2021 Kia Rio
2021 Kia Rio Review
- Sporty handling makes it entertaining to drive
- Solid build quality for such a price-conscious car
- Long warranty coverage
- Standard equipment is a bit bare-bones
- No telescoping steering wheel available
- Sedan has subpar cargo space
- Restyled front and rear bodywork
- New 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018
The Kia Rio is a survivor. Most subcompact sedans this size have long since been discontinued — even the Toyota Yaris that earned our top-rated ranking in 2020 got the boot — but the Rio has been in production since it debuted for the 2001 model year. Just sing along to the lyrics of Destiny's Child's Survivor as you drive along in your Rio: I'm a survivor/I'm not going to give up/I'm not going to stop/I'm going to work harder.
This small car has remained popular over the years for its inexpensive base price, high fuel economy and long warranty. For 2021, the Rio gets new styling on its front and rear bumpers plus a standard 8-inch touchscreen to make it more enticing. There's also wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you no longer have to use a USB cord to activate these smartphone connection systems.
Remaining rivals on the market include the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage G4. The Rio is a solid pick here and delivers on everything we expect for an entry-level sedan or hatchback.
Which Rio does Edmunds recommend?
Kia Rio models
The 2021 Kia Rio can be equipped as a four-door sedan or a hatchback, which Kia calls the 5-Door. The sedan is available in two trim levels: the base LX and the S. The 5-Door is only sold in S trim. All Rios are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (120 horsepower, 112 lb-ft of torque) mated to a continuously variable transmission. All Rios are front-wheel-drive.
2021 Kia Rio pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Kia Rio.
Trending topics in reviews
- handling & steering
- comfort
- warranty
- climate control
- interior
- transmission
- maintenance & parts
- value
- fuel efficiency
- dashboard
- engine
- driving experience
- appearance
- technology
- infotainment system
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $16,050
- MPG & Fuel
- 33 City / 41 Hwy / 36 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.9 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 120 hp @ 6300 rpm
- Torque: 112 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 172.6 in. / Height: 57.1 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 67.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 2767 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 13.7 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Rio safety features:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Warns you if a front collision is imminent. Available only on the S trim level.
- Rearview Camera
- Helps the driver navigate into tight parking spots and avoid collisions when backing out of spots in crowded parking lots.
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- When the system is paired with forward collision warning, it can automatically engage the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
Kia Rio vs. the competition
2021 Kia Rio
2021 Hyundai Accent
Kia Rio vs. Hyundai Accent
The Rio and the Hyundai Accent are corporate cousins, meaning they share a lot of similarities under the skin. They have the same powertrain, engine figures and estimated fuel economy. But the Accent leans more toward comfort, with a smooth ride and rather snazzy interior that feels well-built. It still, however, sports the same looks from its 2018 redesign.
Kia Rio vs. Nissan Versa
If it's space you seek, the Versa is a great option. It has a larger trunk than the Rio and a sizable back seat. The Versa's standard set of advanced safety features is also impressive. Neither vehicle is a standout for acceleration, but the Rio does feel a little sportier to drive.
Kia Rio vs. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
It doesn't get more basic than a Mirage. There aren't many features or creature comforts inside the cabin, and the engine is both very slow and unpleasant to the ear. However, the Mirage has the highest-rated fuel economy of the group and new style for 2021. The Rio is the better car; the Mirage is the budget choice.
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FAQ
Is the Kia Rio a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Kia Rio?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Kia Rio:
- Restyled front and rear bodywork
- New 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018
Is the Kia Rio reliable?
Is the 2021 Kia Rio a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Kia Rio?
The least-expensive 2021 Kia Rio is the 2021 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $16,050.
Other versions include:
- S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $16,690
- LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $16,050