Sedan · Gas
Kia Rio 2018-2023 (YB)
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- Price
- $13,900–$17,900
- MPG
- 36
- Strength: Strong running costs
- Strength: Strong reliability
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Below-average driving fun
How it scores for you10 scores
One of the last honest cheap cars — frugal, tidy to drive, and dependable, provided you accept small-car space and spartan ambitions.
Recalled far less often than cars of the same model years; none of its 3 recalls were serious. About 15% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted +5 points for its wider reputation.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $1,800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 79% of cars we track.
13.7 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 12% of other sedans we track.
Snug rear seat; the 13.7 cu ft trunk is fine for the segment.
Tidy handling for a subcompact and a slick IVT; power is barely adequate.
A standard 8-inch touchscreen with CarPlay from 2020 is generous at the price; driver aids stay minimal.
A surprisingly grown-up ride for the class; noise still betrays the price.
Typical resale value for a sedan.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls6 recalls
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
6 recalls · 2 common complaint areas across 2018–2022
- Engine — 9 complaints (2018)
- Recall — Steering: column (2022)
- Unknown or other — 8 complaints (2019)
2023
No recorded issues.
2022
- RecallSteering: column22V304000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
2021
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder21V936000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
- RecallSteering: column22V304000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
2020
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder21V936000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other5 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car acted like it haD a dead battery. This happened once before and after about 10 minutes when I tried starting it it started with no problems. this happened a couple of months the ago. This time, as I was sitting in the car the seat belt light came on but I couldn't wait for the issue to res
2019
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: LATCH21V622000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other8 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There was no accident the radio/backup camera shuts down completely on the inside of the car when the car is too hot inside
2018
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: LATCH21V622000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle
- Complaint clusterEngine9 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption defect acknowledged in Kia TSB ENG222. Repeated catalytic converter failures indicate potential overheating risk similar to 2019 Gamma engine recall for fire hazard. Engine burning oil creates risk of critically low oil levels leading to engine failure/stalling
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other5 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
For the past year and few months I’ve been having to do an oil change every two weeks because of how fast the engine is burning the oil. Several times I arrive to the shop to find the oil pan is completely empty causing issues with my engine beginning to make strange noises that are concerning. The
Cost to own$14,700 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$13,900–$17,900
Estimated used price, by model year
$1,800/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
33
Highway MPG
41
Combined MPG
36
Horsepower
130 hp
Doors
4
Cargo volume
13.7 cu ft
Limited data — dimensions unavailable.
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