2021 Kia Rio Hatchback

MSRP range: $16,990 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback in Aurora Black

2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback in Clear White

+15

below avg

7.1/10

Edmunds Rating

The Kia Rio is a fine device for going from point A to point B. It's easy to drive and reasonably comfortable. Kia's warranty is great too. There's not much personality to it, but if you need something inexpensive, the Rio will serve your needs perfectly.

36 Owner Reviews

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Total MSRP	$17,985
What others are paying	$18,249
Low supply is pushing the market average above MSRP.

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Kia Rio for Sale

2021 Kia Rio Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Senior Reviews Editor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan is a reviews editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, <em>Slow Car Fast</em>, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

Easy car for city commuting
Solid build quality for such a price-conscious car
Long warranty coverage

Cons

Standard equipment is a bit bare-bones
No telescoping steering wheel available
Sedan has subpar cargo space

What's new

Restyled front and rear bodywork
New 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018

The Kia Rio is a survivor. Most subcompact sedans this size have long since been discontinued — even the Toyota Yaris that earned our top-rated ranking in 2020 got the boot — but the Rio has been in production since it debuted for the 2001 model year. Just sing along to the lyrics of Destiny's Child's Survivor as you drive along in your Rio: I'm a survivor/I'm not going to give up/I'm not going to stop/I'm going to work harder.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$117/mo

Rio S

$182/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

This small car has remained popular over the years for its inexpensive base price, high fuel economy and long warranty. For 2021, the Rio gets new styling on its front and rear bumpers plus a standard 8-inch touchscreen to make it more enticing. There's also wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you no longer have to use a USB cord to activate these smartphone connection systems.

Remaining rivals on the market include the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage G4. The Rio is a solid pick here and delivers on everything we expect for an entry-level sedan or hatchback.

Edmunds Expert Rating

below avg

7.1/10

Edmunds Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.0/10

How does the Rio drive? The Rio is underpowered and underwhelming on the road. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine makes just 120 horsepower, and while that's typically enough for city streets, you have to use every single one to get up to speed on the highway. Lane changes and overtakes require more caution than anything else, and gaps that would be easy to exploit in most cars require more thought to slot into thanks to the Rio's prevailing lack of punch. The one saving grace has to be its continuously variable automatic transmission, which is smooth and does a commendable job of exploiting what power the Rio has.

Because of the Rio's soft suspension tune and near gripless all-season tires, it's not all that enjoyable to zoom around city streets. The steering is far too eager to recenter itself and has an elastic feel to it. The Rio is a car that's happiest at half speed, and for its target audience, that's likely more than enough.

Comfort

7.0/10

How comfortable is the Rio? The Rio's price of entry might be low, but that doesn't mean you're getting something that isn't sophisticated enough to deal with the ruts, lumps and bumps of day-to-day driving. A squishy suspension tune and tall tire sidewalls mean that the Rio rides surprisingly well. It isn't perfect, but the ride is better than you might expect.

Unfortunately, we can't stop there. The soft ride is a plus, but wind noise is almost always audible inside the cabin, and even if the suspension is set up for comfort, you do get shocks through the seat while going over bigger bumps. The seat itself is conventionally shaped, but it offers neither above-average support nor comfort. Also the absence of any armrest padding just feels inconsiderate.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2021 Kia Rio Hatchback pricing

in Ashburn, VA

1.6L 4cyl CVT

What others are paying

$18,249

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Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Durable plastics coat a spartan interior, but simplicity is one of the Rio's strong suits. It gets high marks for ease of use with logically laid out physical climate controls and easy-to-read dials. It's also quite easy to see out of the cabin in all directions and relatively roomy inside even though it's one of the smallest cars on the market.

One of our biggest complaints with the interior has to be the compromised driving position. Because the wheel doesn't telescope, taller drivers will feel like they will need to sit too close to the pedals to be comfortable. We understand that cheap cars aren't the places to look for luscious interior spaces, but we'd happily pay a little more for some of the basic creature comforts that would take the pain out of commutes.

Technology

7.0/10

How’s the tech? The Rio's infotainment system is easy to navigate and simple to zip through, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard niceties. We did find ourselves wishing for a slightly nicer stereo, but the system in the Rio is hard to fault.

If anything, Kia could have included more safety features in the Rio. Blind-spot monitoring was something we missed, and the lane keeping assist system in the Rio is nowhere near as helpful as those in other Kias like the K5 and Seltos. Small cars might be built to a price, but that doesn't mean you should be forced to miss out on important safety tech.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? Despite its small stature, the Rio — in its hatchback version — offers a surprising amount of space for cargo loading. With the rear seats up, you're offered 17.4 cubic feet of free space in the hatch area. That's a little bigger than what you get from a typical midsize sedan's trunk, assuming you load all the way to the roof. Fold the second row down and you'll have 32.8 cubic feet available. A low floor makes loading and unloading an effortless experience.

The Rio's interior cabin storage features the requisite cubbies and cupholders, but it isn't exceptional in this regard. Also the center console is pretty small, but to be fair, it's a narrow car. The limited rear quarters won't be optimal for fitting a car seat either, and there's no special access to LATCH anchors offered.

Fuel Economy

9.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? According to EPA estimates, the Rio will get 36 mpg combined (33 city/41 highway), but in our hands the Rio performed far better. Over the course of our 115-mile evaluation route, the super-sipping Rio managed an impressive 43 mpg. It's one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars we've recently tested.

Value

8.5/10

Is the Rio a good value? Our test car stickered for around $20,000, making it one of the least expensive new cars you can buy. Given that fairly low price point, the Rio is actually pretty well built. The cabin has a lot of hard plastic panels, but they will likely hold up well after years of abuse. Unfortunately for the Rio, the Kia Forte, which doesn't cost that much more, offers more backseat space, a better ride, and looks and feels significantly more modern. That said, there's little doubt that the Rio is a good value for the money.

Kia's excellent warranties provide five years/60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Roadside assistance is also provided for the duration of the five-year warranty period.

Wildcard

5.0/10

Unfortunately for the Rio, what it lacks most of all is personality. Sometimes small cars have a bit of charm to the way they drive, but that's not the case here. The Rio is a device. It's an easygoing companion that asks for little more than a little fuel in return for its services, and that's all it has to be. If you're looking for something with a little X-factor for the same money, you're going to have to look elsewhere.

Which Rio does Edmunds recommend?

Our pick is the loaded S trim due to its relative low cost and impressive value. We would also add the S Technology package for its comprehensive set of driver safety aids.

Kia Rio models

The 2021 Kia Rio can be equipped as a four-door sedan or a hatchback, which Kia calls the 5-Door. The sedan is available in two trim levels: the base LX and the S. The 5-Door is only sold in S trim. All Rios are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (120 horsepower, 112 lb-ft of torque) mated to a continuously variable transmission. All Rios are front-wheel-drive.

LX
The standard Rio keeps costs low but includes these necessities as standard:

Heated exterior mirrors
15-inch steel wheels
Adjustable tilting steering wheel
3.5-inch driver information display
8-inch center touchscreen
Air conditioning
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Front USB port
Cloth seats
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Four-speaker stereo system

S
A more fully equipped model comes with:

Remote keyless entry
Cruise control
Sliding center armrest
Rear USB port
60/40-split folding rear seat

S Technology package
This jam-packed collection of optional features for the S trim drastically increases available technology and safety equipment with:

LED headlights
15-inch alloy wheels
Push-button start
4.2-inch driver information display
Automatic climate control
Upgraded stereo system
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Rio back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Lane following assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2021 Kia Rio.

Average user rating: 4.2 stars

36 total reviews

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See all 36 reviews

5 star reviews: 61%

4 star reviews: 13%

3 star reviews: 15%

2 star reviews: 3%

1 star reviews: 8%

Most helpful consumer reviews

5/5 stars, Peppy Hatchback!

Saif A., 07/10/2021

S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

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 …

5/5 stars, So happy with my Kia Rio!

Ciccia, 07/21/2021

S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

The care is pretty well equipped for such a small vehicle, and it's great on gas mileage. I have a back issue, and with a cushion, I'm fine. It doesn't have a very powerful engine, but steers and responds well. AC is great. As a conveniently-priced car for running around town, it's perfect...just what I wanted as I sized-down...and it's cute! Very pleased with my purchase.

5/5 stars, Plenty of pep

Doug, 11/01/2021

S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

Great little car looks and styling. Very responsive!

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2021 Kia Rio Hatchback Features & Specs

Trim

Total MSRP: $17,985

MPG & Fuel: 33 City / 41 Hwy / 36 Combined; Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.9 gal. capacity

Seating: 5 seats

Drivetrain: Type: front wheel drive; Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic

Engine: Inline 4 cylinder; Horsepower: 120 hp @ 6,300 rpm; Torque: 112 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm

Basic Warranty: 5 yr./ 60,000 mi.

Dimensions: Length: 160.0 in. / Height: 57.1 in.; Overall Width without Mirrors: 67.9 in.; Curb Weight: 2,765 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 17.4 cu.ft.

See all features & specs

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Kia Rio vs. Hyundai Accent

The Rio and the Hyundai Accent are corporate cousins, meaning they share a lot of similarities under the skin. They have the same powertrain, engine figures and estimated fuel economy. But the Accent leans more toward comfort, with a smooth ride and rather snazzy interior that feels well-built. It still, however, sports the same looks from its 2018 redesign.

Compare Kia Rio & Hyundai Accent features

Kia Rio vs. Nissan Versa

If it's space you seek, the Versa is a great option. It has a larger trunk than the Rio and a sizable back seat. The Versa's standard set of advanced safety features is also impressive. Neither vehicle is a standout for acceleration, but the Rio does feel a little sportier to drive.

Compare Kia Rio & Nissan Versa features

Kia Rio vs. Mitsubishi Mirage G4

It doesn't get more basic than a Mirage. There aren't many features or creature comforts inside the cabin, and the engine is both very slow and unpleasant to the ear. However, the Mirage has the highest-rated fuel economy of the group and new style for 2021. The Rio is the better car; the Mirage is the budget choice.

Compare Kia Rio & Mitsubishi Mirage G4 features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Rio safety features:

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.

Side Impact Test	Good
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test	Good

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FAQ

Is the Kia Rio a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Rio both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Rio has 17.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Rio. Learn more

What's new in the 2021 Kia Rio?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Kia Rio:

Restyled front and rear bodywork
New 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018

Learn more

Is the Kia Rio reliable?

To determine whether the Kia Rio is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Rio. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Rio's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2021 Kia Rio a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Kia Rio is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Rio and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Rio is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2021 Kia Rio?

The least-expensive 2021 Kia Rio is the 2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $16,990.

Other versions include:

S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $16,990

Learn more

What are the different models of Kia Rio?

If you're interested in the Kia Rio, the next question is, which Rio model is right for you? Rio variants include S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Rio models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2021 Kia Rio

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback Overview

The 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback is offered in the following styles: S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). The 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.

What do people think of the 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2021 Rio Hatchback 4.2 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Rio Hatchback.

Pros

Easy car for city commuting
Solid build quality for such a price-conscious car
Long warranty coverage

Cons

Standard equipment is a bit bare-bones
No telescoping steering wheel available
Sedan has subpar cargo space

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Rio Hatchback featuring deep dives into trim levels including S, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback here.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback?

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2021 Kia Rio Hatchbacks are available in my area?

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback Listings and Inventory

Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback for sale near you.

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Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback and all available trim types: S. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

What is the MPG of a 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback?

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
36 MPG compined MPG,
33 city MPG/41 highway MPG

EPA Est. MPG	36
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Drive Train	front wheel drive
Displacement	1.6 L
Passenger Volume	107.9 cu.ft.

Wheelbase	101.6 in.
Length	160.0 in.
Width	N/A
Height	57.1 in.
Curb Weight	2765 lbs.

Should I lease or buy a 2021 Kia Rio?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Kia lease specials

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback

2021 Kia Rio Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Performance

Comfort

Compare dealer price quotes

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback pricing

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Rio does Edmunds recommend?

Kia Rio models

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback Features & Specs

Compare the Kia Rio

Kia Rio vs. Hyundai Accent

Kia Rio vs. Nissan Versa

Kia Rio vs. Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Rio safety features:

IIHS Rating

People who viewed this also viewed

FAQ

Is the Kia Rio a good car?

What's new in the 2021 Kia Rio?

Is the Kia Rio reliable?

Is the 2021 Kia Rio a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2021 Kia Rio?

What are the different models of Kia Rio?

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback Overview

What do people think of the 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback?

Pros

Cons

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback?

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

Which 2021 Kia Rio Hatchbacks are available in my area?

Can't find a new 2021 Kia Rio Rio Hatchback you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Why trust Edmunds?

What is the MPG of a 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback?

Should I lease or buy a 2021 Kia Rio?

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}