2021 Kia Rio
Price Range: $11,599 - $17,998
Kia Rio Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(52%)
4(24%)
3(14%)
2(3%)
1(7%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Peppy Hatchback!
Saif A., 07/10/2021
2021 Kia Rio 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 … 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.
Excellent commuter
Walter, 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.
small wonder
Aman, 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.
Great subcompact!
Vetro, 11/20/2021
2021 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Kia Rio, so we've included reviews for other years of the Rio since its last redesign.
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.
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. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2021 Rio gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 29 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Rio has 13.7 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
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 4-star 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. Our consumer reviews show that the 2021 Rio gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 29 reviews). 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 LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $16,050.
Other versions include:
- LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $16,050
- S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $16,690
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 LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), and S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Rio models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Mississippi
$125/mo for Rio LX
vs
$215/mo
Avg. Compact Car









