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.

533 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

Kia Rio2015 (65) - MUST READ ADVERT!! 1.25 SR7 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (84 bhp) **M

£2,395

1.2L
94.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

Kia Rio2015 - 1.4 ISG 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.4L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Kirkburn Cars

01377310284 *

Kia Rio2014 (64) - 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics 2 Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (74 bhp)

£2,795

1.1L
103.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cheshire Motor Car Sales Ltd

01618042270 *

3.2/5 Stars

Kia Rio2018 - 1.4 2 Auto Euro 6 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,788

Finance available £196 pm

1.4L
35.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Traders

02037808158 *

3.8/5 Stars

Kia Rio2017 - 1.2 Rio 1 5dr

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

1.2L
92.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Value Vehicles Essex

01206580987 *

Kia Rio2019 - 1.0 T GDi 3 5dr

Reduced

£5,295

1L
118.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

All Right Autos

01482426475 *

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.4 2 5dr ISG

Low Mileage

£5,295

1.4L
39.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mcmullin Motors

01752973034 *

Kia Rio2019 - 1.25 1 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.2L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hawkins Motors

01939550262 *

Kia Rio2015 - 1.25 SR7 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,998

1.2L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Liverpool Motorstore / MG

01513179472 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2023 - 1.2 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 83 Bhp

Low Mileage

£13,890

Finance available £288 pm

1.2L
18.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mantles Kia Royston

01763290369 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,498

1.2L
9.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2020 - 1.0 T GDi 118 GT-Line 5dr DCT

Low Mileage

£12,732

1L
30.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kia Stockport

01615071267 *

0/5 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 Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 Manual 5-Door

£11,295

Finance available £190 pm

1.2L
25.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Boongate Kia

01733667444 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2017 (17) - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

£7,595

Finance available £147 pm

1L
77.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Frontrunners

07768182737 *

4.8/5 Stars

Kia Rio2014 (64) - 1.25 1 Euro 5 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,395

Finance available £76 pm

1.2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridge Moor Motor Company

01618048268 *

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 Rio2019 - 1.0 T GDi 118 GT-Line S 5dr Manual

Reduced

£11,499

Finance available £235 pm

1L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Warehouse Swansea

01792001637 *

3.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 bhp) Manual

Reduced

£9,995

1.2L
51.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Days Llansamlet

01792739702 *

4.2/5 Stars

Kia Rio2020 - 1.2 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 83 Bhp

Low Mileage

£11,999

1.2L
32.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Hawick

01450390326 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='xjIWWvLXEZk']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/xjIWWvLXEZk/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='xjIWWvLXEZk']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.

View guides

* 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.