2022 Kia Rio Hatchback
MSRP range: $17,390 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
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.
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 byNick Yekikian
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 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
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 DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$110/mo
Rio S
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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
below avg
7.1/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe 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.
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.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Compare dealer price quotes
2022 Kia Rio Hatchback pricing
in Ashburn, VA
S
1.6L 4cyl CVT
Edmunds suggests you pay
$18,295
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.
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.
Helpful shopping links
2022 Kia Rio Hatchback Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $18,485
- 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.
Compare the Kia Rio
Kia Rio vs. Hyundai Accent
Underneath, the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent are very similar. They share the same engine and underpinnings, with identical fuel economy ratings. The Accent is a bit pricier, but with good reason. Cabin materials in the Accent are better, as is the overall experience thanks to a quieter ride and more available creature comforts like heated front seats.
Kia Rio vs. Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is one of the few true rivals to the Rio, and it's competitive when you consider what it's got to offer. It's more spacious than the Rio, and with four available trim levels, the Versa seems a bit more versatile. Unfortunately, the Versa is seriously slow, lagging way behind even the modest class average when it comes to acceleration.
Kia Rio vs. Hyundai Kona
If you want a bit more power, a bit more interior space, and a price tag that's only a bit bigger, we recommend checking out the Hyundai Kona. Technically, Edmunds classifies it as an extra-small SUV, but it's actually 7 inches shorter in overall length than the Rio. With its tall SUV design, however, it offers much more cargo space.
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.
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FAQ
Is the Kia Rio a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 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 2022 Kia Rio?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Kia Rio:
- No significant changes for 2022
- 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 average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 Kia Rio a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Kia Rio is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 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 2022 Rio is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Kia Rio?
The least-expensive 2022 Kia Rio is the 2022 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $17,390.
Other versions include:
- S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $17,390
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