2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2013 Kia RIO

To start off, 2013 Kia RIO is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2013 Kia RIO. (136 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2013 Kia RIO. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 898 kg more than 2013 Kia RIO. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2008 Ford Explorer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Kia RIO, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Kia RIO. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Kia RIO. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2013 Kia RIO has manual transmission. 2013 Kia RIO will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Ford Explorer 2013 Kia RIO
Make Ford Kia
Model Explorer RIO
Year Released 2008 2013
Body Type SUV Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4013 cc 1600 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 210 HP 136 HP
Engine RPM 5100 RPM 6300 RPM
Torque 344 Nm 167 Nm
Torque RPM 3700 RPM 4850 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 2077 kg 1179 kg
Vehicle Length 5350 mm 4366 mm
Vehicle Width 1880 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1850 mm 1455 mm
Wheelbase Size 3320 mm 2570 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 11.8 L/100km 4.9 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 16.8 L/100km 6.6 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 85 L 43 L