2021
Kia Rio

Starts at:
$16,050
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New 2021 Kia Rio
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Not rated
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • LX IVT
    Starts at
    $16,050
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S IVT
    Starts at
    $16,690
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S IVT
    Starts at
    $16,990
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio

Notable features

Updated front-end styling
8-inch touchscreen now standard
Sedan and four-door hatchback body styles
Four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard

The good & the bad

The good

Stable handling
Quiet at cruising speed
Fuel efficiency
Cargo room
Automatic emergency braking available

The bad

Tight backseat
Modest engine power
See all specifications

Expert 2021 Kia Rio review

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

What Is the 2021 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 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 2021 Kia Rio?

The Rio gets light front and rear updates that include revised grille and bumper styling. There’s also a new standard 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.  

What Features in the 2021 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Heated side mirrors
  • Air conditioning
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Power windows

Available features include:

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Remote keyless entry
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Driver attention monitor

Should I Buy the 2021 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. EPA-estimated gas mileage is impressive, but engine power is modest.

2021 Kia Rio review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 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 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 2021 Kia Rio?

The Rio gets light front and rear updates that include revised grille and bumper styling. There’s also a new standard 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.  

What Features in the 2021 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Heated side mirrors
  • Air conditioning
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Power windows

Available features include:

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Remote keyless entry
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Driver attention monitor

Should I Buy the 2021 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. EPA-estimated gas mileage is impressive, but engine power is modest.

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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    Compare
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Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
4.7 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • By Vetro
    Owns this car
    May 12, 2024

    I've had my 2021 kia rio hatchback since October '21.

    I've had my 2021 kia rio hatchback since October '21. It is a solid reliable subcompact. It performs fine, and has enough power for its size. Wireless connectivity is a plus. Nice sound system. My only disappointment is no telescoping steering wheel (I'm tall) but you adjust, Very happy with this car!
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Vetro from Seal Beach, CA
    Owns this car
    September 25, 2023

    I like this car!

    2021 Rio Hatchback- I am quite happy with this car. Handles fine, great fuel milage, plenty of power for it's size (and I love its size) Wish it had a telescopic steering wheel, but you adjust. Apple CarPlay and 8" touchscreen is great.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Don from Salisbury, MD
    Owns this car
    June 23, 2023

    Great commuter car / student car

    2021 Rio S - bought new 2021, had for 2 years, no issues. Great commuter car / student car. Positive: Comfortable with good leg /head room. Gas mileage excellent. Excels at speeds around 55-65mph. Gets 46 mpg at this speed range on longer trips. Negative: Does not handle as well at higher speeds versus larger cars > 65mpg.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Olive from Santa Ana, CA
    Owns this car
    June 12, 2023

    Good budget car

    For its price point, the Kia Rio delivers and has *been* delivering for a couple years now. It is a very simple car with modest interior design but an exterior design that makes it stand out a bit more from the crowd, something that people complaining of cars all looking alike these days might find interest in. The ride is comfortable enough, and its performance on the road is enough to keep up with other cars without trouble; it is very easy on the gas and the steering wheel. The Rio is a reliable car. Mine had a leak in the transmission pan fairly early on, but that has been the only issue. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a simple budget car, especially one for a teenager.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Connie vega from Youngtown Az
    Owns this car
    June 17, 2021

    Love my Car

    I love this car it’s little sporty not to small not to big ,very easy to drive and to turns very east love the inside ‘ nice big trunk I could go on and on.
    • 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
    13 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bullwheel from Bend, Or
    Owns this car
    May 23, 2021

    Exactly what I wanted is what I got

    I wanted a "tiny car" but other cars in subcompact had poor reliability ratings. I wanted a car under 160 inches and this one fit the bill. It has plenty of room for my delivery bags and even the road bike fits if I scoot the front seat up. Great paint job. And terrific gas mileage, almost as good as hybrids. Love the dash layout, and fairly intuitive instrumentation and good sound from the entertainment system.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ukulele Lover Neil from Pace FL (outside of Pensacola)
    Owns this car
    May 20, 2021

    I'm very happy with my 2021 Kia Rio!

    I test-drove the Rio and the Soul, expecting to like the Soul way better. I was so impressed with the Rio that I bought it instead. It' very roomy in the front seats and I like the standard features (S trim level). My only gripe is that it should have come with telescoping steering adjustment instead of only tilt adjustment. I'd have an easier time finding the perfectly comfortable seating position if it had.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    16 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ed E from New York
    Owns this car
    May 11, 2021

    Very happy with this vehicle.

    This car rides like a much more expensive vehicle . Meets my needs for getting from point A to point B . Fantastic value for the money.
    • 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
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Country carol from South Bloomingville Ohio
    Owns this car
    May 4, 2021

    Nice car for its size

    Easy yo drive lots of power for a smaller car. Comfortable seats lots of leg room nice interior love to drive it perfect small car
    • 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
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Cathy Help from Richmond, VA
    Owns this car
    April 19, 2021

    I needed a car.

    It seems to be alright now but Bluetooth is dropping my calls and it takes about 60 seconds plus for the backup camera to go back to the radio screen.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Scott & Linnie from Seymour, IN
    Owns this car
    April 9, 2021

    Best experience ever!

    This car surpassed every expectation that I had. From all the smart car features to the interior room in a smaller car. We love the new vehicle and would purchase another Kia in a heartbeat.
    • 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
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By AprilB from San Antonio Texas
    Owns this car
    April 1, 2021

    Satisfied

    Very smooth and quite, basic necessities, exterior design nice and clean. Plenty of room on inside. Does have get up and go, very fuel efficient
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    10 people out of 10 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 2021 Kia Rio?

The 2021 Kia Rio is available in 2 trim levels:

  • LX (1 style)
  • S (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Rio?

The 2021 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 2021 Kia Rio?

The 2021 Kia Rio compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Kia Rio reliable?

The 2021 Kia Rio has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Kia Rio owners.

Is the 2021 Kia Rio a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Kia Rio. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.8

Kia Rio history

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