2020 Kia Rio Review
Price Range: $12,599 - $16,990
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Price & Payment
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Average price: $12,943
$
to$
Price
Pros
- Sporty handling makes it entertaining to drive
- Solid build quality for such a price-conscious car
- Long warranty coverage for peace of mind
Cons
- Standard equipment is a bit bare-bones
- No telescoping steering wheel available
- Sedan has subpar cargo space
What's new
- New 1.6-liter engine is more efficient but less powerful
- A continuously variable automatic transmission replaces last year's automatic
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 7-inch touchscreen are now standard on both trims
- Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018
Overview
Value reigns supreme in the subcompact class, but that doesn't mean you need to settle for a car with bland character. The 2020 Kia Rio is priced reasonably but also comes with a load of features and a sporty character.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
25 listings
- $8,291good price$1,595 below market
- 109,011 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 33 City / 41 Hwy MPG
- DealHunter Autos (37 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Apple Carplay/Androi...
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Located in Stafford, VA
Rio S, 4D Sedan, 1.6L 4-Cylinder, CVT, FWD, Aurora Black, Black Cloth. Aurora Black 2020 Kia Rio S FWD CVT 1.6L 4-Cylinder33/41 City/Highway MPG
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
36 Combined MPG (33 City/41 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3KPA24AD6LE275360
Stock: DHA-275360
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $10,795good price$1,742 below market
- 72,957 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 33 City / 41 Hwy MPG
- Dulles Kia (6 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Leesburg, VA
2020 Kia Rio S Phantom Gray 1.6L 4-Cylinder FWDBlack w/Woven Cloth Seat Trim.CARFAX One-Owner. Clean CARFAX.Dulles Motorcars maintains a compre...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
36 Combined MPG (33 City/41 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3KPA25AD6LE313014
Stock: DX25116A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-21-2026
The Rio was redesigned two years ago, upgraded with a more sophisticated suspension, better ride quality and classier styling. But its strengths remained. The small cabin feels roomier than it appears (at least for front passengers), thanks to the thoughtful interior design and intuitive control layout. The infotainment software and touchscreen interface rate as some of the best in class, and the Rio's crisp handling and steering make it one of the livelier subcompacts around.
For 2020, there's a new four-cylinder engine and new transmission to go with it. The engine lost 10 horsepower, which gives us some pause. The Rio wasn't that quick with its last engine. But Kia says it's more efficient, capable of 41 mpg highway and 36 mpg combined, gains of roughly 10%.
The Rio's previous engine felt zippy enough around town but ran out of breath at higher speeds. We'll have to wait and see how the new engine and transmission combination performs. In theory, the new continuously variable automatic transmission should do a better job keeping the engine in the sweet spot of power delivery.
Other upgrades for this year include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and a larger 7-inch touchscreen display.
As its strengths remain, so, too, do the Rio's weaknesses, namely a lack of space. There's not a whole lot of rear-seat room, and trunk space is average at best. And while front and side airbags come standard, other safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, are only available as options. But if these shortcomings aren't deal-breakers, the 2020 Kia Rio still impresses with its excellent warranty, generous set of features and nice price, even when fully loaded.
2020 Kia Rio trim level differences
The 2020 Kia Rio is a subcompact car available either as a sedan or a hatchback (Kia calls it the 5-Door). The sedan comes in two trim levels, LX and S, while the hatchback is only sold in S trim. Compare the 2020 Kia Rio trim levels in-depth.
Which Rio trim does Edmunds recommend?
Unless you're on a strict budget, we suggest springing for the top-trim S. It's about $600 more than the base model and comes with desirable features such as a 60/40-split folding rear seat, cruise control and keyless entry. The S can also be upgraded with the optional Technology package, which comes with LED headlights, forward collision warning and assist, and Kia's Uvo telematics system.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$113/mo for Rio LX
Rio LX
vs
$185/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2020 Kia Rio has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #14 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#14 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$333/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
1.18x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
9.9%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 21V936000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC223
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 87
- Defect Description:
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
- Defect Consequence:
- Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.
Warranty
5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 10 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Kia Rio Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(60%)
4(14%)
3(11%)
2(3%)
1(12%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Excellent commuter
4 out of 5 starsWalter, 06/11/2020
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
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.
New Kia Lover!
5 out of 5 starsBeth R, 04/08/2019
2019 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
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.
The little engine that could
5 out of 5 starsThe little engine that could, 05/01/2019
2019 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
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.
small wonder
4 out of 5 starsAman, 10/01/2020
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Kia Rio, so we've included reviews for other years of the Rio since its last redesign.
2020 Rio Features & Specs
Sedan
LX
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $15,850 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 36 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $113/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.7 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Rio models:
- 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.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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