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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  POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP - 2001 Kia Rio
  By milesofprojects - December 9 - 2:00 am

  i BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 1/2001. i HATE IT. IT WAS CHEAP SO i BOUGHT IT. ITS TOO LIGHT, WAVERS IN WIND, RAIN, SNOW ANYTHING AND GETS ABOUT 15 CITY MILES PER GALLON. I SPEND MORE MONEY ON GAS THAN i DO OIL CHANGES AND REPAIRS. IS THIS NORMAL. A LOT OF THE REVIEWS SAY 30-38 MPG BUT THAT IS BS. mAYBE MINE IS DEFECTIVE.

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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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  Very poor quality - 2009 Kia Rio
  By Randy Mizer - December 4 - 6:56 am

  We have now had two major break downs in 8000 miles. One new transmission and one new front axle .My wife drives the car and has never drove it hard.I will never buy an other KIA , wish I hadnt bought this one.

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  If All You Do Is Drive Around - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Suzanne - December 2 - 12:23 am

  The Kia was cheap, hence my initial attraction. But it also loses its value rather quickly. Then I noticed things like... the back seats dont fold down and the battery is so underpowered and short-lived, listening to the radio for more than 10 minutes drains it! It is also extremely intolerant to delayed oil changes. Most other vehicles, the 3,000 mile limit is for high-stress vehicles like cop cars and taxis...but watch out for lifter noise if you go that long. The mileage has been decent, like an old Escort, about 28 mpg. Not the 35 advertised certainly. It needs more power if its going to take on hilly terrain. I will never buy a Rio 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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  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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  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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  Dont trust Kia - 2012 Kia Rio
  By jr66 - October 26 - 7:54 am

  With the release of downgraded MPG ratings, this vehicle is not worth the price. The electronics in the car are cheap. Interior panels are showing wear after less than 7000 miles. My car is two shades of red with panels not matching.