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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  fun - 2006 Kia Rio
  By bestedt - April 17 - 4:40 pm

  A really fun car to drive.The comfort of the ride is like a bigger car. Oh by the way, the gas mileage is wonderful.

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  My other car is a Rio... - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Big John - April 3 - 8:23 pm

  Ive been sold on Kia since 2001. Always a long distance runner, I need a car with better than average MPG and durability. The other things dont really matter. I want some money in my pocket after the bills are paid. Before 2001 I was driving a 1970 Pontiac Catalina for 15 years. It ran great until my nit-wit son took it for a spin. He spun out and drove it into a tree. It had huge miles on it. The Catalina averaged 18 MPG. All my Rios average 35. It doesnt take long for the savings to pay for the car. Essentially I am driving a new car for free. The 2001 made a lot of noise but so does a Harley. You dont get wet in a Rio. A 2008 much quieter. I also own an 01, 03, and 06.

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  VERY smart purchase. - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Dentuso - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Although we are in a position to purchase vehicles that are more expensive than Kias, weve found that we simply dont want to. We now own 2, (1 Cinco, 1 Sedona), and have every intention of making the next 2 vehicles Kias as well. For the money, you simply cannot beat the quality, warrantee, and simple (albeit modest) comforts. I sincerely believe that Kia and Hyundai have, and will continue to change the North America car market forever.

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  When you really need a car..... - 2001 Kia Rio
  By darinordino - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Weve gotten what we expected out of our Kia Rio. It has been reliable through the first 8000 miles, so thats a good sign. Features are very good for a car that cost $11,400 out the door - A/C, multi-adjustable driver seat and armrest are nice features for an econobox. The interior space is a little cramped when putting a car seat in the back. Most surprising feature: Very low interior noise. The sound on the road sounds like a much more expensive car. Overall, if you dont expect a whole lot you may be nicely surprised at how far your dollar goes in a Kia.

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  New Rio 5 LX - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Peter - March 28 - 1:56 am

  We got the 2008 Rio 5 LX with 5-speed manual. We are very pleased with our choice so far. The car is attractive, fun to drive, and it is good enough power-, handling-, and feature-wise for us. Shortly after break-in, we took the car to TX (1800+ miles each way). Never dawdling, with two adults and two kids, fully loaded with toys and gear, we got 33 mpg. Not bad! It would do better, though, if Kia put a 6-speed in this model. 3500+ revs in 5th for typical Southern and Western U.S. interstate driving is too much. If I often drove on Southern or Western interstates, I would be less pleased with the car. But in the hilly, trafficky Northeast, where I live, I highly recommend it!

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  Better than expected! - 2006 Kia Rio
  By jani - March 22 - 1:40 pm

  We were shopping for something a little bigger (Vibe, Matrix, Focus) but this little car suits us just fine for $5000 less. Our Rio5 5-speed takes us on 100 mile round trips at least twice a week, plus a few miles back and forth to work each week. It gets up to 70 with no problem, cruises at 75-80 comfortably. The shifting is a little stiff in reverse, but otherwise smooth.

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  My Rio Wagon. - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Liseannedg - March 14 - 3:23 am

  The price could not be beat. Enjoy the ease of a hatchback. Very family friendly. Easy to tell that materials, i.e., hatchcover are not of highest quality. Otherwise, great car.

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  This is the greatest economy car! - 2004 Kia Rio
  By wiyan - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I purchased the Rio so he could commute to work. Well this has been the greatest little car we have ever bought! It has good pick up and go! And ever since the price of gas has gone up this car has been a dream. We dont even worry about ths gas anymore because it cut the amount we spend on gas in half. Im thinking of switching my SUV to buy another KIA product. They are such great cars, I never thought I would be saying that. I used to just love Nissans and Toyotas now, I find myself leaning more towards KIAs.

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  Love my Rio - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Mike K - February 2 - 4:43 pm

  So when my 2000 Hyundai Elantra finally had enough and overheated (after 160k miles by the way), I planned on replacing her with a new Accent but luckily shopped Kia before buying it. Same engine, parent company and warranty, but I preferred the more mature styling of my Rio over the somewhat prepubescent look of the Accent. Anyhow, I bought the extended bumper-to-bumper warranty for 10 years and couldnt be happier. My first tank got me 33 mpg and itll keep improving up to around 5000 miles. Ok, so its not the fastest ride out there, but it always gets there smoothly and surely. I also like that not everyones driving it, and that it looks like a mini-lexus if you squint hard enough!

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  I HATE THIS CAR - 2008 Kia Rio
  By casey - January 28 - 4:50 am

  My car also is slow to shift from park reverse or drive to revervse. It also has been in the shop five times because something is draining the power from the battery that no one can figure out why. It has been thru two batteries and they put in a whole new fuse system... i drove it three weeks and the battery is dead again. They still cant figure it out so while it sits in the shop i have to borrow parents and friends cars because good ol kia doesnt provide loaner cars and i dont have the money for a rental. All this for a car ive only had four months!!!