The Kia Rio was launched in other parts of the world at the beginning of 2000, but it didn't arrive in the UK until 2003. The budget-friendly hatchback has made it through four generations with constant evolution and upgrades. While it has been offered in several bodystyles and with multiple powertrain options, Kia discontinued the Rio in the UK following the 2023 model.
594 Used Kia Rio cars for sale
Kia, Rio
2012 (62) 1.2L 2 5dr
9Low Mileage
£3,995
Finance available £66 pm
- 1.2L
- Miles
78.3K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Central Motor Company
Kia, Rio
2012 (62) 1.2L 2 5dr
14Reduced
£3,995
Finance available £66 pm
- 1.2L
- Miles
88.6K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Rhondda Motor Company
Kia, Rio
2011 (11) 1.4L 2 5dr
35Low Mileage
£3,989
Finance available £66 pm
- 1.4L
- Miles
55.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Kingslake Cars
Kia, Rio
2022 (22) 1L GT-Line S 5dr
1£17,900
Finance available £374 pm
- 1L
- Miles
1.7K
- Hybrid
- Manual
- Hatchback
Kia, Rio
2021 (21) 1L 3 5dr
34£11,480
Finance available £234 pm
- 1L
- Miles
38.8K
- Hybrid
- Manual
- Hatchback
Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage
Kia, Rio
2023 (23) 1.2L 1 5dr
13Reduced
£13,995
Finance available £288 pm
- 1.2L
- Miles
8.6K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Kia, Rio
2022 (22) 1.2L 2 5dr
71£9,800
Finance available £196 pm
- 1.2L
- Miles
50.2K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable
Kia, Rio
2016 (16) 1.2L 1 Air 5dr
42Low Mileage
£6,150
Finance available £115 pm
- 1.2L
- Miles
51.7K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Jacksons Motor Group
Kia, Rio
2013 (63) 1.4L 3 5dr
20£3,499
Finance available £55 pm
- 1.4L
- Miles
92.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
East Coast Vehicles Ltd
Kia, Rio
2014 (14) 1.2L VR7 5dr
45£3,595
Finance available £57 pm
- 1.2L
- Miles
87.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
C&S MOTORS LIMITED
Kia, Rio
2022 (22) 1L 2 5dr
25Low Mileage
£13,995
Finance available £288 pm
- 1L
- Miles
16.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Kia, Rio
2022 (22) 1.2L 2 5dr
33£9,980
Finance available £200 pm
- 1.2L
- Miles
50.5K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage
Kia, Rio
2013 (13) 1.2L 2 5dr
13Low Mileage
£5,695
Finance available £104 pm
- 1.2L
- Miles
69.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Find a specific Kia Rio
Trim
Kia Rio 1Kia Rio 1 AirKia Rio 1 Air EcoDynamicsKia Rio 2Kia Rio 2 EcoDynamicsKia Rio 3Kia Rio 3 EcoDynamicsKia Rio 4Kia Rio ChillKia Rio DominoKia Rio First EditionKia Rio GT Line
Engine Size
Fuel Type
Transmission
Colour
Kia Rio BlackKia Rio BlueKia Rio BrownKia Rio GreyKia Rio RedKia Rio SilverKia Rio WhiteKia Rio Yellow
Registration Year
Why buy a used Kia Rio?
If you're in the market for a car that's practical, well-equipped and reasonably priced, then a used Kia Rio is a great choice. Because it's larger than most rivals, it offers a decent amount of interior space, and it has a practical cabin filled with plenty of standard kit. The efficient petrol engines create a smooth driving experience while keeping the cost to run lower.
Kia Rio snapshot review
Pros
- Bigger than most rivals
- Excellent ride
- Good interior space
Cons
- Fairly basic
- Limited engine and trim choices
- Lacks character
Kia Rio by type
Used Kia Rio information
Engines and transmissions
Kia has built the Rio with diesel and petrol engines, an automatic or a manual gearbox, and front-wheel drive.
Petrol- 1.25-litre four-cylinder produces 83bhp for a 0-60mph time of 12.5 seconds and an efficiency rating of up to 58mpg, depending on the model variant.
- 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo increases the output to 99bhp or 118bhp, with both achieving around 54mpg.
- 1.4-litre engine produces 98bhp but reduces the fuel economy rating to 49mpg.
- Older 1.4-litre CRDi engine outputs either 76bhp or 89bhp, but all diesels were discontinued in later models.
- Fuel economy reached up to 80mpg.
Practicality
The Kia Rio is a compact car, but it offers a large amount of space, creating a practical and affordable option for growing families.
Interior space- Adjustable driver's seat allows a tall adult to get comfortable.
- Taller passengers can fit in the back seat if there are smaller passengers in the front.
- ISOFIX points allow for easier installation of child seats.
- 325-litre boot can hold a couple of suitcases or weekly shopping bags.
- Back seats fold down nearly flat, allowing larger items to be packed.
- Hatchback model has been available in three- or five-door bodystyles.
- Five-door saloon has a boot lid instead of a tailgate.
Safety
- 2017 Euro NCAP rating was three out of five stars.
- 85% rating given for adult occupant, with 84% given for child occupant.
- Standard kit includes several airbags, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
Technology
- Standard Bluetooth and DAB radio offer decent technology for a low price.
- Available 8.0-inch touchscreen display has clear graphics and is responsive.
- Built-in satnav was available with some models, adding more functionality.
Kia Rio generations
Fourth Generation (2020 to 2023)
With the release of the fourth generation, Kia pulled in the back end of the Rio to make it more compact. The three-door variant was dropped, but the five-door remained, offering a practical and spacious option for a small hatchback.
A facelift was released in 2020 with a massive grille added to the lower bumper section, giving it a bolder appearance. Its angular headlights also revealed LED daytime running lights, while fog lights sat along the side scoops that brought air into the brakes for added cooling.
- Fuel type:
- Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 1 - 1.2
- MPG:
- 49 - 54
- Acceleration:
- 9.8 - 12.7 seconds
- Boot space:
- 325 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 3 / 5 stars
Greenest
1.0 T GDi 48V 118 3 5dr
Cheapest
1.25 1 5dr
Fastest
1.0 T GDi 48V 118 3 5dr
Third Generation (2011 to 2020)
During the third generation of the Rio, tere were some updates made to the powertrain offerings, including more refined and economical engine options.
When it came to the hatchback models, the three- and five-door variants both featured a swept-back headlight design and the tiger-nose grille. In the lower bumper, there was an upside-down trapezoidal grille that was outfitted with side air scoops.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 1 - 1.4
- MPG:
- 41 - 88
- Acceleration:
- 9.8 - 16.1 seconds
- Boot space:
- 288 - 352 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 3 / 5 stars
Greenest
1.0 T GDi 2 5dr
Cheapest
1.25 1 3dr
Fastest
1.0 T GDi 118 GT-Line 5dr
Second Generation (2005 to 2011)
The second-generation Rio hatchback had class-leading interior room and power. Kia also added more airbags, ensuring better safety for passengers. A longer wheelbase helped to increase the interior volume, while Kia made the exterior design bold and sporty.
The saloon model also received some upgrades with higher-quality interior materials and enhanced comfort features. Kia ensured that all the available space in the cabin was used to the maximum, making the Rio a practical option.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 1.4 - 1.6
- MPG:
- 39 - 62
- Acceleration:
- 10.2 - 14.5 seconds
- Boot space:
- 270 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
1.4 5dr
Cheapest
1.4 5dr
Fastest
1.6 Sport 5dr
Used Kia Rio FAQ's
Which is the most popular engine in the Kia Rio?
The diesel engines weren't offered for nearly as long as the petrol, so they can be much more difficult to find. Among used cars, most of the Rios have a petrol engine, which balances power and efficiency.
Which are the most popular model variants?
Kia offered the Rio in several models, known as 1, 2 and 3. There were also GT-Line and GT-Line S models. The most popular among used Rios is the 2 with its standard touchscreen display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors and reversing camera.
What optional extras should I look out for?
Top-spec models have leather upholstery with heated seats for a more premium experience. Customers should also look out for added safety features, such as lane departure warning and emergency braking. There is also a wide range of wheels, including some larger alloys.
Is the Kia Rio a good family car?
Even though the Kia Rio is a smaller model, there's a decent amount of space for a growing family. The back seat space is perfect for children and the boot accommodates a couple of suitcases or some groceries.
Is there a hybrid version of the Kia Rio?
Even though Kia included some mild-hybrid technology with a few of the engines, a plug-in hybrid wasn't offered. However, even the petrol engines were fairly economical, with the 1.25-litre motor having a rating of up to 58mpg.
Is the Kia Rio available as an automatic?
While Kia did offer an automatic transmission with the Rio lineup, it's not a popular option among used models. It's much easier to find one of the more affordable manual gearbox models.
Is there a four-wheel drive version available?
No, all Kia Rio models come equipped with front-wheel drive. This configuration is common among this segment because it's a cheaper and more economical way to build a vehicle.
Buying a used car checklist: what to look for
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