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.
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
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
No telescoping steering wheel available
Sedan has subpar cargo space
What's new
No significant changes for 2023
Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018
Overview
One of the smartest decisions you could make when buying a car is to get the smallest vehicle that meets your needs. Subcompact sedans and hatchbacks are some of the smallest you could get today, but they're often overlooked by shoppers who have their hearts seemingly stuck on SUVs. That's too bad because these small cars offer more versatility than you might expect, along with better fuel economy and a smaller footprint that's easier to maneuver.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.20 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
This current-generation Rio debuted for the 2018 model year and has had only nominal changes since then save for a slight restyling for 2021. Because of that increased interest in crossovers and SUVs, many automakers are slowly eliminating extra-small cars. In fact, the Rio's corporate sibling, the Hyundai Accent, was discontinued for the 2023 model year.
Kia hasn't officially said what it's going to do for 2023, so for now we'll assume the Rio is going to hang around for one more year. We hope so because the Rio is a solid pick for an affordable set of wheels.
Edmunds Expert 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.
Below Average
7.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
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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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 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
9.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? According to EPA estimates, the Rio will get 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's pretty good, and in our hands the Rio performed even better. Over the course of our mixed-driving 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
5.0/10
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?
The Rio's base LX trim is a bit too basic for our tastes, which is why we suggest checking out the S trim that is eligible for the S Technology package. Not only does this upgrade add some convenience items, but it also includes several desirable safety features.
I like this lil car ok. It's pretty basic, but I just need transportation. For a 1.6L, you hit that Sport button and you got some Zip, I like that! I love that this model had the arm rest, the hatchback, and cruise. I'm a fan of the hatchback over a conventional trunk. It's added protection when weather is bad! Plus I've found it really has enabled me to carry/transport things you … normally have a tough time with in a trunk. I absolutely adored my old PT Cruiser, and the KIA Rio is a lot smaller, which shocked me. I miss the added size, when it comes to packing the car or trying to get something home from the store. Definitely a down side & something to consider next time, as looks have deceived me!
Another issues I've run into, has been with the "infotainment center". Aside from the obvious drawback of NO CD PLAYER, it only works half the time. Sometimes it will decide to just not perform functions, other times it blacks out the screen, other times it completely shuts out entire applications. I've taken it to 2 different KIA shops and gotten nowhere. The first shop wouldn't even look at it without an appointment...which was a 2 month wait. The 2nd shop said it had to be doing the particular issue right then for them to even look at it or throwing a code...never shows an error code. It did act up just after I drove away, so I turned around and went right back. They tried to tell me that the problem was that I needed to get a name brand, preferably Samsung, phone cord to run from the port to my phone for my phone to talk to it and that would solve my problem of the mic on the infotainment sporadically functioning. Uh....it has blue tooth and they talk just fine...the problem is the infotainment center is sporadically malfunctioning on random functions. Well...I called BS since it is having so many other issues that a "Samsung" phone cord has nothing to do with! So, I'm under warranty but I can't get any KIA Dealership to listen to me and take care of this issue, but I'll bet they'll know what's wrong with it once the warranty is over!
Also, in 3 months, I had one of the original tires literally explode as I was driving down the interstate with an 80 year old lady in the passenger seat. They would not honor ANY warranty on the tire AT ALL and I had to completely pay for a whole new tire.
I was unable to drive for 6 weeks, as I had surgery on my foot. I had a friend start my car from time to time and drive it for me. When I was able to drive again, I had a problem with it stalling out and it just stopped. It wasn't registering the oil correctly. I checked the oil and the stick showed empty. Thinking it was because it was a new car & had sat a while, since it was showing empty, I filled it up to the appropriate fill line. Not sure where it all was hiding, but after I filled it, then I had another problem. Upon checking the dip stick again...it was too full!!! I have no idea where that oil was hiding, but it went somewhere and nobody warned me that the car would stall out and become unable to start/drive if the car registered the oil was too low.
The last thing that warrants a comment is the customer service. I try to keep in mind that customer service doesn't really exist anymore, but when you spend the amount of money it takes to purchase a vehicle, service costs, along with repair costs, you absolutely DESERVE a little bit of customer service!!! None of the 3 KIA's I've done business with have been about the customer. They have all been pretty "Laissez-faire". The last phone call I made to make a service appointment, I actually got so tired of repeating myself that I told the representative that they didn't listen very well and I would appreciate it if they would please listen to me when I answer their questions. Nobody smiles or acts like they even want to be there, much less help you when you get there! I know, I've gotten old, and things have changed so much it's hard to get used to, but why do I have to get used to rude, depressive, non enthused employees that don't seem to want to have to be bothered by me or my cars issues enough to write up a ticket? Or they are all of 20-25 years old and know so much of everything and have super powers like X-Ray vision that enable them to diagnose electrical problems sight unseen?
Honestly.... I'm not impressed. I wish I could get out from under this car immediately and into something else, but I'm STUCK until I get it pd off. After this car, I don't feel like I will ever step foot on a KIA lot again or buy another KIA vehicle. My idea of how to conduct business & theirs are worlds apart. The car is nothing special & I won't repeat this experience (which I have since come to regret).
Little car with a lot of Zip!
5 out of 5 stars
Dennis , 01/30/2024
2023 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
I purchased this car last week. I was totally impressed by the amenities that were standard features. This 2023 KIA HATCHBACK is replacing my 2019 Nissan Kick (which I loved) but started to give me some Mechanical difficulties.
I receive better gas mileage than I ever did on my Nissan this vehicle also came with CarPlay, a transmission which you can actually put into manual mode— six … speakers, great air conditioner, and I must say when I’m behind the wheel—if I close my eyes I’d believe I would be driving my 2019 Kick (déjà vu)
I was looking for another small hatchback to replace my check and the price was right seems to be built with love and care and of course the warranty is totally out of this world at this moment in time I thoroughly recommend this car.
2023 Kia Rio S (Tech Package) Hatchback
5 out of 5 stars
Abby, 04/07/2024
2023 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
I’ve had this car for about 3 months. I have zero complaints when it comes to this little subcompact. As far as looks goes, I think it’s pretty sharp and modern looking, especially if you get the tech package with LED headlights. I got the Sporty Blue color and it really stands out. The CVT transmission is seamless. The gas milage is phenomenal. I am in my first two years of driving, and … bought this car with traveling from college to home (about a 2 hour drive) and I have no worries about it. If you’re a new driver or someone who isn’t worried about the prettiest or fanciest interior, and are looking for a cheap car that gets the job done AND THEN some, this car is excellent.
Good car, good price
5 out of 5 stars
cherylsteele, 03/19/2024
2023 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
Paid cash gor my brand new 2023 Kia Rio S at the local World Car Kia dealership in July of 2023, they offered free lifetime drivetrain warranty.
Have had no issues, except for being vandalized in October 2023, they TRIED to steal but only damaged the steering column. It has given me no problems.
My only regret isn't the fault of the car. I should have purchased a Sportage or something … similar due to it sitting so low, at the time I had no issue getting in the car, but have developed issues with nuclear stiffness. Mechanically no issues, and it has surprising relatively spacious interior and trunk space.
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The Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent are essentially reskinned versions of the same vehicle. That means they have the same engine and are very similarly sized. But there are a few differences. The Accent costs a little more than the Rio and justifies that price increase with improved interior materials and a quieter cabin. Note that Hyundai is discontinuing the Accent after the 2022 model year.
The Nissan Versa has a lot going for it. It's inexpensive, just like the Rio, and offers a bit more interior room. Unfortunately, the Versa is saddled with a weak engine that results in slow acceleration. Yes, the Rio is slow, but the Versa is even slower.
For not too much more than the Kia Rio, you could upgrade to the larger Kia Forte. Like the Rio, it comes packed with a ton of standard features, gets high fuel economy numbers and is backed by a very long warranty. The ride can be a little stiff by comparison, but that results in slightly better handling.
The Kia Rio is a solid choice for a subcompact sedan. It's affordable and easy to drive, and it has a more premium feel than you may expect to find in this budget-friendly class. Now, to get the obvious out of the way: The Rio is small. Very small. But it uses its pint size to its advantage more often than not, offering excellent fuel economy ratings and a small footprint that makes the Rio an appealing city car. Even the cargo space is acceptable, and if you opt for the 5-Door hatchback version, there is more room in the trunk than in many larger midsize sedans. You may also want to check out the Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa sedans for cross-shopping purposes, although those models do not offer a hatchback version.
This version of the Rio debuted for the 2018 model year and has had only nominal changes since then save for a slight restyling for 2021. Because of increased interest in crossovers and SUVs and waning demand for sedans, many automakers are slowly eliminating extra-small cars like the Rio. Kia hasn't pulled that plug yet, and we expect the Rio will live to see another model year. Still, it's unlikely the automaker will make major investments in a low-volume, affordable economy car. And for that reason, we don't expect much change for the 2023 model year.
Edmunds says
Without any major changes on the way, we expect the 2023 Kia Rio to offer solid value if you're shopping for a budget-friendly sedan. In particular, the Rio 5-Door hatchback is a unique and extra-functional option that deserves a look. Cars this size are becoming more rare on the market, but the Rio has enough redeeming qualities to warrant a look.
FAQ
Is the Kia Rio a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 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 2023 Kia Rio?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Kia Rio:
No significant changes for 2023
Part of the fourth Rio generation introduced for 2018
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 2023 Kia Rio a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Kia Rio is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 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 2023 Rio is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Kia Rio?
The least-expensive 2023 Kia Rio is the 2023 Kia Rio S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $17,690.
Other versions include:
S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $17,690
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
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