“MPG is Great, Ride is awesome], Car is fun to drive and since it's small, easy to park.. Overall Experience A+”
2018 Kia Rio: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Kia Rio is fully redesigned as the first U.S. model year of the fourth generation, built on an all-new platform. This is a major change year rather than a light refresh.
About the 2018 Kia Rio
4th generation Rio (YB), first U.S. model year and full redesign.
Kia positioned the 2018 Rio as a value-minded small car that feels more grown-up than its price suggests. The pitch centered on European-influenced styling, better ride comfort, useful everyday tech, and efficient commuting in either sedan or hatchback form. For most buyers, the Rio’s appeal is simple: easy-to-park size, solid fuel economy, and a cabin and driving feel that aim higher than the bargain-basement end of the subcompact class.
The 2018 lineup runs from the essentials-first LX through the convenience-focused S to the better-equipped EX, with sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles. The S brings useful daily features such as Bluetooth, cruise control, a rear camera display, and USB charging. The EX stands out with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic emergency braking.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Kia retuned the 1.6-liter gasoline engine for better fuel economy, reaching 32 mpg combined.
Styling
Both body styles received a complete exterior redesign and a more mature-looking cabin.
Safety
The EX gained standard automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, and its previously optional rearview camera became standard.
Tech
The redesigned EX added a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The S featured a rear camera display, Bluetooth, front and rear USB charging, and other everyday convenience equipment.
Structural
A new platform brought a longer wheelbase, a larger overall footprint, more passenger room, more high-strength steel, revised suspension geometry, and better noise isolation.
2018 Kia Rio specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28–29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 130 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft | 119 lb-ft | 119 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.7–17.4 cu-ft | 13.7–17.4 cu-ft | 13.7–17.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Locks | |||
| Power Windows | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Kia Rio fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2018 Kia Rio starts the model's fourth generation in the U.S., with a new platform, redesigned body and cabin, longer wheelbase, and roomier passenger area.
How different is the 2018 Kia Rio from the 2017 model?
The 2018 Rio is substantially different from the 2017 model. It has a new platform, more passenger room, revised suspension, greater use of high-strength steel, improved noise isolation, and a retuned 1.6-liter engine with better fuel economy.
Did the 2018 Kia Rio S replace the 2017 SX?
Yes. The Rio's prior SX trim continued under the S name for 2018 as the lineup shifted to LX, S, and EX. It was a trim rename, not an unrelated model replacing it.
Which 2018 Kia Rio trim has automatic emergency braking and smartphone integration?
The EX has standard automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, plus a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features distinguish it from the LX and S trims.
2018 Kia Rio Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Kia Rio.
4.0
2018 Kia Rio
(143 reviews)
“A basic but great first car. Gets you from point A to B. Nothing crazy fancy about it, but it can be fun to drive.”
“Always double check what the vehicle includes, I didn't know it came with roll down windows instead power ones”