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.

583 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,498

1.2L
9.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2012 (62) - 1.4 2 Auto Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,250

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chigwell Motors Ltd

02037808967 *

Kia Rio2021 - 1.2 1 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 83 Bhp

Low Mileage

£10,495

1.2L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Ely

01353883783 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2016 (16) - 1.25 SR7 Euro 6 5dr

£3,290

Finance available £51 pm

1.2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Sales Wolverhampton ltd

01902907842 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,949

Finance available £302 pm

1L
12.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01473356705 *

4.2/5 Stars

Kia Rio2015 - 1.2 SR7, Used Cars Ely, Cambridge 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,999

1.2L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Criteria Cars (UK) Ltd

01353881708 *

4.9/5 Stars

Kia Rio2012 (12) - 1.1 CRDi 2 EcoDynamics 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.1L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rutherglen Motor Company

01414049997 *

Kia Rio2023 (23) - 1.0 T Gdi 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (99 Bhp)

Low Mileage

£14,481

Finance available £248 pm

1L
4.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Drayton Motors Kia Louth

01506379771 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,498

1.2L
10.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Wakefield Motorstore / Vanstore

01924664046 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2015 - 1.25 1 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,485

1.2L
79.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Save On Used Cars

01724514218 *

Kia Rio2017 - 1.4 2 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£11,399

Finance available £225 pm

1.4L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

cinch

01312874330 *

4.2/5 Stars

Kia Rio2019 - 1.0 T GDi 118 GT-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,950

37.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Honda Harrogate

01423648264 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,099

Finance available £265 pm

1L
16.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Kia Rio2012 (12) - 1.25 1 Air 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.2L
82.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pontardulais Motor Company Swansea

01792940427 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

£10,690

Finance available £178 pm

1.2L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Downeys

02891638522 *

Kia Rio2023 - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr

£13,998

1.2L
19.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Peugeot/Mazda

01592407370 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2021 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,998

Finance available £208 pm

1L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Newcastle BYD

01916071118 *

Kia Rio2019 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,798

1L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leyland)

01772283744 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2023 - 1.0 T Gdi Mhev 3 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid Dct Euro 6 s/s 118 Bhp

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £350 pm

1L
16.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Thetford

01842772147 *

4.8/5 Stars

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,498

1.2L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark St Helens Renault / Dacia / Vanstore

01744419406 *

4.7/5 Stars

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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* 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

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year

Shop by Other Models

Fourth Generation (2020 to 2023)

Third Generation (2011 to 2020)

Second Generation (2005 to 2011)

Which is the most popular engine in the Kia Rio?

Which are the most popular model variants?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the Kia Rio a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the Kia Rio?

Is the Kia Rio available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

583 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

Kia Rio2012 (62) - 1.4 2 Auto Euro 5 5dr

Kia Rio2021 - 1.2 1 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 83 Bhp

Kia Rio2016 (16) - 1.25 SR7 Euro 6 5dr

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

Kia Rio2015 - 1.2 SR7, Used Cars Ely, Cambridge 5-Door

Kia Rio2012 (12) - 1.1 CRDi 2 EcoDynamics 5dr

Kia Rio2023 (23) - 1.0 T Gdi 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (99 Bhp)

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

Kia Rio2015 - 1.25 1 3dr

Kia Rio2017 - 1.4 2 5dr Auto

Kia Rio2019 - 1.0 T GDi 118 GT-Line 5dr

Kia Rio2022 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Kia Rio2012 (12) - 1.25 1 Air 5dr

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

Kia Rio2023 - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr

Kia Rio2021 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Kia Rio2019 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Kia Rio2023 - 1.0 T Gdi Mhev 3 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid Dct Euro 6 s/s 118 Bhp

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 1 5dr

Why buy a used Kia Rio?

Used Kia Rio snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Cons

Kia Rio video review

Used Kia Rio buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Search used Kia Rio by type

Find a specific Kia Rio

Shop by Trim

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year

Shop by Other Models

Different generations of used Kia Rio

Fourth Generation (2020 to 2023)

Third Generation (2011 to 2020)

Second Generation (2005 to 2011)

Used Kia Rio FAQ's

Which is the most popular engine in the Kia Rio?

Which are the most popular model variants?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the Kia Rio a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the Kia Rio?

Is the Kia Rio available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for