2023
Kia Rio

Starts at:
$16,750
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New 2023 Kia Rio
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
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
    $16,750
    32 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S IVT
    Starts at
    $17,390
    32 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S IVT
    Starts at
    $17,690
    32 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Notable features

Sedan and four-door hatchback body styles
Four-cylinder engine
Front-wheel drive
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard

The good & the bad

The good

Low entry price
Nimble and easy to park
Quiet on the highway
Excellent fuel economy
Cargo room (hatchback)

The bad

Snug backseat
Limited engine power
Lack of standard active-safety features
See all specifications

Expert 2023 Kia Rio review

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

What Is the 2023 Kia Rio?

The 2023 Kia Rio is one of the least expensive paths to new-car ownership. This front-wheel-drive, five-seat subcompact is available in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles, with an entry-level LX version for the sedan and better-equipped S trims of both the sedan and hatchback. Because the hatchback offers slightly more passenger and cargo space, we think it’s the smarter pick. Every Rio is powered by a 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Fuel economy is great, though acceleration takes (lots of) patience. The Rio’s competitors include the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage.

What’s New on the 2023 Kia Rio?

The only change for the 2023 model year is a new warning light to inform the Rio’s driver if the engine is running low on oil. 

What Features in the 2023 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Heated side mirrors
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Air conditioning
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Six-speaker stereo
  • 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 departure steering assist
  • Rear-seat reminder
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

Should I Buy the 2023 Kia Rio?

The Rio is a terrific value, but there are some caveats. The entry-level trim lacks active-safety features like automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning; these and other safety systems are available on the S trim. Room in the backseat is tight for adults, and there’s only so much passing power the Rio’s fuel-sipping four-cylinder can muster. Still, in terms of getting a lot of car for your money, the Rio is a solid pick in a rapidly dwindling group of subcompact sedans and hatchbacks.

2023 Kia Rio review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2023 Kia Rio?

The 2023 Kia Rio is one of the least expensive paths to new-car ownership. This front-wheel-drive, five-seat subcompact is available in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles, with an entry-level LX version for the sedan and better-equipped S trims of both the sedan and hatchback. Because the hatchback offers slightly more passenger and cargo space, we think it’s the smarter pick. Every Rio is powered by a 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Fuel economy is great, though acceleration takes (lots of) patience. The Rio’s competitors include the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage.

What’s New on the 2023 Kia Rio?

The only change for the 2023 model year is a new warning light to inform the Rio’s driver if the engine is running low on oil. 

What Features in the 2023 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Heated side mirrors
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Air conditioning
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Six-speaker stereo
  • 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 departure steering assist
  • Rear-seat reminder
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

Should I Buy the 2023 Kia Rio?

The Rio is a terrific value, but there are some caveats. The entry-level trim lacks active-safety features like automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning; these and other safety systems are available on the S trim. Room in the backseat is tight for adults, and there’s only so much passing power the Rio’s fuel-sipping four-cylinder can muster. Still, in terms of getting a lot of car for your money, the Rio is a solid pick in a rapidly dwindling group of subcompact sedans and hatchbacks.

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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    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
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    Compare
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Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
4.8 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 5.0
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.6
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • By Rick from Columbus, OH
    Owns this car
    February 22, 2024

    2023 Kia Rio, get one while you can!

    Bought the 2023 Kia Rio in April 2023 new, so have been driving it about 10 months now. Overall I like it a lot, it drives smoothly, has nice features (rear view camera, push button start, alloy wheels, LED lights, forward collision warning tech., etc.) and great gas mileage for an all gas car. I've taken one road trip in this and gas mileage on the freeways was over 50mpg! On a day to day basis, I average over 40mpg in the city. Only thing I can complain about is Kia has decided to discontinue the Rio for 2024 and beyond. I'm lucky to have gotten one of the last ones! Too bad most Americans continue to be programmed by marketing and media to drive big, fat gas guzzling trucks and SUVs. Ridiculous. I will continue to drive my small, fuel efficient, hatchback and shake my head at all the people in their gas guzzlers around me.
    • 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
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Veganman from Marana, AZ
    Owns this car
    January 26, 2024

    After one year, we are loving our Rio!

    We have been driving our Rio for just over one year. It's not a luxury car, but we didn't want to spend a larger amount. Our most pleasant surprise is the gas mileage: it has consistently been between 42 and 45 MPG. We do live in the country, so we drive about 15 miles each way to town on a country highway that has a speed limit of 55. We did have an intermittent, annoying electrical problem, but our dealership was able to resolve the problem by the next morning. All-in-all we are very pleased with the performance and comfort, and the acceleration is quite satisfactory.
    • 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 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Fred from Ashburn, VA
    Owns this car
    December 5, 2023

    Great, Comfy Daily Driver

    Sadly, this review won't be worth a hill of beans, as Kia has decided to no longer offer/make it in the USA. I wanted to replace an older (electric!) subcompact car with a new, full-warranty automobile that cost less than US$20k. The Rio checked all those boxes. Surprisingly, it's got some very nice features, like Apple CarPlay. My "S" model has 60/40 fold-down rear seats, keyless entry and a center console. For a small, 4-cylinder engine, the 1.6L, 120hp gets the job done. I use it for town driving, but I feel it would be comfortable on the road as well. And with 38mpg average, a 400 mile trip on one tank isn't out of the question. The back seat is large enough for my two grandchildren, and the front seats give me ample legroom and comfort. If this is what a "plain" daily driver goes for these days, I'd buy it again!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    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 Luis Angel from Miami, Florida
    Used to own this car
    February 12, 2023

    Great seller

    It was great and exceptional, the seller was attentive and super helpful, thanks for every minute it was dedicated. The car was clean and ready, it overpassed my expectative
    • 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
    12 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By BLH from San Antonio TX
    Owns this car
    January 30, 2023

    Great value, features. Lousy back eat space.

    I bought the S trim without the tech package. Upsides This car is a terrific value. Lots of car and features for the money. Nice styling, good cabin layout, nice looking and comfortable seats. Trunk pass-through to the rear seats is nice. For me, it offers confidence, because of very high safety rating, great handling, sufficient excelleration (peppy on the takeoff, good passing dynamics, although you arent't going to win any drag races), great breaking, tight turn ratio, and a smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride for such a small car. As it is for my wife, I have no worries when she is on the road. Also great gas mileage. We're getting above the rated number -- 38 mpg in just city driving. She doesn't drive on the freeway if she can help it, so we won't know that number until we take a trip.. Downsides: Lousy back seat space. Although we rarely have passengers, it is a bit tight back there. (I guess I'm spoile by our Versa, which has gobs of back seat room). I haven't driven it with a load of people in there, and I suspect the pep and ride will be adversely affected. I mean, it's only a 1.6 litre 4-banger with 120 horses. What can you expect? dash and door material kinda plasticky, but it's an entry level car, so that's to be exppected. Also, the tech features have a bit of a learning curve -- we're boomers, so we have the usual boomer problems, although we're not totally tech-stupid. All in all, a great buy.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    31 people out of 32 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 2023 Kia Rio?

The 2023 Kia Rio is available in 2 trim levels:

  • LX (1 style)
  • S (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2023 Kia Rio?

The 2023 Kia Rio offers up to 32 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 2023 Kia Rio?

The 2023 Kia Rio compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2023 Kia Rio reliable?

The 2023 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 2023 Kia Rio owners.

Is the 2023 Kia Rio a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2023 Kia Rio. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
  • Comfort: 5.0
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 5.0
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 4.8

Kia Rio history

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