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2021 Kia Rio: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Kia Rio gets a light mid-cycle refresh, not a full redesign. The main change is a larger standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accompanied by updated exterior styling.
About the 2021 Kia Rio
YB generation (introduced for 2018 in the U.S.), mid-cycle refresh year.
Kia positions the Rio as a small, space-efficient car built for everyday driving ease. In 2021 it serves as the brand’s entry point for shoppers who want simple controls, strong fuel economy, and modern phone-friendly tech in a compact footprint that is easy to park and live with. Compared with rivals, the Rio leans on straightforward value, a surprisingly roomy front seat area, and standard wireless smartphone integration rather than power or luxury extras.
The LX is the straightforward sedan, with the 1.6-liter engine, automatic transmission, an 8-inch touchscreen, and heated power mirrors. The S adds everyday conveniences such as cruise control, remote keyless entry, a split-folding rear seat, and rear USB charging; it is also the only 2021 Rio trim sold as a 5-Door hatchback.
What changed, by category
Styling
Both the sedan and 5-Door receive refreshed front-end styling. The sedan also gets a revised rear bumper.
Tech
An 8-inch touchscreen becomes standard across the lineup, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2021 Kia Rio specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, IVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 41 mpg | 41 mpg |
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 112 lb-ft | 112 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.7–17.4 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4–5 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Kia Rio a full redesign?
No. The 2021 Rio is a light mid-cycle refresh of the generation introduced for 2018, with updated styling and infotainment rather than a complete redesign.
What changed on the 2021 Kia Rio sedan?
The 2021 Rio sedan gets refreshed front-end styling, a revised rear bumper, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What changed on the 2021 Kia Rio 5-Door?
The 2021 Rio 5-Door gets refreshed front-end styling and a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unlike the sedan, it is offered only in S trim.
Did the 2021 Kia Rio get a new engine?
No. Every 2021 Rio keeps the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission used for 2020.
How do the 2021 Kia Rio LX and S trims differ?
The LX is the simpler sedan, while the S adds cruise control, remote keyless entry, a split-folding rear seat, and rear USB charging. The S is also the only trim offered in the 5-Door hatchback body style.
2021 Kia Rio Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Kia Rio.
4.1
2021 Kia Rio
(169 reviews)
“Vehicle its reliable, super safe to drive and maneuver, overall performance is strong, also great gas mileage. Good and reliable vehicle.”
“The Rio is a pleasure to drive. The seating is comfortable, and the interior is easy on the eyes. The Rio is also economical to drive.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 16859 / 2021 Rio Sedan Overview
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 16858 / 2021 Rio 5 Door Overview
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 15274 / Whats New 2020 Rio
- kiamedia.com — Models / Rio / 2022
- kiamedia.com — Rio / 2021 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Rio / 2022 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Rio 5 Door / 2021 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Rio 5 Door / 2022
- kiamedia.com — Rio 5 Door / 2022 / Features