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.

550 Used Kia Rio cars for sale

Kia Rio2017 (67) - 1.25 2 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (83 bhp)

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.2L
58.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Leeds Motor Company (Commercial Road)

01134676267 *

Kia Rio2012 (62) - 1.25 2 Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,999

1.2L
58.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Haydon Car Sales

01793268767 *

Kia Rio2017 (17) - 1.0 T-GDi 3 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,700

Finance available £83 pm

1L
116.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Finance Carshop Limited

01165093339 *

Kia Rio2016 (66) - 1.4 EcoDynamics 3 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

1.4L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Meadway Autoland

01216475215 *

1/5 Stars

Kia Rio2012 (62) - 1.4 2 Hatchback 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,390

1.4L
67.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

PRIME CARZ DEALER LTD

02039874678 *

Kia Rio2022 (71) - 1.0 T-GDi 2 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,750

1L
42.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark Kia Peterhead

01779400351 *

Kia Rio2021 - 1.0 Rio 2 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1L
78.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Malt Mill Motors Ltd

01156848099 *

Kia Rio2017 (67) - 1.0 T-GDi 3 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (99 bhp)

£6,495

Finance available £129 pm

1L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hadden Hill Cars

01235421961 *

Kia Rio2015 - 1.25 1 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,485

1.2L
79.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Save On Used Cars

01724514218 *

Kia Rio2022 (72) - 1.0 T-GDi MHEV 3 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (118 bhp)

Low Mileage

£14,595

1L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 2 5dr

£13,298

1.2L
28.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Wigan)

01942597310 *

4.7/5 Stars

Kia Rio2013 (63) - 1.25 2 Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,595

Finance available £80 pm

1.2L
56.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GD Motors

03030037968 *

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

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

Kia Rio2014 (14) - 1.25 VR7 Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

1.2L
82.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chigwell Motors Ltd

02038051077 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 DPi 2 5-Door

£10,197

Finance available £197 pm

1.2L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Grimsby

01472806810 *

4.6/5 Stars

Kia Rio2012 - 1.4 CRDi 3 EcoDynamics 5dr

£2,495

1.4L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

J C Motors

02890023666 *

Kia Rio2022 - 1.0 T GDi 2 5dr

£11,999

Finance available £241 pm

1L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Kia Rio2021 - 1.2 DPi 2 5-Door

£10,797

Finance available £210 pm

1.2L
37.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

Kia Rio2022 - 1.2 1 Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 83 Bhp

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £219 pm

1.2L
24.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Cambridge

01223800992 *

0/5 Stars

Kia Rio2018 - 1.25 1 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.2L
74.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carzone NI

02868330163 *

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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