“I've had a Kia Rio before this. I love my old Rio and still drive it more than the new one. I don't like the drive safety instruments in the car. I feel it's a distraction and possibly we will find to be the reason we have an increase in accidents. I think people have a false sense of security with all those gadgets.”
2022 Kia Rio: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2022 Kia Rio is a standard engine immobilizer that helps deter theft. Otherwise, this is a light update that largely carries over the 2021 model.
About the 2022 Kia Rio
Sixth global generation / fourth U.S. generation (2018-2023); 2022 is the second year after the 2021 refresh and the next-to-last U.S. model year.
Kia positions the Rio as its entry-level subcompact for everyday driving: easy to park, fuel-efficient, simple to use, and sized for city life without feeling stripped bare. The core appeal is straightforward value with useful standard tech, especially the touchscreen and wireless phone integration, plus a choice between a sedan’s traditional trunk and the 5-door’s extra cargo flexibility. Compared with rivals, Kia leans on low running costs, a tidy footprint, and a more grown-up cabin than the price might suggest.
The LX is the straightforward small sedan, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an automatic transmission, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The better-equipped S adds cruise control, remote keyless entry, a split-folding rear seat, and a rear USB port; it is also the trim used for the more cargo-friendly Rio 5-door.
What changed, by category
Safety
An engine immobilizer becomes standard on every Rio sedan and Rio 5-door, adding an extra layer of theft protection.
Styling
The Rio sedan and 5-door adopt Kia’s newer corporate badging. The body design itself does not change.
2022 Kia Rio specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, i-CVT | Automatic, i-CVT |
| 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 | 13.7–32.8 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
What is the biggest change to the 2022 Kia Rio?
The biggest change is a standard engine immobilizer on every 2022 Rio. The sedan and 5-door also receive Kia’s newer badging, while most of the vehicle carries over from 2021.
Does every 2022 Kia Rio have an engine immobilizer?
Yes. The engine immobilizer is standard across the 2022 Rio lineup, including the sedan and Rio 5-door.
Did the 2022 Kia Rio get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2022 Rio keeps the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT automatic transmission used for 2021.
What touchscreen and phone features are standard in the 2022 Kia Rio?
Every 2022 Rio has an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system carries over from the 2021 refresh.
How do the 2022 Kia Rio LX and S trims differ?
The LX covers the essentials, while the S adds cruise control, remote keyless entry, a split-folding rear seat, a rear USB port, and more cabin storage. The Rio 5-door is sold in S trim.
2022 Kia Rio Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Kia Rio.
4.1
2022 Kia Rio
(113 reviews)
“I had 2 Honda pilots before and I loved their performance. And they hold their value.”
“The Kia Rio Hatchback is great on gas mileage. The fold down seats in the back make it roomy enough for my son and I to do our grocery shopping and do our local trips around town. However, being bigger people I would not recommend this car for longer trips as the seating isn't comfortable for larger people. It has plenty of get up and go and overall is a great little car.”