Kia Rio review (2017-2023)
It’s one of the world’s most popular superminis, yet the Kia Rio is still considered a slightly unusual choice here in the UK – and that’s not fair. This is a serious range of small hatchbacks that are attractively priced and have a very long warranty, good levels of equipment and increasingly sophisticated mechanicals. For more detail, read our road-tested Kia Rio review.
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Pros
- Good interior space
- Economical, punchy engines
- Excellent reliability
Cons
- Fairly average interior
- Not as stylish as Hyundai i20 sibling
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
As a brand, Kia has progressed from an unfamiliar South Korean badge selling into a crowded European market on the basis of low prices, to becoming a serious global manufacturer.
The Rio of previous years had a humble – if well screwed-together – interior, and it's improved rapidly. More recent versions have a cabin reminiscent of a German car.
The latest generation from 2017 has a sturdy and impressive dashboard, well-shaped wheel and very decent trim materials.
The interior design is mature and confident enough to forgo the jazzy colour panels and styling gimmicks of some ‘youth-oriented’ rivals. Instead, it’s simple, formal, and seems built to last.
Tech and features
The same applies to the increasing level of onboard technology. The touchscreens are simple and responsive, and most modern cars get an eight-inch screen that offers phone connectivity and controls the infotainment system.
Performance
Our rating: 7/10
Handling and ride comfort
Kia has gradually improved the driving behaviour of its Rio range as the years have passed, and the latest models handle as well as most of their rivals.
Earlier versions were comfortable and safe, without as much precision or refinement as most European superminis.
Most drivers find the steering pleasantly light around town and note that it becomes more weighty on the open road.
You sit lower than in some cars, giving the driver a good feel of where they are on the road.
The Rio is smooth and stable on the motorway, yet easy and responsive around town. Note that the hybrid version merges electric and petrol power seamlessly, so you’ll generally drive it without noticing any difference other than your fuel bills.
Practicality
Our rating: 7/10
Boot space
Like so much about this car, the boot space is roughly average for superminis.
As usual, you can lower the back seats to increase it drastically and store a couple of large suitcases.
Three-door versions have been phased out from the latest generation, but they offer a good-value alternative if you’re looking for older models and don’t have a big family.
Safety
Shopping around for a Rio is made pretty simple – you don’t have to spend hours comparing specifications.
The cars are what they are sold as – generally, the only optional extras are paint colours.
More recent cars get a very good level of standard kit, including useful rear parking sensors.
Many also come with an impressive array of safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking and motorway lane-keeping systems.
Running costs
Our rating: 8/10
Fuel economy
The Rio has a range of smooth, punchy engines, and they’re roughly average in terms of fuel economy.
Official figures for the most recent models spread from 44-60 mpg, and there are some mild hybrid options designed to cut emissions, too.
Reliability
Running costs are generally good too, with the big help of one of the car industry’s best warranties.
Even a fairly-old used Rio may still be under warranty because it was sold with a seven-year covering against things going wrong.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
7/10
Practicality
7/10
Running costs
8/10
The Kia Rio doesn’t try to be something it isn’t. It’s a well-priced, well-built small hatchback that suits almost every type of motorist.
It’s a bit more spacious than most and a lot more reliable. The Rio appeals most to those who don’t care about badge snobbery or trendy features – they just want a good car that works at a good price.
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