2021 Kia Rio review
Kia Rio highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Good fuel economy
- Standard wireless smartphone connectivity
- Strong warranty
Cons
- Meager acceleration
- Ho-hum trunk space (sedan)
- Base trim lacks active driver-assist features
Mileage (EPA estimate)
33 city, 41 highway, 36 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
The Kia Rio is bargain transportation with a tech twist
The 2021 Kia Rio is one of the least expensive avenues to new car ownership. Despite its bargain price, the Rio boasts a smooth ride, an attractive cabin with adult-friendly space, and some surprising tech touches. This includes an eight-inch Uvo infotainment screen that’s standard on all 2021 models, with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. That wire-free smartphone feature is often optional on a number of vehicles costing thousands more than the Rio sedan and hatchback.
Every Rio comes with a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. Fuel mileage is strong, with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg highway average. Acceleration is leisurely, however. To be fair, tire-smoking speed isn’t something car shoppers are looking for at this price point. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
The hatchback has a slightly roomier cargo hold than the sedan, in case load-lugging ranks high on your list of priorities.
All Kia Rio years
2021 Kia Rio trims
LX:
- 120-hp, 112-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
- Rear Defroster
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Automatic Transmission
S:
- Includes all features available on the LX
- Cruise Control
- View our Kia Rio S inventory
Kia Rio photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Kia Rio
What We Like
Good value: The Kia Rio faces less competition as automakers turn attention away from subcompact sedans and hatches to pint-size SUVs. With this in mind, the value-conscious Rio undercuts many of these pricier sport-ute rivals by thousands of dollars.
Upgraded technology: That wireless smartphone connectivity and a user-friendly touchscreen are standard on the 2021 Rio is excellent news. Shoppers often have to look much higher on the price ladder to find wireless smartphone connectivity even offered as an option, so in our eyes Kia has scored a real coup by making it standard.
Cabin refinement: Just as appreciated is the grown-up look and feel of the cabin. It's basic but attractive, and all the controls are easy to operate. Even though the Rio is a budget-conscious choice, it stays on the right side of being inexpensive without feeling cheap.
What Needs Improvement
Plan passing maneuvers: There is only so much you can ask of the Rio’s 120-horsepower four-cylinder engine. In town it’s peppy enough. At highway speed, well, you’ll need to steer clear of the passing lane.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
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 RioKia Rio features and specs
LX 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.6L
Horsepower
120
Torque (ft-lbs)
112
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
11.9
Wheelbase
101.6"
Overall length
172.6"
Width
67.9"
Height
57.1"
Leg room
F 42.1"/R 33.5"
Head room
F 38.9"/R 37.4"
Front tires
P185/65TR15
Rear tires
P185/65TR15
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Kia Rio FAQ
The 2021 Kia Rio is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LX: 33 MPG City and 41 MPG Highway
- S: 33 MPG City and 41 MPG Highway
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 9 out of 27 among Subcompact Car
The 2021 Kia Rio has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Kia Rio, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Kia Rio Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Kia Rio:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Alloy Wheels
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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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We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.