2019
Kia Rio

Starts at:
$15,390
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New 2019 Kia Rio
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • LX Auto
    Starts at
    $15,390
    28 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S Auto
    Starts at
    $16,190
    28 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S Auto
    Starts at
    $16,490
    28 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio 2019 Kia Rio

Notable features

Five-seat subcompact car
Sedan and four-door hatchback body styles
130-hp four-cylinder engine
Six-speed automatic transmission

The good & the bad

The good

Stable handling
Quiet at cruising speed
Cargo room
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay available

The bad

Tight backseat
Engine can be buzzy when pushed
Limited tech features on base trim
See all specifications

Expert 2019 Kia Rio review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2019 Kia Rio?

Redesigned last year, the Kia Rio is a five-seat subcompact car that’s offered in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. It’s powered by a 130-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that drives a six-speed automatic transmission. Competitors include the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent.

What’s New on the 2019 Kia Rio?

There are no significant changes this year.

What Features in the 2019 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include heated side mirrors, variable-intermittent windshield wipers, cloth upholstery, air conditioning and Bluetooth. Available features include LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system, cruise control, low-speed automatic emergency braking and a 60/40-split, folding backseat.

Should I Buy the 2019 Kia Rio?

A city car that’s competent on the highway, the Rio also offers good cargo room regardless of whether you choose the sedan or hatchback version. However, its backseat is tight, and engine refinement dips when pushed.

 

2019 Kia Rio review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2019 Kia Rio?

Redesigned last year, the Kia Rio is a five-seat subcompact car that’s offered in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. It’s powered by a 130-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that drives a six-speed automatic transmission. Competitors include the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent.

What’s New on the 2019 Kia Rio?

There are no significant changes this year.

What Features in the 2019 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include heated side mirrors, variable-intermittent windshield wipers, cloth upholstery, air conditioning and Bluetooth. Available features include LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system, cruise control, low-speed automatic emergency braking and a 60/40-split, folding backseat.

Should I Buy the 2019 Kia Rio?

A city car that’s competent on the highway, the Rio also offers good cargo room regardless of whether you choose the sedan or hatchback version. However, its backseat is tight, and engine refinement dips when pushed.

 

Available cars near you

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Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

89% of drivers recommend this car
4.5 / 5
Based on 49 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.4
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • By Citizen from Kansas
    Owns this car
    November 26, 2024

    Bought a 2019 kia Rio and the engine block cracked at

    Bought a 2019 kia Rio and the engine block cracked at 98,000 miles. Manufacturers power train warranty only covers 2nd party owner for 60,000 miles. Obviously a flaw in the casting, so byer beware.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sandy L from Mastic Beach
    Owns this car
    July 5, 2023

    Great car

    This Kia Rio S 2019 is a great car , awesome on gas , very comfortable to drive and handles well and it’s a good looking car . Very happy with my purchase of this Kia .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Valick Sorter from McPherson, KS
    Used to own this car
    January 11, 2023

    Worst car I ever owned!

    This car gets great fuel mileage! However, they love to have engine problems left and right, especially after 70,000 miles. Misfires and EVAP system were the main problems I had when I had it. I strongly suggest never buying Kia, unless you love lemons!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By MC from St. Augustine, Florida
    Owns this car
    December 31, 2022

    Awesome vehicle

    Have 48000 miles on it, runs great and fuel mileage is awesome. I average 36 in the city and 42+ on the highway. Drove 4500 miles in three weeks and got an average of 42 mpg. Tires have another 5000 miles before needing to be replaced.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Zack from New York
    Owns this car
    July 18, 2022

    2019 Kia S tech pkg

    I have owned a 2019 Rio S with the Tech pkg for a couple months and love it, great on gas, averages over 40MPG drives great cool design actually has some pep especially in sport mode, would definitely recommend for someone on a budget trying to save during these crazy gas prices.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Soulburgers from Tampa, Florida
    Owns this car
    April 27, 2021

    Solid first car

    I’m a pretty tall guy, and it was a debate between this car and a 2016 Kia Forte. First time sitting in the car, even though it had 36000 miles on it already, after adjustments I knew this would be the one. The electronics are simple and all that I need, although no UVO and built in GPS can present some challenges without a phone. If you’re a music listener, you may have to be prepared to use your phone for your music as I could not find a way to use Sirius XM/satellite radio. When it comes to driving, it’s reliable and easy to control, and the acceleration has a nice kick if you choose to use the sport mode(I think that’s a feature exclusive to the S model, not sure). Mileage is amazing, having to refill as few as only a three or four times every thousand miles. Depending on whether I want to relax and have a nice drive or be a little speedy, the mileage I averaged between 35-40 so far, rarely ever going into the 20s unless it was a new fill and the mileage average was resetting. Overall, I’d recommend for a first car, nice price and reliability that Kia is known for, and few necessary trips to the pump, perfect if your area is not as cheap on gas.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By TC from Newport News,Va
    Test drove this car
    February 27, 2021

    Good on gas and ride so good

    Very impressed.. I'm a HAPPY CUSTOMER...Love the make model and year..Very spacious, reàlly love the features inside..Jus the right size call for me...I would recommend all...
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Patricia from Columbia
    Owns this car
    January 15, 2021

    most reliable car I've owned

    This car met all my needs ,it has plenty of legroom, front and back, it drives very smoothly, it has chargers back and front, it's very comfortable to drive,
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By KathyW from Plattsburgh, NY
    Owns this car
    November 28, 2020

    Great car

    Wasn’t sure what kind of car I was wanting but I am so happy I chose my Rio! Can’t wait for first road trip next summer!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Gabby from Arizona
    Owns this car
    September 16, 2020

    Most reliable car I’ve owned

    This car has great gas mileage, it’s also super smooth to drive. The interior is fabulous and has a lot of space! I finally have a car that won’t break down on me!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Hugograden from Wintervilla, GA
    Owns this car
    April 1, 2020

    My first car and I love it.

    I was looking for a car with good mpg cause of haveing to drive a hour to work and back home. This car is great on gas and fun to drive.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sylvain from New Brunswick Canada
    Owns this car
    February 2, 2020

    Way better then My 75k pickup for reliability.....

    One of My first new car that I don't have to go back to the dealer for troubles. I did only oil change so far. And no problem in very cold weather, starting, heat and overall performance. Fuel economy is very good. Quality price vs equipment is good too...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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Kia dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2019 Kia Rio?

The 2019 Kia Rio is available in 2 trim levels:

  • LX (1 style)
  • S (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2019 Kia Rio?

The 2019 Kia Rio offers up to 28 MPG in city driving and 37 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2019 Kia Rio?

The 2019 Kia Rio compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2019 Kia Rio reliable?

The 2019 Kia Rio has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2019 Kia Rio owners.

Is the 2019 Kia Rio a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2019 Kia Rio. 89.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 49 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.6

Kia Rio history

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