“The Kia Rio provides a smooth, quick, and efficient ride at one of the most affordable prices on the market. It doesn't have cutting edge features, but it fulfills everything you want in an affordable everyday vehicle while packing a surprising punch of power.”
2023 Kia Rio: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Kia Rio is largely unchanged, with a standard oil level sensor added to its 1.6-liter engine as the main update. The S trim also gains standard satellite radio.
About the 2023 Kia Rio
4th gen (2018-2023), final U.S. model year
Kia positions the Rio as its smallest, simplest car: an entry point for daily driving that emphasizes fuel economy, easy parking, and useful tech in a small footprint. The brand highlights its city-friendly size, roomy-for-its-class cabin, and standard phone-friendly touchscreen. Against rivals, the Rio leans on straightforward controls, good highway mileage, and the choice between sedan practicality or hatchback versatility.
The LX is the straightforward sedan, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning, and heated power mirrors. The S adds everyday conveniences such as keyless entry, cruise control, a split-folding rear seat, and a rear USB port, and it is the only trim offered as either a sedan or hatchback.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
An oil level sensor was added across the lineup. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive otherwise carry over.
Tech
Satellite radio became standard on the S trim.
2023 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 | 32 mpg | 32 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 | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2023 Kia Rio?
The main change is a standard oil level sensor for the 1.6-liter engine. Satellite radio also became standard on the S trim, while the rest of the Rio was largely unchanged.
Did the 2023 Kia Rio get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2023 Rio keeps its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, and front-wheel-drive layout; Kia only added an oil level sensor to the engine.
Did the 2023 Kia Rio receive styling or safety updates?
No. There were no lineup-wide styling, safety, chassis, or suspension changes for 2023.
Which 2023 Kia Rio trims came as a hatchback?
Only the S trim came in hatchback form for 2023. The LX was sedan-only, while the S was sold as both a sedan and a hatchback.
Is the 2023 Kia Rio meaningfully different from the 2022 model?
No. The differences are minor: the 2023 model adds an engine oil level sensor across the lineup and makes satellite radio standard on the S trim. Otherwise, the two years are closely related.
2023 Kia Rio Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Kia Rio.
4.2
2023 Kia Rio
(166 reviews)
“Great on gas, easy to drive great little transportation car if you don't plan on pulling a trailer of any kind. It's affordable for people like myself that are retired and on a fixed income but want to have a new car with a decent warranty.”
“It gets great gas mileage,very comfortable while driving. I really love my car and it handles great.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Rio / 2023
- kiamedia.com — Models / Rio / 2022
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 12527 / All New 2018 Kia Rio Sedan And 5 Door Make Us Debut At New York International Auto Show
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / MY23 Sedan Brochure Rio 5 2023
- kiamedia.com — Rio / 2023 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Rio 5 Door / 2023 / Features