GREEN CHOICE

Kia Rio

Name: 2017 Kia Rio
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 31 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 31 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Rio is a solid, well-equipped, and reasonably refined subcompact. Although it scores among the better cars in this segment, fuel economy is only average for class. Our automatic transmission hatchback was not overly noisy or uncomfortable and got 29 mpg overall -- which isn't stellar for the class. The sedan version (which we also tested) returned 30 mpg. Typical ride, noise and space limitations, expected from a subcompact car, also count against it. Benefits include nimble handling, a smooth transmission, simple controls, and plenty of equipment for the price.

2017 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Rio

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Volt

Ford C-MAX

Honda Fit

Hyundai Elantra

See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2017 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2017 Kia Rio

$5,750 - $7,425

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

$5,825 - $8,225

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Chevrolet Sonic

$5,325 - $6,700

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Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Chevrolet Spark

$6,225 - $7,175

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Chevrolet Volt

$8,500 - $10,125

53 miles

42 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

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Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Ford C-MAX

$7,775 - $10,800

EPA MPG 39 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Honda Fit

$10,150 - $12,750

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

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2017 Hyundai Accent

$4,175 - $6,225

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Hyundai Elantra

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Hyundai Elantra GT

$ NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Kia Forte

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Road test

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Road test

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2017 Nissan Versa Note

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2017 Subaru Impreza

$8,600 - $12,575

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2017 Toyota Corolla

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2017 Toyota Corolla iM

$10,850

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Toyota Prius C

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EPA MPG 46 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Toyota Prius Prime

$14,775 - $17,850

25 miles

54 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Toyota Prius V

$14,275 - $16,425

EPA MPG 42 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2017 Toyota Yaris

$7,800 - $10,850

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Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Toyota Yaris iA

$9,325

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Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Volkswagen Golf

$8,050 - $19,550

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

$10,725 - $12,650

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Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

$ NA

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2017 Volkswagen Jetta

$7,475 - $12,375

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 (138 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2018-2023

2018 Redesign Year

With its all-new platform, the fourth-generation Rio sedan and hatchback sit lower, wider, and slightly longer than before. The changes bring increased passenger space for both the front and rear seats. Cabin technology makes a step forward, with the top-level EX trim benefiting from a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, along with voice recognition, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine essentially carries over, though it sees horsepower decrease by 8 notches in the interest of fuel economy--a notable shortcoming with the last-tested Rio. A reworked suspension will hopefully address the stiff feel found on the previous model. Automatic emergency braking for city/urban speed is available. The Rio is available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The EX trim and manual transmission were discontinued for 2019. Changes for 2020 included a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a CVT.

2012-2017

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign was a leap forward, making the Rio feel solid compared with some other subcompacts, bringing more power and space and better handling, along with a six-speed automatic transmission for better gas mileage. The typical ride, noise and space limitations -- expected from a subcompact car -- count against it. However, benefits include nimble handling, a smooth transmission, simple controls, and plenty of equipment for the price. Antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard. Higher trim models offer unexpected amenities such as heated seats and a rear-view camera.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

The 2006 redesign makes the Rio a reasonable alternative to larger compacts. The ride is relatively comfortable and quiet, which makes this iteration of the Rio pleasant to drive. Most drivers found a comfortable seating position with plenty of room, though some found the tilt-only steering wheel was positioned too close ' yes -- for comfort. Controls are simple to use. Interior storage is modest. The sedan can hold more luggage than the hatchback with the rear seats up, but both have 60/40-split seats that fold to expand cargo capacity. Still though, the hatchback offers added cargo flexibility. Fuel economy is very good and handling is secure -- though not sporty. Standard curtain airbags are a plus.

2001-2005

2001 Redesign Year

The Rio has come a long way from its cheap roots. This corporate cousin to the Hyundai Accent used to epitomize the stiff-riding, noisy subcompact sedan. For 2001, the interior is put together well, the car is easy to park, and the Rio provides a tolerable ride. Handling is secure but not very agile. Still though, some vestiges of past transgressions remain, the cabin is noisy and cramped, it's not very quick, and braking is subpar. Antilock brakes (ABS) were offered starting with the 2005 model year.