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.

532 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

Kia Rio2015 (65) - 1.25 SR7 5dr

£3,395

Finance available £54 pm

1.2L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quattro Trade

01304799688 *

Kia Rio2017 (67) - 1.25 1 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,150

Finance available £93 pm

1.2L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Poolstock Car Sales Limited

01942597424 *

4.4/5 Stars

Kia Rio2021 (21) - 1.0 T-GDi MHEV 3 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (118 bhp)

£8,395

1L
93.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

Kia Rio2015 (15) - 1.25 1 Euro 6 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,790

Finance available £85 pm

1.2L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Globe Limited

01908765760 *

4.5/5 Stars

Kia Rio2015 (65) - 1.25 1 3-Door

Low Mileage

£5,875

Finance available £109 pm

1.2L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Balmoral Motor Company Limited

01313702477 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£11,395

1.2L
18.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dudley Motor Co

01384454100 *

3.6/5 Stars

Kia Rio2021 - 1.2 Rio 2 5dr

£8,999

1.2L
73.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Drive Dayles Ltd

01206355498 *

Kia Rio2015 - 1.3 SR7 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.2L
77.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

One2one VEHICLE SALES LTD

01775661271 *

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics 2 Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,799

Finance available £74 pm

1.1L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CG MOTORLAND LIMITED

01162165595 *

Kia Rio2015 (15) - 1.25 SR7 Euro 6 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,700

Finance available £105 pm

1.2L
55.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

THE SURREY CAR COMPANY LIMITED

01172332003 *

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.4 2 3dr ISG

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £79 pm

1.4L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sandygate Cars Ltd

01282509458 *

4.8/5 Stars

Kia Rio2012 (61) - 1.1 CRDi 2 EcoDynamics 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £127 pm

1.1L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kernow Kars Ltd

01326330754 *

Kia Rio2021 - 1.2 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 bhp) Manual

£11,345

1.2L
31.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Epsom

01372231864 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2011 - Hatchback 1.4 Manual Petrol 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,495

1.4L
92.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTO UK

01484248051 *

Kia Rio2016 (66) - 1.25 EcoDynamics SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (84 bhp)

Low Mileage

£8,790

Finance available £174 pm

1.2L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

NeilKieran Automotive

01325525221 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,698

1L
9.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Dundee Vauxhall / Fiat / Abarth

01382768498 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2018 (18) - 1.0 T GDi 118 First Edition 5dr

Reduced

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

1L
59.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ashford Orbital Kia

01233223702 *

Kia Rio2022 (22) - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,399

Finance available £219 pm

1.2L
5.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Flear & Thomson Ltd

01383660628 *

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.25 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

1.2L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mineral Motors Ltd

01223483634 *

Kia Rio2016 (66) - '2' 1.25 5-Door From £8,195 + Retail Package

Reduced

£8,195

1.2L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hesketh Cars

01253201512 *

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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