Kia Rio

Overview: Is the Kia Rio a Good Car?

While the Kia Rio is far from exciting to look at or engaging to drive, it does one thing very well: provide affordable, basic transportation. Debuting for the 2001 model, the Kia Rio has become more refined with each successive generation, underscoring the Rio’s strong value proposition. The Kia Rio may not turn heads, but it will help keep money in the wallet.

This overview focuses on the most recent generations:

• Kia Rio second generation: 2006-2011
• Kia Rio third generation: 2012-2017
• Kia Rio fourth generation: 2018-2023

The 2023 model year marks the end of the Kia Rio's production run, as the Forte sedan and Soul crossover continue to serve as the brand's entry-level vehicles. The Kia Rio's competitors include the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Nissan Versa.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Kia Rio cars for sale.

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Related: How Long Do Kia Rios Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Key Features

The Kia Rio offers:

• Subcompact four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles
• Front-wheel drive
• Four-cylinder engines
• Manual transmission, automatic transmission, or continuously variable transmission (CVT) (varying by year)

Trims

Kia Rio trim levels have varied across generations but typically include the LX and S (or EX in previous generations). The LX has been the base model for many years, while the S has added more features and styling enhancements. Some years were available with a top-line SX trim.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Despite its modest dimensions, the Kia Rio's interior offers a comfortable and well-designed space for the driver and passengers. The front seats will do for most journeys, and the rear seats offer decent legroom for a subcompact car. Older Rio models have basic stereo systems, while newer editions have a touchscreen infotainment display supported by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. More recent, higher-trim Rios also have advanced driver assistance features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. The third-generation Rio sedan offers a modest 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback model provides a more versatile 17.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 32.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Review: Here Are The Kia Rio Years To Avoid

How It Drives

The Kia Rio delivers an efficient driving experience, making it well-suited to city commutes and tight parking spaces. However, drivers will want more power when merging and passing on the highway. In its later years, the Rio had a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 120 horsepower. This engine’s output borders on adequate, especially when teamed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) engineered for fuel efficiency over performance. Yet, the trade-off is respectable fuel economy, up to 36 mpg combined.

Safety

The Kia Rio has a mixed record with crash test evaluations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The second generation has three- to five-star ratings in individual tests, while the third generation has a four-star overall ranking. However, some third-generation model years have an advisory, as some passengers may be at a greater risk of injury during specific crashes. There are no NHTSA scores for the fourth-generation Kia Rio.

Reviews

Kia Rio reviews on Kelley Blue Book are primarily positive, with average ratings ranging from 4.0 to 4.3 out of 5, depending on the generation. Owners give the Kia Rio a thumbs up for value and reliability.

Learn More: How Long Do Kias Last? What To Know About Lifespan

Kia Rio FAQs

Is the Kia Rio a fast car?

No, the Kia Rio is not considered a fast car. In later editions, its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produced 120 horsepower. The Rio is designed for fuel efficiency and practicality rather than for high performance. It prioritizes affordability and value over speed and acceleration.

What is the difference between the Kia Rio S and Kia Rio LX?

The main difference between the Kia Rio S and LX trims lies in the level of standard features and styling elements. Among more recent models, the S trim adds amenities such as a rear USB charging port, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob. The S trim also features upgraded exterior elements, such as 15-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights, which are unavailable on the base LX trim.

Why was the Kia Rio discontinued?

Kia dropped the Rio after the 2023 model year as buyers shifted towards crossovers, even among affordable cars. The market for subcompact cars, including the Kia Rio 5 door and Kia Rio sedan, has shrunk in recent years, so automakers like Kia have chosen to focus their resources on more popular vehicles.

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