2022 Kia Rio





Total MSRP | $17,505 |
---|---|
What others are paying | $18,494 |
2022 Kia Rio Review

- Easy car for city commuting
- Solid build quality for such a price-conscious car
- Long warranty coverage
- Real-world fuel economy is impressive
- Standard equipment is a bit bare-bones
- No telescoping steering wheel available
- Sedan has subpar cargo space
- No significant changes for 2022
- Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018
Every year, the extra-small sedan segment gets a little bit smaller, with automakers dropping subcompact vehicles. The Kia Rio, however, just keeps soldiering on. The 2022 Kia Rio is unchanged from the previous model year, sticking with the same virtues: a low price, small dimensions and a long warranty. Fuel economy is impressive too, as you'd probably expect of such a small car. The EPA estimates that the Rio will return 36 mpg combined, but we easily beat that number during Edmunds' testing.
There are a few drawbacks to consider if you're looking at the Rio. Even among extra-small sedans, the Rio is low on cargo space. A telescoping steering wheel isn't available, and the standard seating position is a bit high so some drivers will have a hard time getting comfortable. We'd also skip the base trim level given its meager level of equipment.
Since there are so few extra-small sedans left, the list of rivals isn't long, but it includes vehicles such as the Nissan Versa and the Rio's cousin, the Hyundai Accent. If you're on a budget, you might also be interested in extra-small SUVs like the Kia Soul or the Hyundai Kona. For more information about the Rio and how it stacks up in every category from comfort to tech, check out the Edmunds' Expert Rating below.
Performance
Because of the Rio's soft suspension tune and near gripless all-season tires, it's not all that enjoyable to zoom around city streets. The steering is far too eager to recenter itself and has an elastic feel to it. The Rio is a car that's happiest at half speed, and for its target audience, that's likely more than enough.
Comfort
Unfortunately, we can't stop there. The soft ride is a plus, but wind noise is almost always audible inside the cabin, and even if the suspension is set up for comfort, you do get shocks through the seat while going over bigger bumps. The seat itself is conventionally shaped, but it offers neither above-average support nor comfort. Also the absence of any armrest padding just feels inconsiderate.
2022 Kia Rio pricing
in Ashburn, VA

Interior
One of our biggest complaints with the interior has to be the compromised driving position. Because the wheel doesn't telescope, taller drivers will feel like they will need to sit too close to the pedals to be comfortable. We understand that cheap cars aren't the places to look for luscious interior spaces, but we'd happily pay a little more for some of the basic creature comforts that would take the pain out of commutes.
Technology
If anything, Kia could have included more safety features in the Rio. Blind-spot monitoring was something we missed, and the lane keeping assist system in the Rio is nowhere near as helpful as those in other Kias including the K5 and Seltos. Small cars might be built to a price, but that doesn't mean you should be forced to miss out on important safety tech.
Storage
The Rio's interior cabin storage features the requisite cubbies and cupholders, but it isn't exceptional in this regard. Also the center console is pretty small, but to be fair, it's a narrow car. The limited rear quarters won't be optimal for fitting a car seat either, and there's no special access to anchor points offered.
Fuel Economy
Value
Kia's excellent warranties provide five years/60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Roadside assistance is also provided for the duration of the five-year warranty period.
Wildcard
Which Rio does Edmunds recommend?
Kia Rio models
The 2022 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.
LX
The standard Rio keeps costs low but includes these necessities as standard:
- Heated exterior mirrors
- 15-inch steel wheels
- Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
- 3.5-inch driver information display
- 8-inch center touchscreen
- Air conditioning
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Front USB port
- Cloth seats
- Height-adjustable driver's seat
- Four-speaker stereo system
S
A more fully equipped model comes with:
- Remote keyless entry
- Cruise control
- Sliding center armrest
- Rear USB port
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
S Technology package
This jam-packed collection of optional features for the S trim drastically increases available technology and safety equipment with:
- LED headlights
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- Push-button start
- 4.2-inch driver information display
- Automatic climate control
- Upgraded stereo system
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
- Lane keeping assist (steers the Rio back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Lane following assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)




Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2022 Kia Rio.
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2022 Kia Rio Sedan Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $17,505
- 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 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.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Side Impact Test | Good |
---|---|
Roof Strength Test | Good |
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Kia Rio vs. the competition

2022 Kia Rio

2022 Hyundai Accent
Kia Rio vs. Hyundai Accent
Underneath, the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent are very similar. They share the same engine and underpinnings, with identical fuel economy ratings. The Accent is a bit pricier, but with good reason. Cabin materials in the Accent are better, as is the overall experience thanks to a quieter ride and more available creature comforts like heated front seats.
Kia Rio vs. Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is one of the few true rivals to the Rio, and it's competitive when you consider what it's got to offer. It's more spacious than the Rio, and with four available trim levels, the Versa seems a bit more versatile. Unfortunately, the Versa is seriously slow, lagging way behind even the modest class average when it comes to acceleration.
Kia Rio vs. Hyundai Kona
If you want a bit more power, a bit more interior space, and a price tag that's only a bit bigger, we recommend checking out the Hyundai Kona. Technically, Edmunds classifies it as an extra-small SUV, but it's actually 7 inches shorter in overall length than the Rio. With its tall SUV design, however, it offers much more cargo space.
FAQ
Is the Kia Rio a good car?
What's new in the 2022 Kia Rio?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Kia Rio:
- No significant changes for 2022
- Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018
Is the Kia Rio reliable?
Is the 2022 Kia Rio a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2022 Kia Rio?
The least-expensive 2022 Kia Rio is the 2022 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $16,450.
Other versions include:
- LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $16,450
- S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $17,090
What are the different models of Kia Rio?
2022 Kia Rio Overview
The 2022 Kia Rio is offered in the following submodels: Rio Hatchback, Rio Sedan. Available styles include LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), and S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). Kia Rio models are available with a 1.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 120 hp, depending on engine type. The 2022 Kia Rio comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic. The 2022 Kia Rio comes with a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 10 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What do people think of the 2022 Kia Rio?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2022 Kia Rio and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2022 Rio 4.9 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2022 Rio.
Pros
- Easy car for city commuting
- Solid build quality for such a price-conscious car
- Long warranty coverage
- Real-world fuel economy is impressive
Cons
- Standard equipment is a bit bare-bones
- No telescoping steering wheel available
- Sedan has subpar cargo space
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2022 Kia Rio and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2022 Rio featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2022 Kia Rio?
2022 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
Available Inventory:We are showing 9 2022 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburn area.
2022 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
Available Inventory:We are showing 25 2022 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburn area.
Which 2022 Kia Rios are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2022 Kia Rio for sale near. There are currently 35 new 2022 Rios listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $17,430 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2022 Kia Rio.
Can't find a new 2022 Kia Rios you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Kia for sale.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
What is the MPG of a 2022 Kia Rio?
2022 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
36 MPG compined MPG,
33 city MPG/41 highway MPG
2022 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
36 MPG compined MPG,
33 city MPG/41 highway MPG
2022 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
36 MPG compined MPG,
33 city MPG/41 highway MPG
EPA Est. MPG | 36 |
Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
Drive Train | front wheel drive |
Displacement | 1.6 L |
Passenger Volume | 103.6 cu.ft. |
Wheelbase | 101.6 in. |
Length | 172.6 in. |
Width | N/A |
Height | 57.1 in. |
Curb Weight | 2767 lbs. |
Should I lease or buy a 2022 Kia Rio?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials
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