Overview & Reviews

The Kia Rio has traditionally been this Korean automaker's least expensive model. Early on, the Rio represented an affordable, though pretty forgettable, mode of transportation. The second-generation model represented a marked improvement in features and comfort, and the Rio became more pleasant to drive. The latest Rio is another leap forward thanks to its evocative styling, peppy engine and an abundance of interior space.

The Kia Rio is offered in both sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. They have identical mechanicals and interior components, though the hatchback offers significantly more utility. In general, the newer the Rio you're looking at, the better it will be.

Current Kia Rio
The Kia Rio subcompact is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. There are three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque powers all Rio models. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, with a six-speed automatic optional. Both the EX and SX come only with the six-speed automatic.

Notable standard features on the base LX include air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and a stereo with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. The EX adds full power accessories, Bluetooth, cruise control and a telescoping steering wheel. The SX comes pretty loaded with alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a rearview camera, power-folding mirrors and Kia's "Uvo" voice-activated interface for electronics features. Major options include a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, leather seating, heated front seats and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've noted that the Kia Rio stands out thanks to its distinctive styling and design. The interior quality is a cut above other cars in its class, particularly in the upper trim levels. On the road, the Rio's engine provides respectable acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The car does have a couple minor downsides, such as an overly firm ride quality for the SX trim level. Overall, however, the Kia Rio is a front runner in the economy car segment.

Used Kia Rio Models
Completely redesigned for 2012, the third-generation Kia Rio represents a large leap forward in terms of refinement and available luxury features. Compared to earlier Rios, it's roomier and more stylish both inside and out. It's also more powerful and fuel-efficient. There have been only minimal changes since its debut.

Previous to this was the second-generation Kia Rio, produced from 2006-'11. It was offered as a sedan and four-door hatchback (called the Rio5). The base model was restricted to the sedan and was the definition of "sparsely equipped." Both body styles were offered in LX trim (which added air-conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player), while a sporty SX trim added alloy wheels and special styling items.

Power for all second-generation Kia Rios came from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 110 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. Despite the Rio's tiny dimensions, this engine struggled to provide anything more than adequate motivation in everyday driving. Models with five-speed manual transmissions delivered better acceleration and city fuel economy, while the automatic fared better in regard to highway mileage.

Initially, the SX trim was exclusive to the Rio5 hatchback. For 2007, the Rio sedan SX was introduced, while the Rio5 could be had in LX form for 2008. Models prior to 2010 had slightly different styling depending on trim, while cruise control and Bluetooth were added to the available features list that year. Antilock brakes were available as a highly recommended option on the LX sedan and the Rio5 SX, which replaced the standard rear drums with disc brakes. The five-speed manual transmission was standard on all trims, with a four-speed automatic being optional. For 2011, the manual transmission was only available on the LX.

The Rio's interior was pretty nice, with a pleasant mix of materials. The car also drove reasonably well. Buyers should be aware that the Rio has had some disappointing crash test scores. On the whole, a 2006-'11 Kia Rio is a decent choice for an inexpensive car, though some competing subcompacts from Japan will likely prove more enjoyable overall.

The first-generation Kia Rio was introduced for the 2001 model year. The sedan came first and Kia followed up with the Rio Cinco hatchback for 2002. Both were among the least expensive cars in their classes. Unfortunately, the trade-off was limited feature content and a thoroughly unpleasant driving experience.

Based on reviews by our editors and Rio owners, the car delivered what its price promised -- simple, affordable transportation, but little more. Complaints centered on its noisy, unrefined engine, poorly controlled ride and shoddy build quality. Although the Rio's low residual value makes it convincingly cheap on the used market, this is not a car we can recommend. If you are determined to buy a used Kia Rio, it's best to go with a 2003 or newer model, as these benefited from a more powerful engine (104 hp versus 96), an improved suspension and a higher-quality interior.

User Reviews:

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  Two accidents, little damage - 2009 Kia Rio
  By Jackie Brage - June 10 - 12:42 pm

  I have been side swiped and now rear ended. Both sounded very bad, loud bangs and jolt. I have zero repairable damage, just a slight scratch and small ding. I will buy Kia again!

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  Terrible Gas Mileage in a Well Built Car - 2012 Kia Rio
  By worknman - November 27 - 11:03 pm

  In Dec 2011,my wife and I bought a brand new Kia Rio 5Dr Ex in red. The people at the Kia dealership were great and practically one of the only reasons we bought the car when we did besides the supposedly excellent gas mileage. Unfortunately,this car get barely 30 miles per gallon hwy and 26 miles per a gallon city. And the great six speed auto transmission downshifts two gears on even the smallest hill,making the cruise control practically unusable for gas mileage runs. Our Kia is extremely well built and attractive. It is fun to drive too. But we really needed it to make the gas mileage Kia said it would. Now we will get rid of it to buy a 5 speed Toyota Yaris

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  Very Happy So Far - 2013 Kia Rio
  By gmmcnair - November 12 - 10:17 pm

  I bought my Rio LX hatchback a little over a month ago. I have the 6 speed automatic, and just about nothing else as far as extras. I am not into fluff on cars, but this one is nicely equipped and has all the amenities that one needs in a basic daily driver. The little 1.6 liter engine is spirited off the line (slows down a little bit after that), and gives me decent numbers. I drive in a lot of heavy, stop and start, traffic, and I get about 26-28 mpg overall. Highway mileage hovers around 40....this is without the active ECO button engaged (turns the car into a slug).

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  Money well spent - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Roguebull - November 4 - 5:43 am

  Bought Rio with 53K miles on it (still in warranty!), took the back seats out, used it as a mini ranch truck so I could drive my truck less. I live in the cold Pacific Northwest but the Rio has never failed to start on the first revolution. Ive had it off road, (which it is not designed for), and on snowy mountain fire trails. I carried lumber, pipe, dogs and feed bags inside with the windows up and the rear seats out. It got from 29 mpg to 37 mpg depending on how I used it. Only complaint: little hard for big man in western hat to squeeze in and out of. But it never let me down in 40K miles, did all it was asked to do and more, and thus is one of the best buys for the dollar Ive owned.

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  Wish it was stronger but a overall good - 2006 Kia Rio
  By OLDSCHOOLDEVIL - September 23 - 7:50 pm

  Ill tell you Im hard and neglectful on cars and this Rio has kept up. I didnt give it a oil change for 15000 miles and it started and drove like a champ. I have had small problems (eats through tires and brakes wear.) Not to confy. I drove from California to Texas and Ill say Im young and those seats i cant stand to sit in them for more than a hour. Decent on gas. Id recommend this car to young kids that are neglectful and need a good car to get them by. Nothing fancy. I do like the strong speaker system.

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  Nice Little car w/a price U CANT beat! - 2002 Kia Rio
  By David-WI - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I REALLY like this little car. Plus I COULDNT pass up on the price either. Granted it is a little 4cyl car but it has nearly everything you need at a base model price. I paid 12K even for this car and got nearly everything I wanted. I had the dealer install after market cruise and I am set!! The A/C works just fine, it has a roomy hatch and it looks great!!! All for 12K!! How can you go wrong????

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  Dodge Guy Turned Kia Guy - 2018 Kia Rio
  By Kenneth - August 8 - 12:51 am

  Ive owned Dodge all of my life.. I looked at Kia because of the Warranty and Im so happy I did. Car is built solid, when I close the doors or trunk you can tell its built tough. Love the fact they added more steel making the overall structure a safer ride. Im enjoying the fuel economy and the fun feel of the sporty hatchback. Im really happy with my 2018 Rio 5Door .

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  Worth My Money - 2001 Kia Rio
  By 1st Time Kia Owner - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 39000 miles on it. Went through a cold icy winter with only 1 problem - the lock tended to freeze up. But it has always started on the first try, has a great heater. Gas mileage is better than I expected. Because Im short there is adequate leg room in back of the driver for one of average height.

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  great buy - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Will Lowe - June 4 - 9:40 pm

  This is a great car for what you pay for it. For what you spend on gas a year, it will pay itself off in 3 years. At 4.55 a gal I pay $32 to fill it up. I get 40 mpg hwy and 32 city. I have 43,000 mile and runs great. Dependable and reliable. There is one thing that is flawed with it design when you drive it make a noise when your on the h. W it whistles when the wind hits it at a certain direction. The A.C. kind of sucks but the climate here in the bay area is nice and cool.

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  What A Great Deal - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Noru - May 18 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car for my daughter for school, only to find out that I really like this car for myself, too bad its her car and I’m out of luck. I paid $3700 plus tax, tags, title. The price was right because the first owner fails to change the timing belt at 60K miles, and timing belt broke and ruined the original engine. Kia dealer replaced engine and now the car runs like brand new. So don’t forget to change timing belt ever 60k miles. The gas mileage is great, am getting between 36-40 on the highway and 27-29 in town. I drive this car like an old man going nowhere in a hurry. I will check out a used 2006 Kia Rio for myself next time I need a car.