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.

560 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.2L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Alpheton Garage Ltd

01787323800 *

4.4/5 Stars

Kia Rio2009 (09) - Rio 16V 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,250

1.4L
104.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Meadow Car Sales

01733915228 *

Kia Rio2021 - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr

£10,740

1.2L
38.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall SEAT Oxford

01235420017 *

Kia Rio2022 (22) - 1.0 T GDi 48V 118 3 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£11,500

1L
45.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Bolton

01204329200 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2018 (68) - 1.0 T-GDi 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (99 bhp)

£8,980

Finance available £178 pm

1L
60.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jacksons Motor Group

01905958963 *

Kia Rio2022 (22) - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£11,112

1.2L
52.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Kia Edinburgh

01312027967 *

4.5/5 Stars

Kia Rio2022 (72) - 1.0 T-GDi 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (99 bhp)

£12,995

1L
37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FJ Chalke Kia - Yeovil

01935311804 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,795

1L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Kia Rio2022 (22) - 1.2 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 bhp)

£10,850

Finance available £194 pm

1.2L
47.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

Kia Rio2018 (18) - 1.25 1 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.2L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EQUUS VEHICLES LIMITED

01325521615 *

Kia Rio2012 (62) - 1.4 3 5dr ISG

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.4L
100.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bestway Motors Ltd

01299660753 *

Kia Rio2011 (11) - 1.4 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
88.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bells Garage

01562541209 *

4.4/5 Stars

Kia Rio2011 - 2 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,987

1.2L
84.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Motor Brokers

01922661947 *

0/5 Stars

Kia Rio2008 (08) - 1.4 2 5dr

Reduced

£2,395

1.4L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Z & A Cars

01733666985 *

Kia Rio2015 - 1.2 SR7 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,999

1.2L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Criteria Cars (UK) Ltd

01353881708 *

4.9/5 Stars

Kia Rio2014 (14) - 1.25 1 Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,195

Finance available £49 pm

1.2L
80.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

More Motors Ltd

02038737379 *

Kia Rio2015 (15) - 1.25 2 Euro 6 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

1.2L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

Kia Rio2015 (15) - 1.4 CRDi 3 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.4L
137.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

Kia Rio2013 (13) - 1.25 2 Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,525

Finance available £79 pm

1.2L
56.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ASM AUTOS LTD

01216618737 *

Kia Rio2014 (63) - 1.4 2 3dr 1 OWNER

Low Mileage

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
70.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Neath Abbey Cars Ltd

01639501158 *

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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