Review and specifications
2021 Kia Rio
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.
- Market value
- $11,325
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door hatchback
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- Category
- Small sedans/hatchbacks
- Generation began
- 2018
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $11,325
- Retail value range
- $10,900 - $11,825
- Original MSRP range
- $16,050 - $16,990
- Trade-in range
- $7,610 - $8,475
Ratings
- Road test score
- 64/100
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 28 MPG
- EPA highway
- 37 MPG
- EPA combined
- 32 MPG
- Tested city
- 22 MPG
- Tested highway
- 48 MPG
- Tested overall
- 33 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,165
- Cruising range
- 400 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.6 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 9.6 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 131 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 54.5 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 173 in
- Width
- 68 in
- Height
- 57 in
- Wheelbase
- 102 in
- Weight
- 2,575 lb
- Maximum load
- 850 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 4.5 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 2 in
- Rear leg room
- 25 in
- Luggage
- 2+3+0
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 3/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 8/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Kia
<p>For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among competitive small and midsized sedans, Kia sells the K4 and K5. For small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento are competitive with nice interiors, good ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have a useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, but buyers need to be attentive to reliability. Many new and used Kias earn our recommendation.</p><p><br/></p>
Vehicle ID: 20399 First published: November 19, 2020 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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