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:
Showing 191 through 200 of 539.00-
Kia Rio - 2004 Kia Rio
By Jlemma - March 8 - 2:00 amOutstanding little car. I drive this car daily. I am in sales and drive about 15000 miles a year. I have as yet to have a problem with this car. Fantastic stock stereo/CD player,
-
The Kia Rio SX is not what you want - 2012 Kia Rio
By sumafluma - February 21 - 12:19 pmI bought the Kia Rio SX automatic thinking it would be something that would save me a lot of money, however, its been nothing but a disappointment. The mileage is terrible. I live in a rural area, nice long windy roads, no stops, no traffic. Using its "city" mileage reference, I get 24-26 in the city, on the highway I average a solid 29. Im an old guy and I drive with a light foot. So far this car has over 20k on it and the gas mileage has not improved. You can see where kia tried to make it fuel efficent by limited weight, but it equates to cheap materials: cheap plastic, chinsy seating material that rips. Dont buy this car. It has been my biggest regret. Get a Fit.
-
great little car, but..... - 2009 Kia Rio
By bigkev - January 23 - 4:26 amthis is our second Rio shopping trolley. best value and size in its class by far. Fuel consumption is disappointingly high and the transmission had to be replaced the morning after we got it. Fine now and these things happen. Tyres are utter crap and noisy as hell. Otherwise its a good mum and pop runaround, and provided you are patient with the lack of acceleration you sort of get attached to them. For the price and 5 year w/tee, plus low service costs its a winner.
-
Its Great! - 2002 Kia Rio
By Carolyn - January 22 - 11:06 pmThis was the first new car Id ever owned. I bought what I could afford & I really believe I got a great value along with a fun, reliable car to drive. I have never had any problems other than normal maintenance like tires, battery. If I had to do it all over again I would! I love my car and plan on keeping it for quite sometime. I tell all my friends & family what a great car I have. I just wish my husband wasnt so tall then he could ride in it. But I tell him that I didnt know him when I bought my car.
-
Love it!!! - 2002 Kia Rio
By Amy Hammcock - January 18 - 10:00 amThis is the best car in the world!! I have had it for a month and it is the best purchase in my life!!!You will love it if you buy it!!!
-
one month - 2008 Kia Rio
By rioowner - January 18 - 1:40 amThe basic Rio is pleasantly surprising. All is well with it, except filling the gas tank today, I got 30.1 mpg. On the lot where I bought my Rio were signs on some of the Rios stating 44 mpg. Now, I know that is highway miles, and the sticker only said 27 city, 34 highway, but something is amiss here. I am thinking, if I get 44 highway, then I think I should get at least 35 city. And driving it slower than two thirds of other vehicles, I think that should have been accomplished. I am disappointed in the mileage I got for 9.98 gallons, traveling 301 miles. The reason I bought it was for the mileage. But.....
-
Still new to me - 2016 Kia Rio
By Gini Maddocks - January 13 - 8:52 pm -
Excellent - 2005 Kia Rio
By Mary Felt - January 10 - 5:36 amThe Kia Rio is an awesome car! It is the second brand new Kia I have purchased, my first being a Kia Sephia. I would purchase Kia in the future.
-
the review - 2004 Kia Rio
By papridegurl - December 20 - 2:00 amIt is the worst
-
Never again - 2002 Kia Rio
By commdeus - November 28 - 2:33 pmThis was an awful car to drive. It was uncomfortable, had little power, no acceleration, and started breaking down about a year into its life. The paint job was of poor quality. Corrosion started in its 4th year despite biweekly washes and bi-annual waxes. I was only too pleased to return it after its lease ended. It has put me off Kia all together.
