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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  Love it! - 2011 Kia Rio
  By jezdjb - September 20 - 5:52 am

  Bought the Rio for my daughter and she has nothing but nice things to say. The sx handles great when I drive it. Tight and very responsive. Avg 30mpg with city/hwy mix. Definitely a great first car or someone looking for a good little compact.

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  Kia Rio-1 sweet ride - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Merlin - September 9 - 1:06 pm

  This is a sweet, fun to drive, ecomomical and good-looking little car. I have had good service experience and am very happy with my choice of this car.

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  Last small car - 2004 Kia Rio
  By FRED - September 2 - 7:26 am

  this car has 80,000 miles on it. It speeds up very slowly and the revs are really high. also going about 70 the cars rpm are at around 4500. this car has no power. next it gets about 26 miles per gallon, but i do hammer it everytime i speed up because the slow acceleration, i probly could get around 35 if i really tried. also i slid into a curb in the winter under 5 mph and the frame bent. thats weak. also if you use this car in the winter the heat is poor. this is not a very smooth ride at high speeds either, but you get what you pay for!

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  Great little car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Homer - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My parents purchased this car for me shortly after they came on the market. I absolutely love this little car. It takes me everywhere, and I have never had a mechanical problem. Even if I did, Im happy that I have Kias 10 year warranty. It was super affordable, and easy to trick out. If yourre looking for a reliable, fun to drive, and inexpensive car...check out the Rio. This sounds like a comercial, doesnt it!

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  The on a budget car - 2005 Kia Rio
  By H Stewart - August 26 - 8:20 am

  This is a great car for a person or family on a budget. It comes with an amazing warranty and driver assistance program. It has simple styling and ample interior space.

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  Great milage - 2012 Kia Rio
  By georgeannv - August 22 - 1:31 am

  I drive a total of 60 miles a day to work and back home. I travel both on highway and city. I use the ECO feature when dealing with traffic and have on the average (depending on where I buy my gas) get 34mpg. I have noticed with lower grade stations, the perfomance is less. The pickup while using ECO is a bit regulated but with a quick click, you can turn it off and get the punch you need to pull quickly ahead. I replaced this car with a 2007 PT Cruiser which had horrible gas milage. I find the instrument panel great with the RIO SX model and love the rear screen view due to the limited viewing of the rear window. I would definitely recommend the Rio to other buyers. It is fun to drive!

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  Best Bang For Your Buck!! - 2010 Kia Rio
  By mtloveskg - August 18 - 11:13 am

  This little car is amazing. First of all I am 63" 245 pounds and have plenty of room! MPG are 30.4 after 2k miles of mixed driving with AC on. Not too shabby at all! Amenities are bar none for this class (read below for more on that).

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  Sleeper of the subcompacts - 2006 Kia Rio
  By mwrobe1 - August 15 - 3:00 pm

  Simply put, Im 65" and 235lbs...the Kia Rio was the most comfortable and best "fitting" of all the subcompacts I test drove. Price, warranty, and mileage were big factors to my purchase. The car doesnt sound, look, drive, or leave you with any impressions of your typical "econo- box". After driving beaters as my commuter car for 13 years, the Rio was my first new car purchase. I actually look forward to the drive to and from work now.

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  College students perspective - 2002 Kia Rio
  By JK - August 12 - 10:43 pm

  Great fuel economy! Perfect for driving in town, not recommended for long road trips with friends because of the small backseat. Mine has 78K miles, only thing wrong with it so far was that I had a thermostat go out last winter. Cant beat the warranty! Another selling point for me on this car was the low car insurance premiums.

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  Best Cheap Car on the Market - 2001 Kia Rio
  By NBJeff - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I got my KIA (with a crappy trade) for under 3 grand, I figured I would just run it thru the warrenty and throw it away. well, I have put 25k on it in one year, and I really like it a lot. Very reliable (new brakes, thats it) more fun to drive than you would think (and mine has a stick and NO power steering). Its a little rough on hills and bumpy roads but for a commuter car, I cant imagine a better deal out there.