2022 Kia Rio Review

Name: 2022 Kia Rio Review
Brand: Kia

Price Range: $12,489 - $19,998

+67

The 2022 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.

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MSRP: $17,998
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MSRP: $12,950
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MSRP: $17,998
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Kia Rio model years

Kia Rio for Sale

Kia Rio types

Sedan
Hatchback

2022 Kia Rio Review

byTravis Langness^{Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

rating written Nick Yekikian^{Senior News Editor
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.}

Pros

Easy car for city commuting
Solid build quality for such a price-conscious car
Long warranty coverage
Real-world fuel economy is impressive

Cons

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

What's new

No significant changes for 2022
Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018

Overview

Every year, the extra-small sedan segment gets a little bit smaller, with automakers dropping subcompact vehicles. The Kia Rio, however, just keeps soldiering on. The 2022 Kia Rio is unchanged from the previous model year, sticking with the same virtues: a low price, small dimensions and a long warranty. Fuel economy is impressive too, as you'd probably expect of such a small car. The EPA estimates that the Rio will return 36 mpg combined, but we easily beat that number during Edmunds' testing.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (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 $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$99/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

There are a few drawbacks to consider if you're looking at the Rio. Even among extra-small sedans, the Rio is low on cargo space. A telescoping steering wheel isn't available, and the standard seating position is a bit high so some drivers will have a hard time getting comfortable. We'd also skip the base trim level given its meager level of equipment.

Since there are so few extra-small sedans left, the list of rivals isn't long, but it includes vehicles such as the Nissan Versa and the Rio's cousin, the Hyundai Accent. If you're on a budget, you might also be interested in extra-small SUVs like the Kia Soul or the Hyundai Kona. For more information about the Rio and how it stacks up in every category from comfort to tech, check out the Edmunds' Expert Rating below.

Edmunds Expert 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.}

Below Average

7.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7/10

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

7/10

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.

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

7/10

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 including 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 anchor points offered.

Fuel Economy

9/10

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 and a better ride, and it 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

5/10

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?

The standard LX trim is a bit bare-bones so we recommend upgrading to the S trim level and adding the optional S Technology package. It adds a number of appealing features including a suite of driver safety aids.

Compare 2022 Kia Rio trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2022 Kia Rio models

The 2022 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
Tilt-adjustable 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)

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#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

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Rio from 2008-2022.}

$333/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.18x/yr

vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

9.9%

vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Kia Rio Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

43 reviews

5(65%)

4(19%)

3(9%)

2(2%)

1(5%)

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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 …

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 …

One of the most economical non-hybrids available

Brent, 03/13/2022

2022 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

I'll start by stating that I live in Los Angeles County. The quality of roads around this massive metropolitan area ranges from very good to pretty poor (meaning pothole-ridden and full of large cracks). If you live in an area with constantly terrible roads, you may find the suspension tuning to not be soft enough for the constant beating, but I suspect that 90% of buyers will be … plenty content with the suspension...certainly more so than its larger cousin, the Kia Forte with its very choppy suspension tuning over even modestly bad pavement. Overall, the suspension tuning and ride comfort is decent to good; certainly better than the thrifty price tag would suggest. It might be a little too firm for some over *really* bad pavement due to the front strut/torsion beam rear setup, but the car *does* remain composed and well-controlled at all times. If pavement conditions are fair to good, you'll find this vehicle to be quite comfortable for both city trips and long journeys. Fuel economy is where this vehicle really shines; it is fantastic for a non-hybrid. Official EPA ratings are 33 city/41 highway, but I've been consistently averaging 34-35 city/43-46 highway. DO NOTE that your fuel economy gauge in the insturmentation cluster may read something higher than what you'll actually get at the pump (a weird oversight by Kia). Mine constantly displays 36-39 in the city and 45-50 on the highway, which is 1-3 MPG too generous over real-world fuel economy. My driving style is generally leisurely but I will punch it a bit, here and there. 70-75 MPH on the freeways; sometimes closer to 80 MPH, and there are a decent number of hills in my area. Some folks may be concerned about the CVT's performance, but the CVT in the Rio and the Forte uses a chain instead of a rubber belt. Unlike most CVT's, there's no weird lag, awkward pulling sensations or delays with acceleration throughout the power band...very consistent and predictable power. Acceleration is solid and if you really need the extra power, you can either switch the transmission to sport mode and/or manually shift the simulated fake gears to quickly get up to highway speeds. Honestly, I cannot really tell the difference between Kia's CVT (IVT as they call it) and a traditional automatic transmission. While you won't be beating anyone in a 0-60 race, you'll certainly have more than enough power to keep up with both city and freeway traffic without having to floor the accelerator. Front seat room is quite generous for a subcompact and comparable to that of a large compact. Front seats are on the slightly firmer side but are still pretty supportive and comfortable for most. Thanks to an outward-shaped design of the interior door panels, Kia was able to crank out a few centimeters of space to make the cabin feel just a bit more spacious. Rear-seat leg, shoulder and head room is ample for 2 adults sitting behind 6 foot adults, but 3 adults in the rear is a very tight squeeze. Despite the narrow wheelbase, the car feels surprisingly composed at highway speeds, with fairly precise on-center steering accuracy and none of the constant overcorrecting that has plagued many subcompacts on longer road-trips on the freeway. Steering feel is a bit numb, but the accuracy is certainly there; you know exactly what your wheels are doing and is what you want in a city commuter or long-distance cruiser. Ergonomics are excellent; the controls are well-placed, easy to use and quite intuitive with old-school knobs, switches and buttons. Gauges are easy to read and attractive. The 8 inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play works great, and the 6 speaker sound quality is quite good for what is supposed to be a budget system. The rear camera quality is quite clear on the infotainment display. The trunk will fit 2 large suitcases and another carry-on with enough room to spare for extras. Really, Kia is almost doing a public service by offering a composed, refined, fuel-saving car that has good driving dynamics, looks attractive enough and is roomier inside than some larger compacts for what is a total bargain these days, then backing it up with their 100,000 mile powertrain/60,000 mile comprehensive warranty.

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.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Kia Rio, so we've included reviews for other years of the Rio since its last redesign.

See all 43 reviews of the Kia Rio

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2022 Rio Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$16,450
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	36 MPG
Cost to Drive	$99/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

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 Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2022 Kia Rio Review

Price & Payment

2022 Kia Rio Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (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 $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Rio does Edmunds recommend?

2022 Kia Rio models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Kia Rio Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Peppy Hatchback!

Excellent commuter

One of the most economical non-hybrids available

small wonder

2022 Rio Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (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 $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}