GREEN CHOICE

Kia Rio

Name: 2012 Kia Rio
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 31 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 31 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Rio is a solid, well-equipped and reasonably refined subcompact. Although it scores among the better cars in this segment, fuel economy is only average for class. Our automatic transmission hatchback was not overly noisy or uncomfortable and got 29 mpg overall -- which isn't stellar for the class. The sedan version (which we also tested) returned 30 mpg. Typical ride, noise and space limitations, expected from a subcompact car, also count against it. Benefits include nimble handling, a smooth transmission, simple controls, and plenty of equipment for the price.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Rio

vs. Similar Cars

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Chevrolet Volt

Ford Fiesta

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Kia Rio

$3,425 - $4,250

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

$3,900 - $4,625

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

$3,275 - $4,300

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Volt

$4,000

EPA MPG 37 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Caliber

$3,425 - $4,050

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Fiesta

$2,850 - $3,725

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda CR-Z

$5,425 - $6,300

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic

$3,875 - $8,525

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 44 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Fit

$6,300 - $7,500

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Insight

$4,800 - $5,900

EPA MPG 41 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Accent

$4,075 - $4,550

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Kia Forte

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EPA MPG 30 mpg

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EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Mazda 2

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EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Mazda 3

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EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

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2012 Nissan Sentra

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EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Nissan Versa

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EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2012 Scion iQ

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EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2012 Scion tC

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Scion xB

$6,450 - $7,150

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Scion xD

$6,000 - $6,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Smart ForTwo

$3,375 - $4,250

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2012 Subaru Impreza

$4,975 - $12,350

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2012 Suzuki SX4

$2,800 - $3,900

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Toyota Corolla

$6,825 - $7,225

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Toyota Matrix

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2012 Toyota Prius

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EPA MPG 48 mpg

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2012 Toyota Prius C

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2012 Toyota Prius V

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2012 Toyota Yaris

$4,900 - $6,375

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Volkswagen Beetle

$4,825 - $6,425

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 (138 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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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

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Model History

2018-2023

2018 Redesign Year

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.