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Used 2021 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
29 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Rio, so we've included reviews for other years of the Rio since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Peppy Hatchback!

Saif A., 07/10/2021
2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
53 of 53 people found this review helpful

These cars are indeed a dying breed. Everyone wants an SUV or a sports car, so the hatchback segment has been shrinking in America. In Europe its a different story, hatchbacks are everywhere...but I don't live in Italy, I live in L.A. so here are my thoughts. The Hatchback version is the one you want. The sedan is a smaller, uglier Forte, so avoid it. The power is average for the segment, and so is the comfort. If you're looking at this car for superior driving dynamics, or superior speed, keep looking; this isn't the car for you. The legroom is fantastic (I'm 6 foot 4) and so are the simple a/c and temp controls. The hidden gem here is the touchscreen and WIRELESS Apple Car Play/Android Auto. Thats standard with the car. The hatchback is tiny and you can park anywhere in L.A. with it. The seats fold down if you need to shlep a bunch of gear around. Can't beat the 5 year 60k mile bumper to bumper warranty; 100k drivetrain. That makes me feel good knowing if something goes wrong, Im covered for years. I think its the best bang for the buck out there. Oh yeah, its one of the few new cars available for under $20k. I love it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Excellent commuter

Walter, 06/11/2020
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
116 of 119 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.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

small wonder

Aman, 10/01/2020
2020 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
27 of 27 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.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Great subcompact!

Vetro, 11/20/2021
2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

Cool little car, fairly comfortable (I'm 6'2"). Wish it had telescopic steering wheel, but you adjust. Plenty of power for its size. Handles great, fun firm ride. I like the exterior design, and the interior is simple and attractive. The 8" touch screen is great, and Apple CarPlay sounds amazing. For the price this is a really solid little car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Loud cabin

Th, 08/31/2021
2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I drove a rental quite a bit. Power was good.lt got 44 mpg, which surprised me. Air conditioning was fine. The beefs- too loud on all but the smoothest roads. Only the Fiat was worse. Non-telescoping steering wheel.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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