Used 2020 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 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)
63 of 64 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.
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Excellent commuter
Walter, 06/11/2020
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
113 of 116 people found this review helpful
Pros: It's sharp and comfortable, regular 37-39 MPG in town, only paid $15,900 new, the infotainment system is pretty good and responsive despite the price. Cons: It gets blown around on the freeway, there needs to be a mode between normal and sport for the freeway, no keyless entry or cruise on the base model. I purchased the base LX with floor mats as the only option. It reminds me of a cross between my mother's 2005 Honda Civic and my old 2003 Saturn S-Series. All are simple, durable, and go-kart like. It get great gas mileage, and does the trick for commuting. The IVT doesn't have the typical CVT drone, and honestly it's fairly peppy for the segment. There's more front driver room than in my old Chevy Malibu. However, you'll wrestle with it on the freeway. It doesn't track great about 65 mph, and gets blown around by wind and semi-truck wake. Being used to small cars (Saturn, Metro, Cobalt, Cavalier), I did get used to it. Cruise control and big tires would help. It was one of the cheapest new cars on the market. It's not the best at everything. The Honda Fit is roomier, but terribly cheap on the inside and much pricier. The Ford Fiesta is way more fun to drive, but the reliability is awful (I'd own one if it didn't have such a bad transmission). The Nissan Versa is made by Nissan. The Yaris is cool looking, but pricier. The Mirage is equally as basic and cheap, but terrible to drive. The Spark is terrible all around. In the end, it's not the best, it's just the perfect medium spot for price, feature and comfort. I'll be sure to drive it into the ground.
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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.
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small wonder
Aman, 10/01/2020
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
26 of 26 people found this review helpful
Note this is a budget car but you are also getting apple play touch screen, great for beginner drivers to college students whom need something that fits there daily budget. I personally bought this for my Parents whom don't like fancy gadgets in today's vehicles. This was the best buy with less gadgets.
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First kia
Will, 09/10/2019
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
15 of 15 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
Great value and best looking sub compact car.
Anthony, 06/08/2020
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
22 of 24 people found this review helpful
Designed by the same German chap who designed the Audi TT coupe. It’s shape is more sophisticated than the goofy wedge shaped Honda Fit and others in this category. Great interior and infotainment system. Great second car for zipping around town etc.
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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.
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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
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Great Entry Level Car
Dan, 02/01/2021
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for my mother who was used to driving very basic cars. I bought a 2020 S model in Jan of 2021 for under $14000. You can't even get close with any other manufacturer. It's not the best car in the segment but it's great for he price. It should also be very reliable which is my main concern. Also, Kia and Hyundai have by far the easiest infotainment system which is great for older people. So far I've driven it a few weeks for the break-in period before I give it away. It's freezing outside and I'm still getting 35mpg in mixed driving. The car is very peppy around town and surprisingly quiet. I also have a 2019 Jett and the Kia is just a quiet around town and the highway. As other's have described, the car does get blown around on the highway more easily than other cars... mainly due to the light weight. It's something to get used to but not a deal breaker. Otherwise, the car is solid over rough pavement; it sounds decent when accelerating; and it reacts quickly to throttle input. The only major downside is the the hard plastics everywhere... Kia could have at least put some soft material on the door to put your arm on.... but at least they put a decent armrest in the middle which actually manually extends out.. nice plus. Otherwise, for the money this car is awesome.
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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.
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A Kia Rio for mio!
Columbus father and daughter., 08/24/2020
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
Kia Rio S gives tremendous bang for the buck and also has excellent safety features and a wonderful warranty.
Bang For The Buck
gonz, 12/30/2020
updated 07/07/2023
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
So I went to my Local Kia Dealer and they were having a End of Year Sale. I was not really looking to buy a car. But they gave me a great deal; I traded in my 2018 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback 24,000 Miles Paid Off and a Check for $5,500 and got a new 2020 Kia Rio LX S. It had 20 miles and I financed it thru my credit union at an interested rate of %2.14 My monthly payment is $170.00 per month for 36 months. Also The car drives nice and more room than the fiesta. I got the 10 year 100,000 warranty and got upgraded my car for good value. I do recommend the 2020 Kia Rio. have had the Kia 13 months. I had a problem with the Electrical System; Kia motors gave me a rental car and repaired the Cluster. For the price I paid. I am one happy camper As of 7-5-2022 I have $15,000 miles and the Kia works great. currently i have 20,000 miles on my kia rio i have about 3,500 miles until my next oil change the dealer offered me $14,500 if i traded it in for a 2023 Kia Rio for $5,822 OUT THE DOOR But I said no as of today i have 24,550 miles on Kia Rio no issues
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Loving it
Tyler, 01/09/2021
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
For the accessible price point this beauty has a lot of features and is really nice to drive. In a nutshell I would describe it as Incredibly fuel efficient but surprisingly nimble. I've upgraded from my 2007 Toyota Yaris to the 2020 Kia Rio5 and its incredible to see what's become standard in 13 years of car improvements. Tons of gadgets from rear view camera to automatic headlights and wipers and during the Canadian winters who couldn't mention the heated seats and steering wheel. It even has a sport mode button which makes acceleration surprisingly quick. I was prepared to dish out more money for a new car, initially looking at vehicles like the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Venue but found that I preferred this over them even when disregarding the price comparison. I decided maybe more money doesn't mean better car, so I tried the Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Mirage next and realized that it turns out the Rio is just an outstanding car in it range. Take one for a test drive and you'll see the difference yourself.
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excellent commuter
steve, 02/21/2021
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought the car to drive back and forth to work and keep from being ate alive by gas prices in my pickup. I drive approx. 36 miles round trip every day and in the summer months when not allowing the car to idle and warm up I avg. 44mpg. Winter time when I let it warm up for 5 or 10 minutes, I avg. 39mpg. Now the car is cheaply made and has its space issues, but what do you expect out of a brand new car under 17 grand? If you want a good gas getter for commuting this is the car for you.
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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.
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Liked it until it was stolen twice
snowraven75, 01/26/2023
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I liked it until it was stolen twice. They do not connect the alarm system to the rear windows so they smashed each one in when they stole it both times That said with the seats down I put my new bike it with the seats down. I also drove from STL to Frankfort KY and got almost 55 mpg highway. So gas millage is great. Don't buy until they fix the immobilizer problem it is a thief's dream
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2020 Reo
Julie , 02/04/2020
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
44 of 72 people found this review helpful
Bought a 2020 Reo and am a little surprised at some of the safety features it doesn’t have. Maybe not real important to some. The doors do not auto lock when you drive but yet will unlock when you park it. The dome light does not dim down when you get in the car , it just shuts off . I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark, those two things might not be important to some but are to me. Funny thing is my manual says it locks when put in drive and that the dome light has a 30 second delay. The dealership just laughed and said nope! A few things to look for when thinking about the 2020 Reo
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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... :)
Sweet ride, wife loves to drive it.
Jeff Grabill , 11/21/2020
updated 05/24/2021
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This little gem has plenty of power. Fun to drive. Well built, great driver access to everything. Wife wishes seat on drivers side would have more vertical rise.
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Nice Little Car
Jmgomets, 05/09/2021
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Upgrade to get Cruise Control, remote locking doors
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💡Ideal
Found, 12/26/2020
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Very useful and all features you would ever need
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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.
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2020 KIA RIO REVIEW
2020 KIA RIO REVIEW, 04/25/2021
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 15 people found this review helpful
I'm confused why kid would make a fast sporty little car and put weak rims with flabby little tires and tiny little shocks that don't absorb any potholes , 15-in rims are the perfect size to fit right inside of a pothole and bend with perfect triangles in the rims the car is otherwise awesome one major flaw I left out is when you open up the trunk after it rains or you wash your car all the water jumps right into your trunk onto your carpet major flaw for 2020 shouldn't have made it through. It makes headlights on them for a 20/20 shouldn't make an option between good headlights and poor headlights should just put in quality first. Kia gives you an option crappy headlights or good headlights should only be good. Quality first especially when it comes to safety safety if you can't see you can't drive<br>
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Death drap
Chris, 05/21/2020
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
18 of 68 people found this review helpful
Extremely hard to keep on the road due to wind .
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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.
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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.
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Rio sport
Donna, 06/06/2020
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 38 people found this review helpful
2020 small. no room in back seat .. Trunk space is ok . I only had it 1 week .. And driven it 4 time it was full and not on half a tank . I thought it looked sporty. Which it does. Like the car/blue color. But will not buy one again will go back to Kia forte . rides great and low to ground . I don't understand the mpg say 52.0 which I think is not right. So I am going to fill it up when empty. To see cost to fill up forte was 25.00. I come back in A month ...
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will not buy again
haddy, 07/15/2021
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to commute to work. I was told was good on gas -- not really. I drive city and highway to and from work and I'm filling up almost every week driving the limit. i took it to back to dealership and they can find anything wrong with it. It is not stable especially on the highways and bridges ( i go ove the bridge twice a day and when its windy I have to go extremely slow for fear of being blown off ) However, the interior is fine and it is a cute little car.
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Mediocre subcompact with a few redeeming features
R Sanders, 09/25/2019
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 28 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.
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.
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Great price great gas mileage not reliable at all
Blaine, 04/19/2024
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 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!
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Great gas mileage.
Marco, 05/28/2023
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just had an accident due to rain. The side bags deployed as to save my life. Miss the car. Will get the same model newer.
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GO GO GO
Ron, Detroit Michigan, 09/21/2023
2020 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like my 2020 Kia Rio, on every trip from Florida to Detroit Michigan, I set the cruise control on 70MPH the car gets between 55-62 miles a gallon of gas, on the i-95, i75 ect. In town never less than 38 MPG
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2019 rio dud
Mike f, 12/22/2020
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 11 people found this review helpful
Dangerous on windy days, hard to drive normally
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