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Average Retail Price
$2,850 - $2,875

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
The Rio is one of the lowest-priced new cars sold in the U.S. Expect to get what you pay for. Based on the dreadful Ford Aspire, which was made for Ford by Kia in the mid-1990s, the Rio is not new despite its modern styling of a tall body and rounded-off roof. A wagon model, named the Cinco to reflect its five-door layout, is also available. Like the sedan, the cheapest wagon in the U.S. competes with other low-end economy cars as well as midpriced used vehicles. A 1.6-liter, 105-hp engine from the Hyundai Accent is standard for 2003.

2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2003 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$2,850 - $2,875
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,775 - $2,900
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,925 - $4,150
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,150 - $4,900
economy-icon
EPA MPG 34 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG 40 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    wagon
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 1.6-liter 4 (105 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2018-
Current Generation

With its all-new platform, the fourth-generation Rio sedan and hatchback sit lower, wider, and slightly longer than before. The changes bring increased passenger space for both the front and rear seats. Cabin technology makes a step forward, with the top-level EX trim benefiting from a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, along with voice recognition, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine essentially carries over, though it sees horsepower decrease by 8 notches in the interest of fuel economy--a notable shortcoming with the last-tested Rio. A reworked suspension will hopefully address the stiff feel found on the previous model. Automatic emergency braking for city/urban speed is available. The Rio is available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The EX trim and manual transmission were discontinued for 2019. Changes for 2020 included a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a CVT. 

2012-2017
2012 Redesign Year
The 2012 redesign was a leap forward, making the Rio feel solid compared with some other subcompacts, bringing more power and space and better handling, along with a six-speed automatic transmission for better gas mileage. The typical ride, noise and space limitations -- expected from a subcompact car -- count against it. However, benefits include nimble handling, a smooth transmission, simple controls, and plenty of equipment for the price. Antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard. Higher trim models offer unexpected amenities such as heated seats and a rear-view camera.
2006-2011
2006 Redesign Year
The 2006 redesign makes the Rio a reasonable alternative to larger compacts. The ride is relatively comfortable and quiet, which makes this iteration of the Rio pleasant to drive. Most drivers found a comfortable seating position with plenty of room, though some found the tilt-only steering wheel was positioned too close ' yes -- for comfort. Controls are simple to use. Interior storage is modest. The sedan can hold more luggage than the hatchback with the rear seats up, but both have 60/40-split seats that fold to expand cargo capacity. Still though, the hatchback offers added cargo flexibility. Fuel economy is very good and handling is secure -- though not sporty. Standard curtain airbags are a plus.
2001-2005
2001 Redesign Year
The Rio has come a long way from its cheap roots. This corporate cousin to the Hyundai Accent used to epitomize the stiff-riding, noisy subcompact sedan. For 2001, the interior is put together well, the car is easy to park, and the Rio provides a tolerable ride. Handling is secure but not very agile. Still though, some vestiges of past transgressions remain, the cabin is noisy and cramped, it's not very quick, and braking is subpar. Antilock brakes (ABS) were offered starting with the 2005 model year.