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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  Alexiss review - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Alexis - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Since Ive had my car its gotten me everywhere I need to go. It rides pretty smooth and gets wonderful gas mileage. It is my first car and its a pretty good price and reasonable to be someones first car. Overall, this car is a good one to drive.

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  Kia - Excellent First Foreign Car - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Robert - November 6 - 11:56 pm

  The Kia LX is the first foreign car I have ever purchased. I usually bought Dodge or Ford. Not any more. At age 52 I bought this car for the gas mileage and 100,000 mile warranty. Not one problem since I bought it.

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  Second time around - 2003 Kia Rio
  By lcimpala - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Rio, the first had over 100,000 on the clock before it met an untimely death at the hands of an Explorer. The explorer got the worst of it, by the way, and no injuries for us, couldnt say the same for the explorer occupants. This 2003 Rio is a vast improvement over the 2001 we previously had. Its quiet and rides very well, has a lot of power and the engine noise has been reduced greatly over the 2001 model. Kis is refining their autos yearly, I am impressed with the improvements. We really like the car.

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  owener - 2004 Kia Rio
  By sueallanmatulis@aol. - September 1 - 10:00 am

  great little car. excellent for a towing behind motorhome. plenty of pep.great mileage- 31-35 mpg. a fun little car to drive. no problems since new.

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  Rio Cinco - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Dumb Ass - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Cinco almost two yers ago and have no complaints about the quality. There are some toys I would have like to have had, cruise for one. I get 32 MPG on the highway and 20 plus in town. It zips through the traffic well and handles great. I have always had big crs, caddies, Imperials, maxima, etc and I like this one fine. Suits my purpose and like the gas mileage.

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  Rio5 not well known but a good car - 2008 Kia Rio
  By rs - August 20 - 11:16 pm

  I bought this car as a commuter car. It is great. I get 34 mpg combined driving. It is cute, the girls love it. I did not buy it for that though. It made sense to me a good value in a nice package. I drive a lot and was driving a big truck, the monthly payment and gas for this car is cheaper than the gas for my truck. I read many reviews on the internet and reliability is up there too. For a sub compact it is quiet. Lots of features for the money. It has a small engine but has enough power to get me up hills at the speed limit. Im very happy with it.

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  Kia Rio 07...actually love it - 2007 Kia Rio
  By iamninja41 - August 9 - 8:23 am

  I went from an 03 impala to an 07 Rio. Lots of loss in room, But much more gained in MPG and Reliability. Definitely not a family car, but for a high school or college student, work car, or first car, this is perfect. Cheap off the lot, cheap on gas, NOT cheaply made. An extremely nice car. Definitely not luxury, but who needs that expensive stuff anyways.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2004 Kia Rio
  By BJD - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Dependable inexpensive transportation with versitility.

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  My 1st car - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Mac Daddy - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st car AND I love it. I would expect less from a car at such a low price,but it was worth every penny.I love its style,better than the Echo or Accent.

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  Best economy car choice - 2007 Kia Rio
  By digitaldrifter - July 21 - 10:56 am

  I have had my Rio for a few months now, and still love it as much as when I bought it. I test drove an Elantra just before I drove the Rio, and I didnt notice any difference in the ride or power. The 5 speed manual is a blast, with a light clutch, and the engine really starts kicking when over 3500 rpm. The suspension is excellent, as is the fuel economy. It is noticeably taller than most other cars, making you feel more like youre driving a van than an economy car. It has more interior room than the Toyota Corolla.