2023 Kia Rio review
Kia Rio highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Well-built for the class
- Surprisingly comfortable ride quality
- Impressive real-world fuel economy
Cons
- Small cargo capacity
- No telescoping steering wheel
Mileage (EPA estimate)
32 city, 41 highway, 36 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $15,998*
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The 2023 Kia Rio exceeds expectations for an affordable subcompact sedan
Inexpensive vehicles like the 2023 Kia Rio usually offer the basics and little else, but the little Rio manages to exceed expectations in a few areas. The 2023 Rio is available as either a sedan or as a five-door hatchback, which is reviewed separately. Neither received any significant changes and returned in the same form as 2022.
The Rio has a comfortable ride and an interior constructed of durable and eye-pleasing shapes. Surprisingly for an entry-level car, the Rio comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. We’d wish it had more driver-assist features, though.
Over the years, the subcompact sedan class has dwindled to only a few models. These include the Nissan Versa, which holds an advantage in a few areas but is otherwise comparable to the Rio. If you have the chance, we suggest checking out the Rio hatchback over any subcompact sedan since it offers a larger cargo capacity.
All Kia Rio years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Rio generation from 2012 to 2023
What is new for the 2023 Kia Rio?
- Satellite Radio Ready features are now available as options on select trims.
- The S trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
2023 Kia Rio trims
Curious how Kia Rio trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesLX:
- 120-hp, 112-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
- Power Mirrors
- Cloth Seats
- Traction Control
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Automatic Transmission
- View our Kia Rio LX inventory
What We Like
Well-built for the class: Affordable subcompacts tend to adjust shoppers' expectations steeply downward as these vehicles are focused on the bottom line rather than refinement. The Kia Rio’s interior has an abundance of hard plastics to ensure durability over the years, but those elements are shaped with more thought and care than what you’d find in the competition.
Good ride quality: Considering its size, low price, and entry-level position, the ride quality of the Kia Rio is surprisingly good. The soft suspension is sophisticated enough to handle the rough pavement and bumps of daily driving. It definitely exceeds expectations for the class.
Impressive real-world fuel economy: The Kia Rio is estimated by the EPA to get 32 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 36 mpg in combined driving.
Those are strong figures for the class, and the Rio gets extra consideration because of how easy it is to achieve those results.What Needs Improvement
Small cargo capacity: With only 13.7 cubic feet of space available in the sedan’s trunk, capacity is limited. For the class, however, the Rio is about average. The Mitsubishi Mirage's cargo area is about a cube smaller and the Nissan Versa’s is a cube larger. If you need more hauling abilities, the Rio 5-Door hatchback is a better choice. It can hold up to 17.4 cubic feet.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Kia Rio an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Rio 10th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Kia Rio is $364, compared to an average of $447 for Subcompact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Kia Rio owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.0 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Subcompact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 9% for the Kia Rio, compared to an average of 11% for Subcompact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Kia Rio features and specs
Curious how Kia Rio trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
S 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- Traction Control
- Power Locks
- Cloth Seats
- Power Windows
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Power Mirrors
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Heated Mirrors
- Rear Spoiler
- Automatic Transmission
- Apple CarPlay
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Android Auto
- Bluetooth Technology
- AM/FM Stereo
- Smart Key
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alloy Wheels
- Satellite Radio Ready
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.6L
Horsepower
120
Torque (ft-lbs)
112
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
11.9
Wheelbase
101.6"
Overall length
160"
Width
67.9"
Height
57.1"
Leg room
F 42.1"/R 33.5"
Head room
F 38.9"/R 38"
Front tires
P185/65TR15
Rear tires
P185/65TR15
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2023 Kia Rio FAQ
The 2023 Kia Rio is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LX: 32 MPG City and 41 MPG Highway
- S: 32 MPG City and 41 MPG Highway
The Kia Rio received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Kia Rio as 9 out of 27 among Subcompact Car
The 2023 Kia Rio has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2023 Kia Rio, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2023 Kia Rio Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Kia Rio:
- Rear Spoiler
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Heated Mirrors
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.