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.

540 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

Kia Rio2021 (71) - 1.0 T-GDi MHEV 3 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (118 bhp)

£12,995

1L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,423

1L
17.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Glyn Hopkin Kia Romford

02039577344 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.0 T GDI 2 5DR

Low Mileage

£12,990

1L
20.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Kia Oxford

01865590944 *

Kia Rio2012 - 1.3 2 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,950

Finance available £66 pm

1.2L
55.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elite Cars Direct Limited

01164785127 *

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.25 2 3dr

Reduced

£2,490

1.2L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

A.M.W. Cars Sales

01280731645 *

Kia Rio2012 (62) - 1.25 1 Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,650

1.2L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

IMPERIAL MOTOR SALES LTD

01217525222 *

Kia Rio2012 (12) - 3 3-Door

Low Mileage

£3,195

Finance available £49 pm

1.4L
95.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

River Autos Limited

02039577470 *

Kia Rio2023 (23) - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£13,200

1L
18.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Kia Nottingham

01158222424 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2009 (59) - 1.5 CRDi Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

1.5L
81.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

A J Cars

01182142079 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 83 Bhp

Low Mileage

£14,150

Finance available £288 pm

1.2L
9.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Ely

01353883783 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2018 - 1.25 1 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.2L
74.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carzone NI

02868330163 *

Kia Rio2012 - CRDI 1 AIR ECODYNAMICS 5-Door

£2,195

1.1L
110.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SILVERSTONE CAR LTD

01767668790 *

Kia Rio2018 (18) - 2 ONLY 24,465 MILES 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

1L
24.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Roundstone Car Sales

01903944818 *

Kia Rio2012 (12) - 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics 2 Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (74 bhp)

£3,100

Finance available £47 pm

1.1L
109.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S & J Cars and Commercials

01353883787 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPI 2 5DR

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.2L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Kia Harpenden

01582341122 *

0/5 Stars

Kia Rio2017 - 1.4 2 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£9,998

1.4L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Shiremoor Motorstore / MG / BYD / Vanstore

01913236408 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2016 - 1.25 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.2L
67.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

J26 Car Sales

02890023659 *

Kia Rio2021 (71) - 1.0 T-GDi MHEV 3 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (118 bhp)

£13,990

1L
37.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Kia Rio2018 (68) - 1.0 T-GDi GT-Line S Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (118 bhp)

Low Mileage

£10,999

1L
30.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Atherton

01942597176 *

Kia Rio2015 (64) - 1.4 CRDi 3 EcoDynamics 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mcr24 LIMITED

01616942465 *

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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Used Kia Rio snapshot review

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