Used 2013 Kia Rio Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Very Happy So Far
gmmcnair, 08/29/2014
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
53 of 56 people found this review helpful
I bought my Rio LX hatchback a little over a month ago. I have the 6 speed automatic, and just about nothing else as far as extras. I am not into fluff on cars, but this one is nicely equipped and has all the amenities that one needs in a basic daily driver. The little 1.6 liter engine is spirited off the line (slows down a little bit after that), and gives me decent numbers. I drive in a lot of heavy, stop and start, traffic, and I get about 26-28 mpg overall. Highway mileage hovers around 40....this is without the active ECO button engaged (turns the car into a slug).
Excellent fuel Mileage/Premium Options
Nathan Wood, 11/28/2020
2013 Kia Rio SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
This is a review after 11 months of ownership. Overall, the Rio SX Hatchback 6M is a really great car. It would have 5 stars If it had better long term durability and less weird quirks. I'm the second (or third) owner of my Rio, and it needed a new clutch at 90k miles (I've seen/heard of cars going much longer with their clutch). The clutch is a wear part, but Kia is perfectly capable of using more durable material in the clutch plate surfaces. There are other quirks such as the GPS touchscreen which has a software glitch where no matter how many times you recalibrate it will never be properly aligned; it can only be fixed by $700 replacement (according to local dealer service center). So the GPS, while its features are good and it works well once you're on your way, it's a pain in the neck to use because it's so difficult to get the touchscreen to work. At 90k miles, the interior does show wear in the driver's seat and controls, but what car this price point and segment doesn't? On to the good stuff: With the 6 spd manual, the Rio gets supremely good fuel economy; averaging 34mpg overall with 29-32 mpg in the city, and up to 40mpg on the highway (inversely related to speed). The excellent 1.6L GDI engine is mated to a pretty decent 6 spd manual; the only thing I don't like is that 1st gear is so short while 2nd gear is so tall that with spirited driving the car falls flat on its face from first to second. However, I think this is a result of tuning for economy and not outright acceleration. It would be perfect if 2nd gear we're shorter. I've come to accept that quirk, though. Despite that, it's still a ton of fun to row through the gears, and having six speeds means you will be more actively engaged with the car and its motion. Also, from stock, this is probably the friendliest manual gearbox for young driver looking forore control! The shifter is super light and easy to move. I prefer weighty firm shifting so I installed a custom stainless steel shift knob from Raceseng.com (look for Hyundai Veloster gear; same vehicle platform). The steering, while utterly numb, is relatively responsive and suits the nature of the car. This is a design philosophy taken from premium brands where numbness is mistaken for smoothness. Good steering communicates road surface and keeps you more informed. The Rio steering rack works, but I wish I could feel more of the road. Again, can we really expect it at this price point? The suspension, an area crucial for hot-hatch style driving, is surprisingly compliant, while keeping the car decently connected to the road, and it will let you pitch the car into a corner! This adds a nice dynamic to the 6 speed gearbox when you downshift into second, rev match, and power through a corner. Road noise is a bit louder, but sound dampening material is heavy and doesn't make sense in this kind of car. The Rio exceeds expectations for handling! The SX comes with 205/45R17 tires, but the 17 inch wheels will receive wider rubber up to 215/45R, which gives more options for nicer, more grippy tires (I have Firestone Firehawk A/S performance tires for Michigan). My car has faulty tire pressure monitor (YMMV), which may have just been installed improperly, but holds air just fine. Finally, a quirk that I like about the design is that depending on the angle, this car looks sleek with the cateye headlights and it looks wayore muscular that it has any business doing with the bulging wheel wells and the chonky 5-spoke wheels. It's almost as if Kia thought about making a hot-hatch version of the Rio, but that would compete too well with the Hyundai Veloster built on the same platform. Gear head Tip: some of the performance parts are interchangeable. Maybe this review of overkill, and maybe some people won't read it all, but if you did, thanks for reading and hope you feel more informed about the Rio.
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Great Little Car
Dan Ferguson, 05/02/2016
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
I love this car. My wife and I bought it about 1 year ago used and it has not given us any trouble. Had 21000 K miles on it when we bought it and we've now got 37000 K miles now. Will be giving this to our daughter, though as she just finished med school and needs a reliable little car where she lives. Shipping it to her today. Got the LX package and it didn't have a few items that I added. For one thing, it had no cruise control, but there's an OEM change that you can do through your steering wheel to add it. Works like a charm. Would not hesitate to buy again.
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No complaints whatsoever...
csandste, 07/19/2013
2013 Kia Rio EX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
24 of 26 people found this review helpful
Very comfortable for a subcompact, seems like a larger car. Actually seems to have more front seat room than my 07 Optima. Excellent fit and finish. Stock Kumho tires get lots of hate on Tire Rack, but I have no complaints on noise or handling after 18,000 miles. Averaging 29.57 mpg, can't complain about that. This is an EX hatch in dark sapphire, a color that's not supposed to exist on this model. Backup camera comes in very handy because rear window and c pillar restrict view. I would recommend spending the extra money over the LX, the electronics folding rear view mirrors, etc. are worth the extra $$$.
2013 Kia Rio Ex
ramoro1991, 01/31/2013
2013 Kia Rio EX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
30 of 33 people found this review helpful
I am currently driving a 2013 Kia Rio in Michigan. Handles great in the snow with the traction control on (read favorite features). Very nice design, but when buying the ex model it did not come with cruise (can be added). I have been driving this car since the beginning of December 2012, just went over 1100 miles and am happy with my choice. Gas mileage does fluctuate a little bit but have had the Eco on while driving on the highway and have actually averaged around 40+ MPG. Just remember, if you're nice to your car, it will be nice to you. This is my first brand new car and am really happy. Currently leasing for a 39 month lease and wouldn't have done anything different. Love my Kia Rio :)
2013 KIa Hatchback
soccer_ref, 09/18/2012
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
49 of 55 people found this review helpful
Looked for a car to replace 2000 Toyota Echo. Shopping for price, dependability and fuel mileage. Drove Yaris, Prius C, Nissan Sentra but settled on Rio hatchback. Sold on styling both inside and out, price and warranty. Fuel mileage is okay, not special. 38 to 40 mpg is tough to swallow coming from 42 to 45 mpg. Didn't see the Yaris being any better. Prius C was too pricey for what I wanted. 6 speed manual transmission is good, though the gears are quite close together. Normal driving is easy to skip gears. Bought manual because paying for an automatic is a rip off.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SANFORD SIEGEL, 10/13/2018
updated 10/22/2019
2013 Kia Rio EX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
WHAT A FREAKING SURPRISE!!!! Whomever designed this car put a lot of thought in it. The car gets great gas mileage, very comfortable and is quiet quiet quiet with no rattles. The acceleration revivals all cars its size and them some. I even like the door lock mechanism. You even have to stick the key in the lock to open the door. I love this feature the most lol. Still going great in October 2019. The best most reliable car on the road today!!!
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Love my little car!
Jimmie, 12/05/2016
updated 06/21/2021
2013 Kia Rio EX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 6 miles on it and commute 80 miles per day. Almost 4 years and 78k later, I am still in love. The only dislikes naturally go along with the Kia brand...road noise. Once you get past that, this car drives like a much more expensive one (as long as you don't think you need to accelerate like a race car driver) and is a great buy. I get an average of 36-38+ with a combination of highway/city miles AND adding the spare time (most new vehs removed this so increase gas mileage - it doesn't have a big enough impact to be without it on this model!) Only normal maintenance has been performed and I run conventional oil in it....looking forward to seeing how many miles I can get out of my little girl! Update: 138k, 8 years old, still going strong with regular maintenance. Beware there are 2 fuel filters with GDI and one is expensive. Be prepared.. this is the only part that has needed replacement on my car.
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2013 Kia Rio5 EX
wjaamod, 07/11/2013
2013 Kia Rio EX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought my Rio with 73 miles on it. I've only had it for about 2 weeks, but so far I'm loving it. The Eco feature is hard to get used to, but it's a really neat thing once you're accustomed to it. It's got a good amount of pep to it, actually. I love how spacious it is inside. I'm over 6 feet tall, and I can sit in the backseat (and front) very comfortably. The little features like the folding side mirrors are great. The inside and outside don't feel cheaply made at all. I am thoroughly impressed with Kia's work on this one.
ALOT of bang for the Buck !
callmedave1, 07/03/2014
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
I was out the door at $15,250 with my new Rio. An exceptional deal . Car has 3,000 miles on it and I love it. Best to use NON-ethanol gasoline as the engine works better and youll pick up a couple more MPG. I get 33 MPG combined driving . Car is very comfortable for my 6'3" big frame. I swapped out the steering wheel so now I have cruise control which is a must for me. Color is red and it looks clean even when you haven't washed it in weeks. Very pleased I got this over the Nissan Versa with the lower warranty.
Great little car
David o, 09/07/2018
2013 Kia Rio EX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I got mine in 2013...and still driving..I have already 71.000 milles on it and the only thing I spend :a new set of tires and in total 7 oil changes since I bought this car....is great in the city...and drives good in hwy......only complaint is the tired light always pop out all times..so yes I put air on the tires every other month..make sure is ok....but I'm the only 1 with that problem so I'm used to this situation...but I admit that I'm not the best driver....but I have other cars before...and to be honest this little bug is a great car.
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Good little car
Paige , 01/12/2020
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I got this car used with 83,000 miles so far so good. It feels alot bigger on the inside, there is just enough power & its mechanically good. I feel safe and like how it handles. It only has a 3.5 quart tank for oil so that's why it will "burn" oil faster but because it barely holds oil , I will check my oil every 1,000 miles and add it as I go. I use the vavoline maxlife & it seems ok. I'm happy with this car.
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A good value
Rmp, 06/30/2021
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have around 104,000 miles on my 2013 Kia Rio hatchback which I purchased new in December 2012. Given that the car was around $15,000 brand new, it has been a great value. Positives: Price, solid acceleration, good handling, comfortable for a subcompact, relatively spacious storage with rear seats down, gas mileage decent- usually about 35 mpg highway, original warranty was very good. Negatives: Hatchback has poor rear visibility, rear brake calipers seized up from rust, thin body panels dent easily. It isn't a Honda, Toyota, or Subaru. But given what I paid, this has been a more than a decent car. I continue to comfortably and affordably driven it on long trips around the country.
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The little Kia the could
Brittany , 03/27/2022
2013 Kia Rio EX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 7 years and I can’t stay enough about how good this car has been to me. I had to put some work into it as I had some issues with sensors and engine misfires, but I still am satisfied. They were all fairly cheap fixes. I just upgraded to a 2018 Rio since my catalytic converter needs to be replaced. If it didn’t then I would have driven it till the engine or transmission blew.
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You will need to buy a spare tire and jacK!
shullj, 01/03/2013
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 38 people found this review helpful
My daughter recently bought a Kia Rio. After a blowout (sidewall), we were shocked to find out there was no spare and no jack! There was a silly little pump and some compound that is supposed to fix flats! But not sidewall damage - the most common damage to modern radial tires! Furthermore, the salesman at Courtesy Kia (Henderson, NV) never informed her that there was no spare! And if that is not enough, it took here over an hour to navigate the phone maze and get in touch with roadside assistance to told to "go buy an new tire and we'll come and put it on! What a rip off and quite dangerous! We live in Nevada and if you get stranded on some lonely road in the summer, you could die!
Bad Customer Service and Bad Manual Transmission
willhix, 01/26/2013
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
20 of 50 people found this review helpful
BUYER BEWARE !!! The six speed has transmission issues. Vibration at highway speeds in sixth gear. I bought one. And Im not only disapointed....Im mad!!! Customer service is horrendous. Car still isnt fixed. Would never buy another KIA based on how Ive been treated. NEVER !!!!
Great city car but the brakes are expensive
D Stewart in Nova Scotia, 08/29/2020
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have had this car for 3 years. The only major repair was All four disk brakes had to break be able to replaced which was expensive. Besides that I replaced one headlight that had gone to the milky
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I'm not sure what people are talking about...
Alan, 11/26/2023
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Our 2013 LX+ hatch now has 95,000km on it. I paid $9,000 CAD for it in 2018 with 12,000km on it, and it came with a brand new set of Nokian Hakk winter tires on rims ($1,200). I'm in Saskatchewan...brutal winters. I have spent ZERO $ on this car, other than oil changes, which I do myself, it's so cheap and easy. No oil leaks or usage, fully loaded with power everything, air, cruise, tilt/telescoping steering, heated front seats, and bluetooth. People that say these are unreliable and that you should get a Honda or Toyota obviously just like wasting their money. Great little car. I'll update when I hit 150,000km.
Oldie but goodie
Stu , 07/11/2024
2013 Kia Rio SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle in 2024 when it was 11 years old. It has 180,000 km on the clock. Took it on a 3000 km road trip and it's been a charm. Seats are comfortable after all day at the wheel and the sound system is better than most cars in its price range. The hatchback allows room for my folding ebike plus luggage and camping gear. Only complaint I have is the mileage-- it seems to get about 8 l/100 km, even on eco mode, much worse than my older Prius which got around 5-6. Engine sounds good but there's a slight ticking noise under acceleration. Mechanic says that is normal. Check-engine light comes on from time to time but my mechanics says it's nothing but air leak is the fuel system-- nothing to worry about. Car is a tiny bit noisy with all-season tires but is very quiet and well behaved on the highway. Clicks along at 130 Kmh and feels much more stable than my old Prius. I don't generally bother writing vehicle reviews but this might be helpful for another low-budget buyer.
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Rita rio
Mary, 02/19/2018
2013 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I’ve had this car for 4 years and has been very reliable, regular mantanience done
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