Used 2019 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews
Used Rio for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Rio, so we've included reviews for other years of the Rio since its last redesign.
New Kia Lover!
Beth R, 04/08/2019
updated 04/09/2021
2019 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
64 of 65 people found this review helpful
My 2019 Kia Rio LX is my first Kia and I adore it. It’s so fun to drive; it feels surprisingly sporty and nimble and the steering is a dream. The interior looks much more expensive than you might expect and the seating is very comfortable. The headroom in the back is much better than similarly-sized cars. I love the backup camera (and that it came standard!) and the touchscreen which is very easy to use. Best of all, the gas mileage is phenomenal! I’ve been getting at minimum 40 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving (up to 55 mpg with pure highway driving!!). I may be a Kia owner for life now thanks to this car. Just as a fun fact, the car I had before this was a BMW 328.... EDIT: Over a year later, I still adore this car. I’ve had no issues with it and I still enjoy driving it a lot! Kia has definitely won me over. EDIT 2: Two years in and still not a problem in sight. I truly love this car! I still love driving it everyday.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The little engine that could
The little engine that could, 05/01/2019
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
29 of 29 people found this review helpful
This small European design car is great! This is my first kia and I would recommend this feisty car to anyone who wants to save on gas and get in small spaces. I get 35 mpg and that's city. It handles great and is a quiet ride. The tech lay out is good, I wish it had a CD player..I'm older and have a lot if cd.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
First kia
Will, 09/10/2019
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
This is the first time I've had a Kia or even thought about getting one and for the price it was a great choice I got the s model and so far I love it drives smooth the sound is good and the gas mpg at one point I had it up to 40 not bad seeing as the dealership told me it only got 31 mpg
Away RIO Go
dj, 09/23/2018
updated 09/27/2021
2018 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
As an Older lady, I took over a year looking @ all the compacts as loved my old dodge neon. I couldn't find anything as comfortable esp since most all of the new vehicles have so many BLind spots with their small back windows!? I do love the backup camera but still, I want to be able to SEE out! That's what prevented me from buying the hyundai accent plus the rio just felt bigger. I do wish it had the blind spot blinkies on the side mirrors as the one on the driver's side seems to have a big gap? (I'll get one of those stick on ones). I am very happy with my purchase so far esp with the 35-38 mpg! However this is a zippy car and I have to fight hard to keep her below 80 even without using the "sports" mode! Very appreciative of edmunds review too. Oh the sound system is great esp with sirius!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Dodge Guy Turned Kia Guy
Kenneth, 11/24/2017
2018 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
40 of 44 people found this review helpful
I've owned Dodge all of my life.. I looked at Kia because of the Warranty and I'm so happy I did. Car is built solid, when I close the doors or trunk you can tell it's built tough. Love the fact they added more steel making the overall structure a safer ride. I'm enjoying the fuel economy and the fun feel of the sporty hatchback. I'm really happy with my 2018 Rio 5Door .
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Rated in consideration of the price
Sean O’Connor, 07/29/2018
2018 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
22 of 24 people found this review helpful
This vehicle was the least expensive car for which I could fit. It drives like a small Audi. The it is very comfortable for a 6” 275 pound car fanatic. I’ve owned Lexus, Acura, Honda, GMC sedans and SUVs, Toyota, Volvo, VW and Chrysler, sedans a Miata and a Chevy Silverado. Never drawn to Fords interior or driving dynamics, tried, never took. This 2018 Kia Rio is worth more than I paid. If it is as reliable as the warranty suggest, it will be the best money I’ve ever spent. It gets hybrid level gas mileage, it is fun to drive mostly due to the manual 6 speed. Handles like a much more expensive brand and very comfortable, secure handling. I can understand why Kia sells over 200,000 of these WW.
4 year review
Mike C, 09/02/2019
updated 03/10/2023
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Love this car, have 55000 miles and still running great. No problems whatsoever. Mileage is great averaging 38 plus. Drove from Florida to Maine and all around for a total of 4030 Miles and average 42 mpg. Would highly recommend this care.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Shannon,Deep sea blue 2019 Rio s
Shannon, 07/10/2019
updated 02/11/2021
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
Update I now have over 24k miles now and still Loving the Rio wouldn't trade it for anything, use the sport mode for even better driving experience. Gas mileage is awesome and car seats are comfortable. Mine has the tech package which has the forward collision warning and emergency braking which is an option on the s trim. But it's worth the 800 dollars price those safety features are hard to get on a cheap car like this , I didn't see many of them that had the tech package it was new option for 2019. The tech package also has the white led headlights and satelite radio and upgrated instrument cluster. But overall I really like the car no complaints, I do recommend getting the s because the lx doesn't have the armrest or keyless entry alarm or cruise control or folding rear seat. I plan on paying it off in couple years and keeping it. Again very nice little car and no complaints, gas mileage seems to be around 36-37 average but have gotten over 40 highway. UPDATE I no longer have this car it was a good little car but it was too small for my family I traded it for a 2020 ford escape se and love it it's got a lot of room in it and all the features I want or need, and I got the free lifetime warranty on the engine transmission and drivetrain
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The little engine that could
A.katz, 05/08/2020
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
If you want a car thats fun to drive, and great gas mileage, the Kia rio is for you. Gets in spaces other cars cant. Has everything you need! Its it top of line no, but has what the bigger cars have except scaled down, I was more interested in fun driving and good gas mileage Dependable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great on gas
William Richards, 01/21/2020
updated 07/27/2020
2018 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love a car's performance it's good on gas and it's fun to drive
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Cool Car
Marko, 06/12/2020
2018 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great style n quality at an economical price. I get 40 mpg on freeway. I’m 6’2” and have plenty of room. In fact more room than most suvs. Tons of room to haul stuff. I recommend this sporty car over the Mini Cooper, Volkswagen GTE or Fiat 500.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Kia Rio Quinto S 2019 is the best!
Robert Rodriguez, 04/07/2020
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car has perfect interior sport design. Super comfortable, to ride it it's enjoyable, and also, super economical in gas and save your money in your pocket. You won't regret buying this car at all.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I love this car
Derek, 09/06/2020
2018 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have the sport hatchback. My Rio now has 62,000 miles on it (thanks to me) and I have had zero problems. This car is extremely easy to maintain. I am 6,1 and I have long legs. The Rio was the only car of this size (besides the 2018 Yaris) where I could fit comfortably in the driver's seat. It is extremely nimble, and she has more pep than you think. The radio system touch screen is extremely responsive. The only cons are the car's steelies with the wheel covers. They were way too light, and it made it to where the car had low grip and a long stopping distance. I had to put on aftermarket rims to fix this problem. If you're gonna buy this car, buy it with rims. It's safer that way
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Modest, reliable Little Car
Sam LC, 07/14/2020
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I get so many compliments on the sporty look of this car. If you are looking for an affordable, comfortable and reliable vehicle, consider the 2019 Kia Rio. I have owned one for around 3 months and have enjoyed it. Kia has really impressed me. It is a simple, reliable transportation. Don't expect a racecar, although the sport mode is fun to use... :)
Great overall value
Sherry C, 07/20/2019
2018 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Great small car, recommend for value and comfort. Quality interior materials.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Hit the road with your Rio
Loretta, 09/06/2018
2018 Kia Rio EX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
A lot of extras that are included without having to add on to make your car fit just for your likings
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
Global Lending
Cheryl, 02/14/2022
2018 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car has great gas mileage we travel a lot in the car we came to Ohio a lot when we live in North Carolina never had any problem with the car I got oil change all the time
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Pleasantly surprised!
ChrisMichael, 06/04/2020
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Up until now i hadn’t heard much about Kia brand cars at all, good or bad. I don’t know anyone that owns one. But after searching for a new car after an unfortunate hit and run in my (lemon) Ford Focus I found a Rio. BEAUTIFUL interior. Extremely comfortable bucket seats and responsive acceleration. So far, I’ve been able to maintain a range of 41.7 miles to the gallon for about 10 miles. Wow. The technology though is what really finalized the sale for me. It has a crystal clear back up camera on a large touch screen computer. It’s like a built in iPad mini. Kia has really stepped it up! Love my Rio.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Value
Great price great gas mileage not reliable at all
Blaine, 04/19/2024
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle new in 2019. The gas mileage is great. After 50k it was downhill as far as reliability goes. It now has 66k on it and has been in the garage 4 times for major repair. I will not be buying a Rio anytime soon!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My new Kia
Cathy, 10/31/2019
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd new Kia. All have been white. This one did not disappoint.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Tight
Mr D, 11/22/2020
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Kia Rio rides well, tight feel. Just got the car - will update over time.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Mediocre subcompact with a few redeeming features
R Sanders, 09/25/2019
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 29 people found this review helpful
I hired the S from Dollar for 3 weeks and currently in week 2. Pros- Android Auto, large trunk, reasonable gas consumption, decent reversing camera. Cons - old hat auto box, 1990s gas engine technology, acceleration best described in fractions of a day, noisy under acceleration, diabolically poor headlights ( in my view dangerously poor and similar to 1970-1980 autos), ride and handling both poor with is quite an achievement. I have not seen Skoda Fabia here in US but they would eat this car for breakfast and still be as reliable and probably more economic on gas.
small outside big inside
tom R, 07/19/2021
2018 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good mpg reasonably comfortable and quick
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Better than expected.
Angel R., 01/23/2023
updated 07/25/2023
2018 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never had a Kia. Got the Rio as a throw away car. However driving for more than 50 years, never had a new car that gave me virtually no problem in 5 years of ownership.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Five years and no problems
ZiggyM5, 04/15/2023
2018 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my first new car in 1975, and since then, I have never owned a car that didn't has to go to the dealer for many repairs, including several American, Japanese, and German new vehicles. The trunk lock and an ABS sensor were the only two things broken during these five years. Because of this positive experience, I got a new 2021 Kia Forte GT, which I enjoy daily with no problems whatsoever. Bought by necessity, Kia won my heart for reliability and performance. Yes, the performance of this little car is better than other sub-compact I have driven, like a 2012 Mazda 3, which I bought from my sister-in-law, which is extremely slow.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Mini Tank!
Billy, 12/26/2023
2018 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In the sport mode you need a real sport car to cath me (if you can) in up hill, down hill, curves & highway! That's on my 2018 rio quinto s -believed or not- don't triste me try it!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2018 Rio S Sedan Review (05/2025)
Scott C, 05/13/2025
2018 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car! I often get 45+ mpg on the interstate (I drive a steady 70-72 mph with cruise), so who needs a hybrid? I bought this car dirt cheap in 2020 - it had suffered a rear impact, structural damage and had been properly repaired. My only issue with the car happened in 2024 - the master window switch would no longer raise the passenger rear window (the window switch located on the passenger rear window still worked fine). A $20 part from eBay, installed by me and it's worked fine since. Zero mechanical issues - this thing just always starts right up, runs great, idles silently and never causes any stress. And the most interesting thing about the car is the 'Sport' button for the transmission. Press it and I swear it feels like the car has a turbo. You can spin the tires and it takes off like a rocket. The car is roomy, comfortable, quiet and smooth. Don't get me wrong, it's no luxury car. I have the 'S' model with keyless entry, cruise, a/c, power windows and locks - and that's about it for the 'fancy stuff' (the LX intro model could still be had manual windows and locks). The only irritant (and this is nitpicking) is the 'roads could be icy' ding that goes off a couple blocks from home with the temp reads 39 or below (why 39????) - I've had the car 5 years and still think 'uh-oh' when it dings at me. You think I'd learn. These are cheap and reliable - this has been much more reliable than my '20 Corolla. It's also in competition with my 2016 Honda Fit (and the Rio is winning in reliability there, too, although the Fit has only needed a starter and emergency brake cable). Nice that this Rio still has the 6 speed automatic and not the CVT.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Colorado Front Ranger Guy
Colorado Front Ranger Guy, 02/10/2021
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving a rental 2019 Kia Rio S for 800 miles (and the 2018 Hyundai Accent version), I thought this car is for me! Even traded a good 2014 Corolla S for it. Now after 11000 miles mileage is outstanding: 45-54 mpg on highway with mountain driving; mixed roads--usually 40 mpg..,down to 35 in city. Transmission--very quick from start and responsive on the road--6 speed auto is just right. Comfortable ride for 4 people. 7 inch screen is the right height to keep eyes up. The readout is clear. The cell phone Blue Tube connect works flawlessly. Cornering is sure and very maneuverable in tight parking lots. LED headlights light up the road ahead very well. The steering wheel-mounted controls are easy to use. Braking is quick and sure--even with drum rear brakes. SiriusXM works well and Kia granted a three month free use with $5/month for the rest of first year. Speakers are excellent and very adjustable. The Continental tires are wearing well. Good safety features including a very informative graphic lines backup camera. I have the 2019 GDI engine with automatic. Why did Kia for 2020 change it to MPI and CVT transmission? Kia a good thing going in the 2019 setup! I tried the 2020 model and it seemed as responsive driving with 8 shifts in CVT.
Rio - not as popular as it should be
Tom R, 01/18/2022
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great gas mileage. (well over 40mpg on the highway.) body is small outside but roomy inside. nothing to complain about in regard to comfort, reliability or driveability.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Rollin' in a Rio
JoeBad, 07/31/2024
2018 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Easy to drive! The manual transmission is fabulous! Just my size!
2019 rio dud
Mike f, 12/22/2020
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 12 people found this review helpful
Dangerous on windy days, hard to drive normally
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value