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.

543 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

Kia Rio2012 - 1 5-Door

£2,995

1.2L
132.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Staverton Cars Ltd

01242501515 *

4.5/5 Stars

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.4 2 Auto Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,590

Finance available £103 pm

1.4L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JD Car Sales (East Anglia) LTD

01603567764 *

Kia Rio2016 (16) - 1.25 SR7 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (84 bhp)

Low Mileage

£7,200

1.2L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Newton & Lee Automotive Ltd

01207263738 *

Kia Rio2021 - 1.0 T GDi 48V 118 3 5dr

£11,549

Finance available £229 pm

1L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.4 CRDi EcoDynamics 3 Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (89 bhp)

£3,275

Finance available £51 pm

1.4L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PEELS WHEELS LIMITED

01524938217 *

Kia Rio2022 (22) - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr

Reduced

£11,400

Finance available £232 pm

1.2L
41.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Kia - Bumpers Farm

01249477714 *

Kia Rio2015 (15) - 1.25 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (84 bhp)

Reduced

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

1.2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ross Car Sales

01792001616 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2013 - 1.25 1 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.2L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

M.J.S Cars LTD

02890023227 *

Kia Rio2018 (18) - 1.0 T-GDi First Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (118 bhp)

Low Mileage

£10,250

Finance available £190 pm

1L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£10,100

Finance available £181 pm

1.2L
20.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Kia Rio2011 - 1.3 1 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.2L
93.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Kia Rio2008 (58) - 1.4 2 5dr

£990

1.4L
265.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Variety Cars

01869221716 *

Kia Rio2014 - 2 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,290

Finance available £51 pm

1.2L
90.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CSK Motors

01709288247 *

4.2/5 Stars

Kia Rio2022 - T-GDi MHEV GT-Line S 5-Door

£10,440

Finance available £211 pm

1L
83.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

RB AUTOS SW LIMITED TA Bristol Car Centre

01172331345 *

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

Reduced

£6,299

Finance available £118 pm

1.2L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Top Lane Cars Ltd

01942559253 *

Kia Rio2023 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,298

1L
9.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Stoke on Trent)

01782432704 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2016 (65) - 1.25 SR7 5dr ++ 35 TAX / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / SENSORS

Low Mileage

£5,775

Finance available £107 pm

1.2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Kia Rio2009 (59) - 1.4 16V 5DR

£2,995

1.4L
20.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Newton Car & Van Centre

01772958110 *

Kia Rio2015 (64) - 1.2 SR7 5d 83 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.2L
70.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Dunfermline

01383347038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

Reduced

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

1.2L
31.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Downeys

02891638522 *

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

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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* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used Kia Rio snapshot review

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