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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  A Great car - 2006 Kia Rio
  By BHunter - December 4 - 9:23 pm

  My first car I ever bought and I love it to death. Im in the process of trying to upgrade it as far as performance and found a few things. But its still a new car so theres not much out there for now. But its still a great car through and through.

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Deuce1988 - November 17 - 3:53 pm

  Wow, this car is the best thing I have ever driven since my dads Corvette! It is spacious and it gets great gas mileage. There is no doubt that you should get a car just like the one I have. And at such an affordable price too this cost less than my honeymoon!

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  Wonderful Car - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Andrew - October 25 - 1:20 pm

  Ive had my Kia for just over two years and its still doing excellent. Im coming up on 20k mileage and nothing has broken or been replaced outside its maintenance. Very reliable if taken care of, and well worth the money.

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  Tired of Trucks?More Bang For your Bucks - 2003 Kia Rio
  By wetwelder - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Are you tired of driving your big dumb truck? Honestly, how often do you actually haul? Anyways, I traded my truck in for this sweet Rio for a cool $2.61 straight across trade. I love this car,Im 62" and I have plenty of room. 35 MPG Highway, rack and pinion steering,4 cylinder engine is very peppy and can beat most cars off the line, an excellent commuter! I love my KIA!

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  Great bargain! - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Roger D - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Sharp styling inside and out! A NEW car at this price is a breath of fresh air! Awesome warranty! Yes...there are few shortfalls but show me a car at this price that doesnt. Its great bang for the buck. Mine is a silver RS with a 5 speed and I added a rear spoiler with a built in LED brake light which really finishes off an already smart looking car.

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  Love my little car! - 2013 Kia Rio
  By Jimmie - September 9 - 10:08 pm

  I bought this car with 6 miles on it and commute 80 miles per day. Almost 4 years and 78k later, I am still in love. The only dislikes naturally go along with the Kia brand...road noise. Once you get past that, this car drives like a much more expensive one (as long as you dont think you need to accelerate like a race car driver) and is a great buy. I get an average of 36-38+ with a combination of highway/city miles AND adding the spare time (most new vehs removed this so increase gas mileage - it doesnt have a big enough impact to be without it on this model!) Only normal maintenance has been performed and I run conventional oil in it....looking forward to seeing how many miles I can get out of my little girl!

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  My thoughts on Kia Rio - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Sonstream - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive, but seems to use more fuel than I expected.

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  All I wanted & more - 2012 Kia Rio
  By davedito - August 13 - 3:05 am

  I purchased my 12 Rio 5 LX one year ago last month...almost 27,000 miles...and I could not be happier. A month after I bought it (at 2,000 miles), I drove from the Hill Country to Joshua Tree NP in southrn California, about 2,400 miles round trip. At 80mph, I averaged 35mph. Not what the sticker said for highway mileage, but they didnt test at those speeds, either. Sine then, I driven to Caprock Canyons, Angel Peak (NM), and Myrtle Beach, SC (averaged 40mpg at 70mph). I just love driving this thing. If youre not getting decent mileage, you must be doing something wrong. Seriously wrong.

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  best bargain - 2006 Kia Rio
  By lhennigar - July 23 - 5:56 pm

  This vehicle is all around a great one / good mileage & reliable. Front seats are hard, though wouldnt trade it .

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  Fun, Economical & Reliable - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Navin Mahabir - July 1 - 3:26 am

  I bought this car because it was the cheapest available. But I also did my research and found that Kia quality had been constantly improving. I wanted a car that was reliable--I was selling a Ford that had every option possible and gave problems with almost every one of them. I wanted a car with low cost of ownership and the Kia has been that and much more. Its fun, its reliable, and Ive had to spend no money on it other than gas and oil. Reviewers like JDPower give this car a bad rap, but they dont take into account that for the price of a used Corolla with 50K, you get reliability, a great warranty, and standard features that dont leave you wanting.