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.
Used Kia Rio cars for sale
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.
Latest used Kia Rio
Kia, Rio
2021 (71) - Kia Rio
32Reduced
£15,995
Finance available £335 pm
*Representative example
- 1L
- Miles
2.5K
- Petrol
- Semi Auto
- Hatchback
Kia, Rio
2021 - Kia Rio
26Low Mileage
£15,999
Finance available £335 pm
*Representative example
- 1L
- Miles
12.5K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Hatchback
N K Motors Derby
Kia, Rio
2018 - Kia Rio
12Low Mileage
£9,998
- 1L
- Miles
33.6K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Arnold Clark Kia (Aberdeen)
Kia, Rio
2015 (15) - Kia Rio
39£5,880
Finance available £109 pm
*Representative example
- 1.4L
- Miles
74.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Kia, Rio
2021 - Kia Rio
12Low Mileage
£14,298
- 1.2L
- Miles
13.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore
Kia, Rio
2011 (61) - Kia Rio
19Low Mileage
£2,250
Finance available £27 pm
*Representative example
- 1.4L
- Miles
76.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
The Drivers Gallery Ltd
Kia, Rio
2016 - Kia Rio
12Low Mileage
£7,298
- 1.2L
- Miles
44.4K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Arnold Clark Perth Vauxhall/Fiat/Abarth/Jeep/Vanstore
Kia, Rio
2019 (19) - Kia Rio
25£7,647
Finance available £148 pm
*Representative example
- 1L
- Miles
78.6K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Kia, Rio
2016 - Kia Rio
36Low Mileage
£7,580
- 1.2L
- Miles
43.4K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Marshall Nissan Doncaster
Kia, Rio
2019 - Kia Rio
38£7,379
Finance available £142 pm
*Representative example
- 1.2L
- Miles
59.3K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Premier Car Supermarket Kettering Ltd
Kia, Rio
2023 (23) - Kia Rio
25£15,383
Finance available £321 pm
*Representative example
- 1.2L
- Miles
14.2K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Allen Kia Bath
Kia Rio snapshot review
Pros
- Bigger than most rivals
- Excellent ride
- Good interior space
Cons
- Fairly basic
- Limited engine and trim choices
- Lacks character
Kia Rio by type
Used Kia Rio information
Engines and transmissions
Kia has built the Rio with diesel and petrol engines, an automatic or a manual gearbox, and front-wheel drive.
Petrol- 1.25-litre four-cylinder produces 83bhp for a 0-60mph time of 12.5 seconds and an efficiency rating of up to 58mpg, depending on the model variant.
- 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo increases the output to 99bhp or 118bhp, with both achieving around 54mpg.
- 1.4-litre engine produces 98bhp but reduces the fuel economy rating to 49mpg.
- Older 1.4-litre CRDi engine outputs either 76bhp or 89bhp, but all diesels were discontinued in later models.
- Fuel economy reached up to 80mpg.
Practicality
The Kia Rio is a compact car, but it offers a large amount of space, creating a practical and affordable option for growing families.
Interior space- Adjustable driver's seat allows a tall adult to get comfortable.
- Taller passengers can fit in the back seat if there are smaller passengers in the front.
- ISOFIX points allow for easier installation of child seats.
- 325-litre boot can hold a couple of suitcases or weekly shopping bags.
- Back seats fold down nearly flat, allowing larger items to be packed.
- Hatchback model has been available in three- or five-door bodystyles.
- Five-door saloon has a boot lid instead of a tailgate.
Safety
- 2017 Euro NCAP rating was three out of five stars.
- 85% rating given for adult occupant, with 84% given for child occupant.
- Standard kit includes several airbags, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
Technology
- Standard Bluetooth and DAB radio offer decent technology for a low price.
- Available 8.0-inch touchscreen display has clear graphics and is responsive.
- Built-in satnav was available with some models, adding more functionality.
Kia Rio generations
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:
- Acceleration:
- 9.8 - 12.7 seconds
- Boot space:
- 325 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 3 / 5 stars
Greenest
1.25 1 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:
- 44 - 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
Used Kia Rio information
Used Kia Rio FAQ's
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.
Find a specific Kia Rio
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Transmission
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Buying a used car checklist: what to look for
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