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.

575 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

Kia Rio2020 (70) - 1.0 T-GDi 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (99 bhp)

£12,799

1L
6.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

Kia Rio2023 - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,498

1.2L
16.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Dundee Vauxhall / Fiat / Abarth

01382768498 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2011 (11) - 1.4 Domino 5dr

£1,450

1.4L
118.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WK Salvage Ltd

01621734603 *

Kia Rio2015 (15) - 1.25 SR7 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,950

Finance available £88 pm

1.2L
60.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Four Crosses Garage

01743292166 *

4.3/5 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 Rio2013 (63) - 1.4 2 Euro 5 5dr

£2,495

1.4L
150.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oak Street Cars

01603931802 *

4.6/5 Stars

Kia Rio2020 - 1.25 1 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,750

Finance available £143 pm

1.2L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stewart McClelland Cars

02838298949 *

Kia Rio2018 (18) - 1.25 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 bhp)

Low Mileage

£9,595

Finance available £192 pm

1.2L
17.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

Kia Rio2015 (15) - 1.4 CRDi 2 5dr

£1,495

1.4L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Kia Rio2013 (13) - 1.4 2 Euro 5 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,195

1.4L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stevenage Cars

01438908360 *

4/5 Stars

Kia Rio2012 (12) - 1.4 2 5dr

£1,995

1.4L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DALE CARS LTD

01506376841 *

0/5 Stars

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

£14,299

Finance available £288 pm

1L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01733309722 *

4.2/5 Stars

Kia Rio2010 (10) - 1.4 Strike 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,650

1.4L
75.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stealth Motor Sales LTD

01296322619 *

Kia Rio2011 (11) - 1.4 2 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.4L
68.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DAN AUTO

01616944535 *

Kia Rio2012 - CRDi EcoDynamics 1 Air 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,495

1.1L
105.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Powells Motors Ltd

01709919677 *

Kia Rio2011 - 1.4 Domino 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,795

1.4L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

London Broadway Car Sales Ltd

02037808913 *

Kia Rio2021 - 1.2 1 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 bhp)

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.2L
94.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorology

01515417934 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 2 5-Door

£9,497

Finance available £182 pm

1.2L
65.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Grimsby

01472806810 *

4.6/5 Stars

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.25 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,295

1.2L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mineral Motors Ltd

01223483634 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,299

Finance available £275 pm

1L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 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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