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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  Kia Rio Cinco Worst car ever - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Joe Cacadeech - August 20 - 12:40 pm

  I bought the Rio as mainly a commuter car and I regret I did. Its really cramped interior whether in the front or back. If thats not enough the totally underpowered engine will make you sick. The gas mileage is terrible considering how small the car is (average 19 city/25 hwy); come on it doesnt even compare to cars that are bigger or have more power, and forget about merging onto a highway or passing. If youre considering a car in this market, avoid this one at all costs and go with the also Korean made Chevy Aveo. Trust me the Kia is terrible. But to be fair it does start up every morning and it has an excellent warranty

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  Love my Rio!!!!! - 2002 Kia Rio
  By debj1 - August 19 - 5:16 pm

  I bougth my Rio used with about 50,000 miles on it in 2004. Ive only put normal maintanence in it, except for the rear wheel barring that need to be replaced. I absolutely love driving it!!!! Ill be buying a Sportage in the next few months, but I will be keeping my Rio. It will remain my go to car, at least until it dies. Im at 150,000 miles right now and hopeing Ill get a 100,000 more out of it. Not much on luxury, but a true JOY to drive!!!!!!!

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  A good dependable ride! - 2008 Kia Rio
  By RossM - August 18 - 10:43 am

  I bought this as my first "new" car and I like this little buggy. I am a sales rep and so am on the road a lot, it handles well and is fun to drive. It is pretty good on gas. I would say average for a car this size. I put a huge ski box on the roof and it gets a bit worse of course. I use it in the winter around Alberta/BC with good winter tires and its great, plowed through 1 foot of snow on mountain roads more then once. I have taken it on logging roads for hundreds of km, driven it to California, Vancouver Island and more. It feels like a Honda or Toyota in terms of build quality, pretty solid. Shifts nice. Looks Euro. A great car.

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  Good car - 2004 Kia Rio
  By isaac - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Funny the guy that posted the review about the engine seizing up at 81,000 miles. thats normal-you failed to change the timing belt. the timing belt MUST be changed by 65,000 miles on Rios, or the engine blow. Period. its a 100% fail rate. Anyway, I live in Phoenix and the air conditioner only works when youre driving. soon as you pause at a light or brake, your air is gone. that said, its otherwise a perfect car. i love it for its size, so much easier to maneuver i watch macho suv-drivers struggling with their Boats and laugh LOL LMAO

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  Its a Kia... - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Dreamorpheus - August 12 - 9:26 pm

  Within the first year of owning the car, both front wheel-bearings went out. Twice each. Needs an O/D or 6th gear, MPG dwindles at highway speeds. The interior is rather gray, bout four different shades of gray, makes your soul sad. Have a issue with the driver- side window crank; keep smacking my knee on it, knocking off the knob. You also cant really sleep in the hatch, bit cramped, and the floors not flat. As unpleasing, and some times annoying this all may be, its still a good little car. Its a grate car to buy new, by the end of the warranty you can just throw it away. It handles like a go-cart, gets good MPG in town, CHEAP, and they fix almost anything for the life of the car.

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  good for transportation only !! - 2002 Kia Rio
  By tok - August 8 - 2:00 am

  if you need basic transportation, then get the rio...nothing good about it. should consider the new toyota corrolla, suzuki aerio, or ford focus zx3..etc. also, if has a horrible engine, no power.

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  Kia Rio - TIMING BELT FAILURE low miles! - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Henry - July 27 - 10:06 am

  Original owners of a 2004 Kia Rio with 10/100000k warranty, the other morning the car died at intersection. Had it towed to the dealer who says the Timing belt broke. The car has less than 60k, and is just barely 6 years old, and the timing belt is not covered under warranty. Now we have a lawn ornament because while Kia admits to a poor design in those 1.6L belts, they are sorry for our luck. Needs new engine! Recommend replacing belt at 5yrs or 60k

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  Kia does not stand by their warranty! - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Lindsey S. - July 20 - 3:30 am

  My Kia Rio5 has been in the shop this past month 5 times for the same issue! Kia will only approve the minimal amount of repairs and has yet to fix my vehicle. For the last month, I have been without my car and after the engine and oxygen sensor has been replaced, the vehicle is still broken. What does Kia say??? Nothing. They will not return my phone calls. Whats the use of a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, if Kia will not make good on it! Dont buy Kia! The cars are cute and fuel efficient, but not dependable and Kia does not stand behind their product!

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  The Little Rio That Could - 2002 Kia Rio
  By RoNiN - July 19 - 12:46 am

  This is a follow-up on this car. In short, I bought it early summer 2008 USED with 69K on the odometer. Its coming up on 100000. By the end of this year itll be beyond that. Things Ive replaced so far are four sets of tires about 5 oil changes and a right rear wheel bearing that was going. Other than that, this car is still going. I live in Florida and without AC youd die out here. I have not had to refill the AC unit yet. Its still going strong. One of the best AC units out there. Im going to put tint on the windows this winter and see if thatll make a difference. Im still on the original brake pads when I bought the car.

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  LX Kia 5 Speed Best in class.... - 2006 Kia Rio
  By tcip - June 24 - 8:53 am

  Great car for the money. Huge improvements over 05 model. Great gas mileage. Very quiet at stand still. Car sits high up for a compact. Very roomy on the inside; has great handling around corners and turning radius. Kia has the competition beat; best in class model. Aggressive European styling.