2020
Kia Rio

Starts at:
$15,850
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New 2020 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 IVT
    Starts at
    $15,850
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S IVT
    Starts at
    $16,490
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S IVT
    Starts at
    $16,790
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio 2020 Kia Rio

Notable features

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto now standard
New four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission
Five-seat subcompact car
Sedan and four-door hatchback body styles

The good & the bad

The good

Stable handling
Quiet at cruising speed
Cargo room
Low-speed collision avoidance system available

The bad

Tight backseat
New engine is less powerful than predecessor
See all specifications

Expert 2020 Kia Rio review

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

What Is the 2020 Kia Rio?

The Kia Rio is a front-wheel-drive, five-seat subcompact car that’s offered in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. It’s powered by a new 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that drives a continuously variable automatic transmission. Competitors include the Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent.

What’s New on the 2020 Kia Rio?

The Rio gets a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder that’s slightly less powerful than the one the car had before, and the engine works with a new continuously variable automatic transmission. The combination delivers improved gas mileage; the Rio’s EPA combined fuel economy rating is now 36 mpg, which is 4 mpg better than last year. Additionally, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is now standard.

What Features in the 2020 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include heated side mirrors, variable-intermittent windshield wipers, cloth upholstery, air conditioning and Bluetooth. The Rio also offers available LED headlights and low-speed automatic emergency braking, an important active safety feature.

Should I Buy the 2020 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. Its backseat, however, is tight.

2020 Kia Rio review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Kia Rio?

The Kia Rio is a front-wheel-drive, five-seat subcompact car that’s offered in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. It’s powered by a new 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that drives a continuously variable automatic transmission. Competitors include the Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent.

What’s New on the 2020 Kia Rio?

The Rio gets a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder that’s slightly less powerful than the one the car had before, and the engine works with a new continuously variable automatic transmission. The combination delivers improved gas mileage; the Rio’s EPA combined fuel economy rating is now 36 mpg, which is 4 mpg better than last year. Additionally, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is now standard.

What Features in the 2020 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include heated side mirrors, variable-intermittent windshield wipers, cloth upholstery, air conditioning and Bluetooth. The Rio also offers available LED headlights and low-speed automatic emergency braking, an important active safety feature.

Should I Buy the 2020 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. Its backseat, however, is tight.

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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    Regular Unleaded I-4
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  • 2019
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    MPG
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    Engine
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  • 2021
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    Starts at
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    2021 Hyundai Accent
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    MPG
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    Starts at
    $14,980
    2021 Nissan Versa
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    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

83% of drivers recommend this car
4.5 / 5
Based on 31 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.5
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • By Linda from Salem Org
    Owns this car
    April 24, 2023

    2020 Kia Rio

    I rolled my 2002 P T Curser and needed to get another car so I wanted to get a Kia Ive never heard of a Reo nor had i ever seen one. The car lot pulled out the Reo and after i drove it I fell in love with it so far it runs great no problems good gas milage. I have only had the car for a month tho so time will tell.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Cathy from Memphis Tennessee
    Owns this car
    March 23, 2023

    It’s a good car

    When I purchase car I didn’t no it was easy to steal Kia every other person with kia car was stolen steering colon broke wires hanging I found out later the police say they brake steering colon an start car up with phone chargers
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Rio from Indpls In
    Owns this car
    January 10, 2023

    Starting up trouble

    3 times my car wouldn't start dead as door nail finally released steering lock moved steering wheel up and down until dash lights came and then it started.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Roarer from Elgin Texas
    Owns this car
    May 3, 2021

    My 2nd Kia after driving my Spectra for 16 yrs. 😊

    All around very pleased. 2nd time around. 😎 Bought 2004 Kia Spectra drove 16 yrs, 250,000. Great car. Lovin my 2020 Kia Rio 5 Sport.
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By CarolSTJ happycamper from Whiting NJ
    Owns this car
    March 20, 2021

    Most spacious and comfortable interior and ride

    I fell in love with the unique exterior look and then was surprised at the spacious comfortable interior that had the elegant dash with every update I needed. Love the roomy hatchback feature, and the power and pickup is excellent and easy to drive.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • 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 HonestReviewer1 from Louisville, KY
    Owns this car
    March 1, 2021

    Worst car I've ever owned.

    The engine knocks loud, has no power, poor fuel economy. The transmission is slow to shift, when it is below 39 deg F the transmission wont go over 5 mph at 3,000 rpm. Dealership claims there is nothing wrong... The infotainment is a horrible joke. I had better in cars from early 2000's. The dealership lied about features the car was supposed to have. I will never buy a Kia again. Only has 1,900 miles on it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    4 people out of 20 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Jmgomets from Milford, PA
    Owns this car
    February 20, 2021

    Stylish and a Great Value

    Very nice looking car. The entertainment system is amazing. Its like having a tablet in your car. Some standard things are missing (cruise control) but this car offer great value and an unmatched warranty.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Lynda Granado from Cerritos Ca
    Owns this car
    February 15, 2021

    Love my new car

    This car met all the functions and features I requested. It’s great In has and $20 fills it up. The car is known for dependability.
    • 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 Happy KIA Owner from Cordele, GA
    Owns this car
    January 29, 2021

    Fell in love with this car

    This car has not only met but far exceeded my expectations. Would love to own another one just like it. This is my 2nd KIA. I'm sure it will be dependable, economical and reliable. The quality of KIA is awesome!!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • 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?
    Yes No
  • By No no no from Mustang, Ok
    Owns this car
    January 7, 2021

    Airbag failure

    Had an accident completely took out the front of the car literally hit in the front and no airbag deployment at 40 mph. The front end is gone!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Kia Rio from Oxford AL
    Test drove this car
    December 1, 2020

    Most reliable car we have owned

    We was looking for a family car with lots of room. Kia Rio has plenty of leg room even with a carseat in the back. Big truck space for all the things we need to travel with a baby.
    • 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
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Marcus
    Owns this car
    November 14, 2020

    Kia Rio nice and blue

    This car is pretty good. Kia Rio is good at manging speed. If you have a bad habit of speeding up a little bit over. The rio will help you mange your speed so you don't go over the speed limit. The car is great at switching lanes with ease.
    • 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
    1 person out of 2 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 2020 Kia Rio?

The 2020 Kia Rio is available in 2 trim levels:

  • LX (1 style)
  • S (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2020 Kia Rio?

The 2020 Kia Rio offers up to 33 MPG in city driving and 41 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 2020 Kia Rio?

The 2020 Kia Rio compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2020 Kia Rio reliable?

The 2020 Kia Rio has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2020 Kia Rio owners.

Is the 2020 Kia Rio a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2020 Kia Rio. 83.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 31 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.5

Kia Rio history

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