much that on such a road you can “pick up” breakdowns in the struts, but rather the nervousness of the steering. When driving on uneven roads, shocks are transmitted to the hatchback's steering wheel, making it difficult to control. The result is that the Rio suspension lacks energy intensity and smoothness.

Kia Rio chassis with torsion beam

X Ray's character is different. The suspension of this model, based on the Renault Sandero Stepway, flaunts its energy intensity - even large potholes are perceived calmly on the Russian model, and small irregularities may not be noticed at all. On the other hand, serious ground clearance and height result in greater rolls in corners than their counterparts.

Regarding cross-country ability, the Lada X-Ray is better than the KIA Rio, and much better! The ground clearance of the hatchback will do honor to some crossovers, and the switchable ESC system allows you to confidently climb into such wilds where the Rio is completely barred. Of course, this electronics will not replace all-wheel drive, however, even without a 4x4 layout, the off-road advantage over the Korean is simply overwhelming!

X-Ray's ground clearance of 195 mm often helps out

The off-road capabilities of the LADA XRAY with switchable ESC are clearly demonstrated in the Ladnaya Mechanics video.

Prices and options

Content

The Lada XRay Cross 2022 model year is offered to customers in three versions: “Classic”, “Comfort” and “Luxe”, and the Kia Rio X-Line 2022 - in five: “Comfort”, “Luxe”, “Europa League”, “ Prestige" and "Premium". The price for the X-Ray Cross “Classic” starts at 754,900 rubles for a 1.8-liter engine (122 hp) and a 5-speed manual transmission, and the X-Line “Comfort” with a 1.4-liter engine (100 hp) and 6-speed manual transmission costs 884,900 rubles, that is, 130,000 rubles. (17%) more expensive. Both models are equipped with: front airbags, electronic stability control system ESC, emergency communication Era-Glonass and front electric windows. And Kia, unlike its competitor, is additionally equipped with: air conditioning, an audio system with steering wheel controls, side mirrors with electric drive and heating, rear electric windows, heated front seats and steering wheel. In general, X-Line is equipped with everything you need for your money, and X-Ray Cross offers a completely “empty” car, but with 17-inch alloy wheels (the counterpart has 15-inch steel ones).

The above comparison is incorrect due to the significant difference in the set of options and engine power. Therefore, let's compare similar modifications of the models. Lada X-Ray Cross 1.8 (122 hp) 5MT and Kia Rio X-Line 1.6 (123 hp) 6MT in the “Comfort” configuration of the same name are offered to customers for 834,900 rubles and 909,900 rubles, respectively . That is, a “Korean” costs 75,000 rubles. (9%) more expensive. In this version, the Russian car first catches up with its opponent in terms of the list of options (with the exception of a heated steering wheel), and then overtakes due to the presence of: a drive mode selector (“Sport”, “Snow”, “Sand”), front fog lights and rear parking sensors

Now let's compare the basic versions with automatic transmissions. And here the biggest surprise awaits us. Lada XRay Cross 2022 can only be equipped with a manual transmission! It is difficult to understand such a marketing ploy, but we can only accept it. But the Kia Rio X-Line 2022 can be equipped with an automatic transmission connected to any of its engines. The minimum price for two pedals is 924,900 rubles for a modification with a 1.4-liter engine (100 hp) in the same “Comfort” configuration, that is, the additional payment for a 6-speed automatic transmission was 39,100 rubles.

To finish talking about prices, let's compare the top versions. Lada X-Ray Cross 1.8 (122 hp) 5MT “Luxe” with the “Prestige” package costs 913,900 rubles, and Kia Rio X-Line 1.6 (123 hp) 6MT “Europa League” — 967,900 rubles, that is, 54,000 rubles. (6%) more expensive. For this money, the cars received climate control, a rear view camera and a 7-inch multimedia screen. But despite the lower price, the X-Ray Cross is also equipped with: cruise control, navigation and heated rear seats. However, in this comparison, only the Lada has a top-end configuration, for which we have selected a comparable version of the opponent. The truly maximum version of the Korean model is the X-Line 1.6 (123 hp) “Premium” with a 6-speed automatic transmission for 1,134,900 rubles. This car has options in its equipment list that its competitor does not have, namely: side airbags and curtain airbags, heated windshield and heated injectors, as well as Android Auto and Apple Car Play integration.

Gearboxes

The gearboxes used in vehicles will help you compare Lada x ray and Kia Rio.

The domestic vehicle has:

Five-speed manual transmission. This type of gearbox is installed on both engine modifications.
Five-speed robotic manual transmission. The decision to use a robot instead of an automatic machine is explained by the pursuit of making the car as cheap as possible.

The Kia car can be equipped with the following transmissions:

Five-speed manual gearbox. This transmission option is used only for the younger 107-horsepower modification of the power unit.
Four-speed automatic transmission. The junior automatic can only control a 1.4 liter engine.
Six-speed manual transmission. The box comes only with a 123-horsepower engine.
Six-speed automatic transmission. A modern automatic transmission is paired with an older version of the power plant.

It is thanks to the presence of a six-speed automatic that the Kia car confidently wins in the comparison of transmissions.

Power plants

When comparing the Kia Rio and Lada X-Ray, it’s worth saying a few words about the engines.

The Kia car comes with the following power plants:

4 liter petrol engine with 107 horsepower.
6 liter engine with 123 horsepower.

The first installation option is installed on budget versions of Korean cars. The 107-horsepower engine accelerates the vehicle to 100 kilometers in 11.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 185 kilometers per hour.

Special mention should be made of the very low fuel consumption, which when driving around the city does not exceed 8 liters per hundred kilometers.

The older model of the Rio car's power plant, complete with a 123-horsepower engine, is equal to 190 kilometers per hour. The increase in engine displacement had a slight effect on fuel consumption.

When driving around the city, the power plant empties the fuel tank by 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers traveled.

Domestic engineers equipped the Lada X-Ray with the following units:

6 liter petrol engine with 106 horsepower.
8 liter petrol engine with 122 horsepower.

The basic version of the power plant allows you to accelerate to 100 km/h in 11.4 seconds. The peak speed of a car with this engine is 174 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption in city traffic reaches nine liters per 100 kilometers.

The older modification of the power unit accelerates the car to one hundred kilometers per hour in 10.4 seconds. The maximum speed is 185 kilometers per hour. Consumption has practically not increased compared to the base engine and is 9.4 liters per hundred kilometers.

From the comparison it is obvious that, despite the larger volume, AvtoVAZ engines could not compete with their Korean counterparts. The Kia Rio has similar dynamics to the Lada X-Ray, but at the same time consumes significantly less fuel and develops a higher maximum speed.

Interior

There is an opinion that the interior of the Lada X-Ray was created under the influence of the same KIA Rio. VAZ designers do not give any comments, but if you look closely, you can easily find common features. However, one cannot help but admit that the interior of both cars is quite distinctive and original.

The appearance of the XRAY interior is more swift and aggressive. The 3-spoke steering wheel, along with the spectacular dashboard wells, literally “charges” you with energy and the desire to drive actively.

In addition, the design of the dashboard can’t be faulted either. Large panels with smooth but expressive transitions, elongated air deflectors and a laconic center console look very good. Although not everyone likes the different textures of plastic. The seats are not bad, but in the basic versions the lumbar support is too low, which creates some inconvenience.

Inside the KIA Rio is no worse than in the X-Ray. The finishing materials in the Korean model are chosen more competently, although they are just as budget-friendly. Probably the reason is that for AvtoVAZ the X-Ray is a milestone model that has absorbed all the best from the company. However, in segment B, all these qualities are commonplace.

The Rio's front seats are no worse than those of its competitor, but the rear sofa is not very comfortable, primarily because it is too low. However, it is quite possible to go there.

Salon of the new Kia Ray

The interior of the cabin is quite multifunctional, comfortable and convenient; it has undergone modernization in a similar style to the exterior. It is difficult to notice any changes, but if you look closely you can detect them:

The starboard side is equipped with a sliding rear door, providing comfortable seating for passengers;
High-quality finishing from high-quality materials;
A huge variety of modern equipment has been relocated from the old, pre-reform modification of the Kia Ray.

But thanks to minor details, the interior was transformed, sparkling like a ray of sunshine (by the way, Ray translates as “ray”).

Image Kia Ray 2018-2019, latest photos
The interior decoration of the updated Kia Ray uses:

Various color variations;
The materials used in the finishing are of much better quality;
The front instrument panel has chrome decorative elements.

The Kia Ray was equipped with an updated steering wheel with an electrically heated function, relocated from last year’s Kia Rio. The instrument panel has a couple of options, and the Automatic Gearbox knob has also undergone minor changes.

The 2018-2019 Kia Ray boasts:

Completely modified multimedia with a decent screen, 7 inches diagonal;
The multimedia system now supports Apple CarPlay;
The climate control system received a large monochrome display;
The seats are equipped with a heating system;
The second row seats can be moved on a slide around the cabin, thus adjusting the space for the lower extremities of the rear row passengers. The same feature increases the luggage compartment capacity to a decent volume;
Safety is ensured by 2–6 airbags and rollover sensors that directly send a signal to the airbags.

The trunk holds 329 liters of hand luggage;
By folding the backrests of the rear seats, the trunk volume easily increases by almost 1000 liters .

The Kia model line in the local car market is represented by a modification for transporting small cargo - Kia Ray Van. There are no rear seats, which increases the total trunk volume to an incredible 1447 liters .

The interior trim features a two-tone color scheme, with bright inserts on:

-seats,

-front instrument console.

-doors.

The Kia Ray's interior is equipped with drawers under the seats, a shoe compartment and all kinds of small drawers located in different parts of the cabin. The manufacturer even took care of pet lovers; the salon has its own surprises for animals.

We load cubes into the trunk according to the method of the magazine “Behind the Wheel”

The manufacturer claims that the trunk volume of the Kia Rio X-Line is 390 liters. Compared to the Lada, the Kia has a good 10 centimeters lower loading height, and the trunk opening is wider. Moreover, under the floor of both cars there is a full-size spare tire. According to the methodology of the magazine “Behind the Wheel”, the compartment was able to accommodate 340 liters.

KIA-Rio-X-Line: split rear seat backrest, low loading height and wide trunk opening.

KIA-Rio-X-Line: you don't have to worry about punctures.

The declared trunk volume of the XRAY Cross is 360 liters. There is enough space in the underground for small items, but if you remove the false floor, the fastening points somewhat interfere with the placement of large containers. Using the cubes in Xray we managed to measure 308 liters.

We placed 308 liters in the trunk of the Lada-XRAY-Cross.

The Kia Rio X-line managed to fit 32 liters more into the trunk than the X-ray.

The score is 1:4, the Korean leads even further.

Summary

The 2022 Lada X-Ray Cross is only suitable for you if you need a car with a manual transmission. XRay will definitely please the future owner with the price of both the car itself and its maintenance and insurance. And, of course, the ground clearance of 215 mm will allow you to navigate rough terrain with peace of mind. The Kia Rio X-Line 2022, in turn, attracts with a wide technical variety of power units, fuel efficiency, a spacious trunk and the presence of options that, in principle, the competitor does not have. And if you need a car with an automatic transmission, then your choice is obvious!

So should you pay extra for a Kia?

Even if we compare the basic versions with 1.6 engines, the Lada XRay Cross will still be more than 100 thousand cheaper: 907,900 rubles versus 1,009,900, and the difference between the top trim levels is already 165 thousand. A serious difference, almost 15% of the cost.

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The Kia has a larger trunk (390 liters versus 361). Full-size spare tires hidden under the floor

Moreover, it can be even higher, because there are not only no discounts on the Kia Rio, but dealers, on the contrary, impose additional equipment or are not at all shy about directly setting inflated prices. Therefore, it may not be possible to win back losses at a higher residual value.

What to buy: Kia Rio X and Lada XRay Cross? The Lada XRay Cross, which is losing popularity, can be purchased at a discount, and it is also not very attractive to car thieves, which also promises more favorable insurance rates. If we talk about cars, regardless of price, it is better to take the Kia Rio X in large cities with good roads, and the Lada XRay Cross is suitable for regions where cross-country ability is important and a disregard for the quality of the surface is important.

Car suspension

Structurally, car suspensions are no different. In both cars, the rear suspension is represented by a semi-independent torsion beam, and the front suspension is represented by MacPherson struts.

When driving a Rio car on a flat road, the suspension works well against minor defects in the asphalt surface. When driving into rough terrain, all shocks begin to be transmitted to the steering wheel and make it difficult to control the vehicle.

In other words, driving the Kia Rio on rough terrain is problematic due to insufficient energy consumption and smoothness.

The behavior of a domestic car is completely different. Thanks to the well-designed suspension, the Lada X-Ray calmly passes through areas of any complexity and practically does not feel minor irregularities. However, due to the significant ground clearance, the Lada exhibits roll when cornering.

The cross-country ability of the X-Ray car is beyond praise. Thanks to the high ground clearance, the car can easily climb small obstacles, and the ESC system allows you to drive to heights unprecedented for Kia.

In terms of suspension, in a comparison of Kia and Lada X Ray, the domestic car wins a landslide victory.

Pros and cons of Kia Rio

Let's figure out why Rio is more expensive than Vesta, what are its pros and cons. I will tell you point by point.

Interior

I like the design, I don’t want to say that it is worse than Vesta’s. If we talk about the exterior and interior, then for some reason it reminds me of Star Wars. Especially the ass, if you look at the white car from behind, it's an imperial stormtrooper mask.

But everyone sees their own. There is no armrest in this configuration; I installed it myself. The salon is simple. Why do many people now buy Rio and not buy Solaris? Because even in the minimum configuration you will have air conditioning. In Solaris you will have to pay more for a car with air conditioning.

Here, even on the weakest 1.4-liter manual engine, you will have air conditioning, and that’s nice.

Rio vs. X-Ray – fight of budgets

Two hatchbacks: one, the Lada X-Ray, is just beginning its history, the other, the Korean Kia Rio, has a solid biography behind it, decorated with victories in all kinds of ratings and surveys. Who will win in comparison - a recognized authority in the automotive market or a daring newcomer whose appearance caused a flurry of audience interest?

I recognize my sweetheart by his gait...

This is how we can characterize the hatchback from the Land of Morning Freshness. Indeed, our car enthusiasts have already become accustomed to the rapid dynamics of Rio in recent years. The popularity of the brand is evidenced by the numbers: during the period January-August of this year, 93,310 cars were sold, which ensured Kia first place among all foreign car brands sold. The Rio model “went” to 7,178 buyers in our country in August 2022, reaching the leading position among all models at the end of the month. Modern appearance, excellent quality, excellent characteristics, reasonable price attract Russian buyers.

X-Ray quickly burst into the car market. The concept car of the car appeared in 2012. It went into serial production in 2015, three months later the first copy rolled off the assembly line. X-Rey hid its name in the abbreviation of the first letters: X – crossover, based on the body shape, R – translated from English as “recreation”; A – active (“activity”); Y – yours (“your”). Taken together, it turns out to be your active holiday.

Options and prices

The Lada X-ray car is sold in three trim levels:

Optima. The cost of this configuration on the Russian market starts from 600,00 rubles.
Luxury A car version with a luxury set of devices will cost at least 710,000 rubles.
Exclusive. The maximum version of the Lada XRay car will empty your wallet in the amount of 806,000 rubles.

The Korean car has six trim levels:

Comfort. The cost of such a car starts from 640,000 rubles.
Audio comfort. An additional purchase of a radio will cost 40 thousand.
Luxury The cost for this version of the car starts from 710,000 rubles.
Prestige. This version will cost the buyer at least 776,000 rubles.
Premium The maximum configuration costs from 876,000.
Premium NaVi. This version of the car costs from 903,000 rubles.

Exterior and interior

Vesta SW Cross, according to automotive experts and publications, is the most beautiful car created by AvtoVAZ. Successful design solutions taken from the front-wheel drive sedan are effectively implemented in the new body.

The car received a bright appearance, a neat plastic body kit, and stylish wheels. As a result, the Lada car is superior to the nice, but more modest “Korean”.

The loser is the front part of the new Rio, which smacks of bad taste and “Chinese”, despite several original solutions. But the rest of the car was a great success for the Kia design department. The rear optics and dual exhaust pipes deserve special praise.

Conclusion. Vesta looks nicer compared to the Rio hatchback with an off-road body kit and other all-terrain station wagons. The new AvtoVAZ car looks better in the special “Mars” color scheme.

Cute appearance of Kia Ray

After restyling, the updated Kia Rey, which received a breath of fresh air, did not lose its attractive image, which captivated millions of fans of this model and became its calling card:

Fashionable proportional features;
Smooth, practical surfaces on all four doors;
Sliding rear doors located on the right side.

Thanks to the design work, Kia Ray has acquired freshness and modernity, albeit in a modern guise.

Photo, picture Kia Ray 2018-2019

The improved Kia Ray boastfully displays fashionable, attractive headlights with LED filling, between which a stylish radiator grille is compactly placed.
From below you can see an improved front bumper, accompanied by fog lights and a two-level air intake.
The rear of the Kia Ray has undergone minor changes, but noticeable to the naked eye: the rear bumper has been modified, the side lights are armed with LED filling.

If anyone thought that this was the end of the changes, he is deeply mistaken. The South Korean manufacturer offers potential buyers special packages for personal configuration. Packages include:

Choice of shade – 9 color options;
Two-tone car paint.

With four colors to choose from in the two-tone paint package, the following are available :

black (charcoal black),
orange (orange),
red (red)
yellow shades.

Wheels made of light alloy metal complement the image of a South Korean city car. The wheels have a stylish design, and their size seems toy-like compared to regular 14-15 inch cars.

The external dimensions of the Kia Ray have the following indicators:

Body length – 3 meters 59 cm;
Width – 1 meter 59 cm;
Height – 1 meter 70 cm,
The distance between the wheels is 2 meters 52 centimeters.

Photo, interior of Kia Ray