Which is the most popular engine in the Kia Rio?

The diesel engines weren't offered for nearly as long as the petrol, so they can be much more difficult to find. Among used cars, most of the Rios have a petrol engine, which balances power and efficiency.

Which are the most popular model variants?

Kia offered the Rio in several models, known as 1, 2 and 3. There were also GT-Line and GT-Line S models. The most popular among used Rios is the 2 with its standard touchscreen display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors and reversing camera.

What optional extras should I look out for?

Top-spec models have leather upholstery with heated seats for a more premium experience. Customers should also look out for added safety features, such as lane departure warning and emergency braking. There is also a wide range of wheels, including some larger alloys.

Is the Kia Rio a good family car?

Even though the Kia Rio is a smaller model, there's a decent amount of space for a growing family. The back seat space is perfect for children and the boot accommodates a couple of suitcases or some groceries.

Is there a hybrid version of the Kia Rio?

Even though Kia included some mild-hybrid technology with a few of the engines, a plug-in hybrid wasn't offered. However, even the petrol engines were fairly economical, with the 1.25-litre motor having a rating of up to 58mpg.

Is the Kia Rio available as an automatic?

While Kia did offer an automatic transmission with the Rio lineup, it's not a popular option among used models. It's much easier to find one of the more affordable manual gearbox models.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

No, all Kia Rio models come equipped with front-wheel drive. This configuration is common among this segment because it's a cheaper and more economical way to build a vehicle.

520 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

Kia Rio2008 (08) - 1.5 CRDi Ice Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual (119 g/km, 108 bhp)

Low Mileage

£2,495

1.5L
81.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jefferies Car Centre Ltd

01373489224 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,048

1.2L
10.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Glyn Hopkin Kia Romford

02039577344 *

Kia Rio2023 - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,498

1.2L
4.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Wishaw)

01698537718 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2018 (68) - 1.4 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto 6 Spd Euro 6 (98 bhp)

Low Mileage

£10,499

1.4L
27.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Atherton

01942597176 *

Kia Rio2018 (18) - 1.25 1 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 bhp)

Low Mileage

£8,299

Finance available £163 pm

1.2L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Keeble (Bramford) Ltd

01473354329 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2009 (09) - 1.4 Chill 5dr

Low Mileage

£795

1.4L
101.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Otho Cars Ltd

01612415925 *

Kia Rio2021 - 1.0 T Gdi Mhev 3 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid Dct Euro 6 s/s 118 Bhp

Low Mileage

£15,995

1L
10.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Bury St Edmunds

01284338954 *

4.6/5 Stars

Kia Rio2017 (66) - 1.25 SR7 Euro 6 3dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

1.2L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SRE Motors Ltd

01782432860 *

Kia Rio2023 - 1.0 T GDi 48V 118 3 5dr DCT

Low Mileage

£17,072

1L
10.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Glyn Hopkin Kia Romford

02039577344 *

Kia Rio2011 (11) - 1.4 Domino 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,699

1.4L
80.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Kia Rio2022 (22) - 1.2 1 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 bhp)

£9,990

Finance available £164 pm

1.2L
29.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vicarage Car Sales Ltd

01733977947 *

0/5 Stars

Kia Rio2017 (67) - 1.4 CRDi 3 Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (89 bhp)

Low Mileage

£8,295

1.4L
50.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

Kia Rio2016 (65) - 1.25 SR7 3dr

£2,995

1.2L
126.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Garage Services Stockton Ltd

01642030198 *

Kia Rio2022 (72) - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£11,984

1.2L
7.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Peugeot Oxford

01865593681 *

4.5/5 Stars

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.4 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (107 bhp)

Low Mileage

£4,999

1.4L
60.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Barbourne Car Sales Ltd

01905678575 *

4.6/5 Stars

Kia Rio2015 (15) - 1.25 SR7 3dr

£3,895

Finance available £65 pm

1.2L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jls Holdings

01530448591 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.0 T GDi 48V 118 GT-Line S 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,498

1L
11.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2017 - 1.4 CRDi 1 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

1.4L
55.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mervyn Purdy Motors

02890023759 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.0 T GDI 48V 118 GT-LINE S 5DR

Low Mileage

£15,295

Finance available £269 pm

1L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Kia Harpenden

01582341122 *

0/5 Stars

Kia Rio2016 (16) - 1.25 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.2L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arcadia Garage Exmouth

01395204040 *

Why buy a used Kia Rio?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, well-equipped and reasonably priced, then a used Kia Rio is a great choice. Because it's larger than most rivals, it offers a decent amount of interior space, and it has a practical cabin filled with plenty of standard kit. The efficient petrol engines create a smooth driving experience while keeping the cost to run lower.

Used Kia Rio snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Bigger than most rivals
Excellent ride
Good interior space

Cons

Fairly basic
Limited engine and trim choices
Lacks character

Read our Kia Rio review

Kia Rio video review

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Different generations of used Kia Rio

The Kia Rio was launched in other parts of the world at the beginning of 2000, but it didn't arrive in the UK until 2003. The budget-friendly hatchback has made it through four generations with constant evolution and upgrades. While it has been offered in several bodystyles and with multiple powertrain options, Kia discontinued the Rio in the UK following the 2023 model.

Fourth Generation (2020 to 2023)

With the release of the fourth generation, Kia pulled in the back end of the Rio to make it more compact. The three-door variant was dropped, but the five-door remained, offering a practical and spacious option for a small hatchback.

A facelift was released in 2020 with a massive grille added to the lower bumper section, giving it a bolder appearance. Its angular headlights also revealed LED daytime running lights, while fog lights sat along the side scoops that brought air into the brakes for added cooling.

Fuel type:: Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 1.2
MPG:: 49 - 54
Acceleration:: 9.8 - 12.7 seconds
Boot space:: 325 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 3 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.0 T GDi 48V 118 3 5dr
Cheapest
1.25 1 5dr
Fastest
1.0 T GDi 48V 118 3 5dr

Third Generation (2011 to 2020)

During the third generation of the Rio, tere were some updates made to the powertrain offerings, including more refined and economical engine options.

When it came to the hatchback models, the three- and five-door variants both featured a swept-back headlight design and the tiger-nose grille. In the lower bumper, there was an upside-down trapezoidal grille that was outfitted with side air scoops.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 1.4
MPG:: 41 - 88
Acceleration:: 9.8 - 16.1 seconds
Boot space:: 288 - 352 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 3 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.0 T GDi 2 5dr
Cheapest
1.25 1 3dr
Fastest
1.0 T GDi 118 GT-Line 5dr

Second Generation (2005 to 2011)

The second-generation Rio hatchback had class-leading interior room and power. Kia also added more airbags, ensuring better safety for passengers. A longer wheelbase helped to increase the interior volume, while Kia made the exterior design bold and sporty.

The saloon model also received some upgrades with higher-quality interior materials and enhanced comfort features. Kia ensured that all the available space in the cabin was used to the maximum, making the Rio a practical option.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.4 - 1.6
MPG:: 39 - 62
Acceleration:: 10.2 - 14.5 seconds
Boot space:: 270 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 5dr
Cheapest
1.4 5dr
Fastest
1.6 Sport 5dr

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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