“The vehicle is great if you want a sedan and looking for a nice 4 cylinder type that isn't a gas guzzler”
Kia Rio: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Kia Rio is a small, entry-level car sold as a sedan and hatchback. It is known for good fuel economy, easy parking, simple controls, and useful everyday features in a compact package.
Across its generations, the Rio has remained Kia’s smallest and simplest car, built around affordable daily transportation rather than extra power or luxury. Its sedan emphasizes straightforward practicality, while the hatchback adds cargo flexibility without giving up the city-friendly size. Later models brought a roomier, more mature cabin and better phone connectivity while keeping the basic formula intact.
Strengths
- Its small footprint makes it easy to park and maneuver in crowded areas.
- Fuel economy is a strong point, with the 2023 Rio rated at 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
- The cabin is roomy for such a small car and uses straightforward controls that are easy to learn.
- The hatchback gives the Rio useful cargo flexibility while keeping the same city-friendly character.
- Models from 2020 onward have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while 2021 and newer cars use a larger touchscreen with wireless connectivity.
Who it's for
The Rio suits commuters, first-time buyers, students, and anyone who wants a small car that is easy to drive and inexpensive to run. It makes the most sense for city travel and routine errands, especially when easy parking matters more than generous back-seat space or strong performance.
Kia Rio lineup
In later fourth-generation cars, the lineup is especially simple: LX is the basic sedan, while S sits above it and is also the trim used for the hatchback. Pick LX when the goal is straightforward transportation with minimal complexity. Look to S when you want the hatchback body or, on some later models, access to the Technology Package. Earlier third-generation cars used an LX, EX, and SX ladder, with EX in the middle and SX at the top, so trim names are not directly comparable across every Rio generation.
Kia Rio generations
From 2009 to 2023, the Rio spans three generations. The current 4th Generation — YB arrived for 2018, following the 3rd Generation — UB (2012–2017).
4th Generation — YB (2018–2023)
A full redesign moved the Rio to a new platform with a longer, wider body and a roomier, more mature cabin. This generation later switched to a more fuel-efficient 1.6-liter engine and CVT automatic, then received refreshed styling and a larger touchscreen for 2021.
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2023
An oil level sensor was added to the 1.6-liter engine. The rest of the lineup carried over for the Rio’s final U.S. model year.
2022
An engine immobilizer became standard across the lineup, and Kia added its newer badges.
2021Mid-cycle update
Front styling was refreshed, the sedan gained a revised rear bumper, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen brought wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2020
A new 1.6-liter engine and CVT automatic improved fuel economy. A 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard.
2019Trim changes
The lineup was reduced to LX and S, and the manual transmission was dropped. Every Rio used a six-speed automatic.
2018New generation
The redesigned Rio moved to a new platform with a longer, wider body, a roomier cabin, and revised suspension and engine tuning.
3rd Generation — UB (2012–2017)
This redesign brought a longer, wider, lower body on a new platform, plus a 138-hp 1.6-liter engine and six-speed transmissions. It also added a more modern cabin, a stronger body, and more standard safety equipment.
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2017
The Rio carried over unchanged for its final year before the 2018 redesign.
2016Mid-cycle update
The sedan and hatchback received revised front and rear styling, more sound insulation, and updated cabin trim. The hatchback also became automatic-only.
2015
The sedan and hatchback carried over with no meaningful updates.
2014
New underside covers improved aerodynamics, while a water-temperature gauge and revised smart key brought small equipment updates.
2013
Updates were limited to revised badges and small equipment changes on SX, EX, and hatchback models.
2012New generation
The redesigned Rio moved to a new platform with a 138-hp 1.6-liter engine, six-speed transmissions, a modernized cabin, and expanded standard safety equipment.
2nd Generation (2006–2011)
This generation used a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and came as a Rio sedan or Rio5 hatchback. The years covered here received updated styling and audio features before an all-new Rio arrived for 2012.
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2011
The four-speed automatic became standard on LX and SX models, leaving the five-speed manual only on the base sedan.
2010Mid-cycle update
A model-wide exterior refresh brought a revised grille, darker headlight housings, and more body-color trim. USB and auxiliary audio inputs became standard.
2009
The standard audio system gained MP3 playback and Sirius capability, while LX and SX trims added USB connectivity.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Kia Rio.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Rio a sedan or a hatchback?
It was sold as both. The sedan has a conventional trunk, while the Rio 5-Door or Rio5 hatchback has a liftgate and a more flexible cargo area. The exact body-and-trim combinations depend on the model year.
Does the Kia Rio come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S.-market Kia Rio covered here is a gas-only car. The final lineup uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, with no hybrid version.
Does the Kia Rio have AWD?
No. The Kia Rio is front-wheel drive, meaning the engine powers the front wheels. AWD is not part of the final U.S. lineup.
Is the Kia Rio good for city driving?
Yes. Its small footprint makes it easy to park and maneuver, while its straightforward controls suit everyday commuting. The hatchback adds easier access for bulky cargo without making the car much larger.
Is the Kia Rio fuel-efficient?
Yes. Fuel economy is one of the Rio’s main strengths. The final U.S. lineup is rated at 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, though earlier engines and transmissions have different ratings.
Which Kia Rio generations should used-car shoppers know?
The main U.S. generations here are the second generation from 2006 through 2011, the redesigned third generation from 2012 through 2017, and the fourth generation from 2018 through 2023. The 2023 model was the final U.S. Rio.
Are any used Kia Rios manual?
Yes, but only older examples. Manual transmissions appeared in earlier Rio lineups and were dropped for the U.S. after 2018. Models from 2019 onward are automatic, and models from 2020 onward use a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Kia Rio Reviews
What owners are saying about the Kia Rio.
4.1
Kia Rio
(1,334 reviews)
“It gets great gas mileage,very comfortable while driving. I really love my car and it handles great.”
“It's a great little car for short distance drivers who only drive on city streets.”
“It's small but still feels roomy enough for my lifestyle. It's great for the value, and the fuel economy makes it even more value-forward. Lastly, it seems to be very reliable.”
“Great gas mileage, plus the added security of a manual transmission (less likely to be stolen) make this a great little car.”
“I love my Kia Rio hatchback. It has great MPG at 35 plus and handles fantastic in the snow. It arrived in a dirty state and has been in the shop more time than I have fingers, and I have all of them.”
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
- kiamedia.com — Rio / 2022 / Features
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / 2022 Sedans Brochure
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 16859 / 2021 Rio Sedan Overview
- kiamedia.com — Models / Rio 5 Door / 2021
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 16859 / 2021 Rio Sedan Overview
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 16858 / 2021 Rio 5 Door Overview