Verdict
The Kia Rio YB costs RM3,559 more, yet the outgoing Kia Rio UB is the stronger mechanical buy: its 1.4-litre produces 107 hp and 137 Nm against the YB’s 99 hp and 133 Nm, and it keeps a full-size spare plus four rear parking sensors. The YB answers with a 325-litre boot, 37 litres more than the UB, 17-inch wheels, reversing camera, push-button start and automatic climate control. For a Malaysian used-car buyer, choose condition and service history first; on specification alone, the UB’s lower price and extra output are hard to ignore.
Pick the Kia Rio UB if you want 107 hp, 137 Nm, a full-size spare and four rear parking sensors for less money.
Pick the Kia Rio YB if you need the larger 325-litre boot and want a reversing camera, push-button start and automatic climate control.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Rio UB RM71,822; Kia Rio YB RM75,381.
- Engine output: Kia Rio UB 107 hp and 137 Nm; Kia Rio YB 99 hp and 133 Nm.
- Boot space: Kia Rio UB 288 litres; Kia Rio YB 325 litres.
- Wheels and tyres: Kia Rio UB 16-inch alloys with 195/55R16 tyres; Kia Rio YB 17-inch alloys with 205/45R17 tyres.
- Fuel tank: Kia Rio UB 43 litres; Kia Rio YB 45 litres.
- Parking assistance: Kia Rio UB has four rear sensors and no camera; Kia Rio YB has two rear sensors and a reversing camera.
UB
- 107 hp and 137 Nm beat the YB’s outputs.
- Full-size spare tyre.
- Four rear parking sensors and Tiptronic control.
- 288-litre boot is 37 litres smaller than the YB’s.
- Manual air-conditioning, manual-key starting and no reversing camera.
- 16-inch wheels rather than the YB’s 17-inch set.
YB
- 325-litre boot and 45-litre fuel tank.
- Reversing camera, keyless push-button start and automatic climate control.
- 17-inch wheels, front fog lamps, sunroof and automatic wipers.
- 99 hp and 133 Nm trail the UB by 8 hp and 4 Nm.
- Costs RM3,559 more than the UB.
- Space-saver spare and only two rear parking sensors.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM71,822✓ | RM75,381 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,396 cc | 1,368 cc |
| Horsepower | 107 hp✓ | 99 hp |
| Torque | 137 Nm✓ | 133 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 77 mm | 72 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4-Speed Automatic | 4-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 4 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,045 mm | 4,065 mm |
| Width | 1,720 mm | 1,725 mm |
| Height | 1,455 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,580 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,162 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 43 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 288 litres | 325 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 195/55R16 | 205/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 195/55R16 | 205/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental ContiSportContact 5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen projector | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Sunroof | — | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 2 front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with CD, MP3 and AUX, 6 Speakers | 5" Floating Screen with 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70 | RM70 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
UB vs YB FAQ
Is the Kia Rio UB or Kia Rio YB better?
The Kia Rio UB is the better value-led choice with 107 hp, 137 Nm, a full-size spare and four rear sensors. Choose the Kia Rio YB for its 325-litre boot, reversing camera, automatic climate control and keyless starting.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Rio YB is RM3,559 more expensive than the Kia Rio UB: RM75,381 against RM71,822.
Which Kia Rio has the bigger boot?
The Kia Rio YB has the bigger boot at 325 litres, compared with 288 litres in the Kia Rio UB. That is a 37-litre advantage, and both have 60:40 split-folding rear seats.