Is the 2012 Kia Rio a good car?

The 2012 Kia Rio has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2012 Kia Rio, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2012 Kia Rio Reviews .

Is the 2012 Kia Rio reliable?

The Kia Rio received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Kia Rio as 10 out of 27 among Subcompact Car

What are the pros and cons of the 2012 Kia Rio?

Here are the pros and cons of the 2012 Kia Rio: Pros - Fuel Economy - Styling - Ride and Handling Cons - Technology and Entertainment - Weather Versatility - Dashboard

What is the fuel efficiency of the 2012 Kia Rio?

The 2012 Kia Rio offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 29 city / 37 highway MPG (LX trim) • Gas: 28 city / 36 highway MPG (SX trim) • Gas: 28 city / 36 highway MPG (EX trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.

2012 Kia Rio review

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Kia Rio highlights

Customer rating

4 out of 5

Mileage (EPA estimate)

28 city, 36 highway, 31 combined

Pricing for current inventory

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All Kia Rio years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Rio generation from 2012 to 2023

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4 out of 5

4 customer reviews

The 2012 Kia Rio is a budget-friendly car praised for its excellent fuel economy, stylish design, and low maintenance costs. Customers highlight reliable handling and quiet cabin but criticize limited technology features, uncomfortable seat positioning, and modest power. Best for urban travel and mild weather conditions.

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Excellent

RepairPal gave the Kia Rio an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Rio 10th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia Rio

Kia Rio features and specs

Trim & Body

Engine & Transmission

Curious how Kia Rio trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SX 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

Cloth Seats
Power Seat(s)
Heated Mirrors
ABS Brakes
Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Overhead Airbags
Power Locks
Power Mirrors
Power Windows
Rear Defroster
Rear View Camera
Side Airbags
Traction Control
Alloy Wheels
Automatic Transmission
Bluetooth Technology
AM/FM Stereo
Auxiliary Audio Input
CD Audio
Satellite Radio Ready

Cloth Seats
Front Seat Heaters
Leather Seats
Power Seat(s)
Smart Key
Sunroof(s)
Bluetooth Technology
Navigation System

Drive Wheels	Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size	1.6L
Horsepower	138
Torque (ft-lbs)	123
Engine type	Gas
Fuel capacity	11.4
Wheelbase	101.2"
Overall length	171.9"
Width	67.7"
Height	57.3"
Leg room	F 43.8"/R 31.1"
Head room	F 40"/R 37.6"
Front tires	P205/45R17
Rear tires	P205/45R17
Seating capacity	5
Transmission	Automatic

2012 Kia Rio FAQ

Kia Rio articles

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Car shopping on a budget doesn't have to limit your style. We've compiled a list of the best used cars under $15,000 for 2021 shoppers. From the Kia Rio to the Ford Focus, this list features vehicles that check all the boxes, without breaking the bank.

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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2012 Kia Rio review