Kia Rio review
The Kia Rio has a well-built cabin and efficient petrol engines, but it’s dull inside and you can have more fun behind the wheel in other small cars for the same money.
- Cash
- £13,240
- Monthly
- £155*
- Used
- £9,595
What's good
What's not so good
Find out more about the Kia Rio
Is the Kia Rio a good car?
The Kia Rio is a sensible supermini with decent space and a solid cabin. But is that enough when you consider the Rio is in the same shopping basket as the Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza, VW Polo and Peugeot 208?
Next to these lot, the Rio is a bit like going out for dinner at the Ritz and ordering a ham sandwich. It just doesn’t have the same sort of pizzazz as these cars inside or out.
Kia has tried, but the Rio is an evolution of the style set out by its predecessor. A similar face with piercing headlights flanks the slightly narrower ‘tiger-nose’ grille, while the front bumper is lower and wider, and the foglight surrounds more prominent.
The cabin has seen the most significant improvements compared to the last model. The materials have been upgraded, while on mid-spec models and upwards there’s a larger 8-inch touchscreen and a high-definition colour display between the instruments.
There are four equipment levels to choose from and in terms of quality, the new Rio, has an interior that’s easily a match for the likes of a VW Polo. The plastics used on most of the surfaces are soft-touch while the fit-and-finish of every component is superb. It just won’t wow you like the Peugeot 208 interior would, though.
If boot sizes wow you however, you’ll be pleased to see the Rio’s boot is bigger than the boot you’ll find in a Polo or Fiesta, though it’s not quite as easy to load thanks to its rather awkward shape.
The Rio is pretty decent but you need more to stand out in class nowadays
Under the bonnet, the Rio gets a choice of 1.25 non-turbo petrol engines or a 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol with 100hp. In addition, there’s a 1.0-litre engine with mild-hybrid assistance, which generates a total of 120hp.
It’s easy to drive thanks to light controls and it’s easy to put the car where you want it. That said, if you love driving maybe look elsewhere – the Rio is untaxing to drive but definitely not fun. Refinement and comfort are likewise agreeable but don’t rival the best models in the class. A Ford Fiesta is generally better to drive while a VW Polo is more comfortable and refined.
Ultimately, if this car’s qualities appeal to your sensible side – its industry-leading seven-year warranty, its sturdy cabin and its frugal powertrain – then it’s worth a look. If, however, you demand a little more from your car – such as a fun driving experience, desirable looks and luxurious ride quality – its rivals might be better suited to you.
If you’re more bothered about a reassuring warranty and going from A to B than going around corners quickly, check out our Kia Rio deals.
How practical is it?
The Kia Rio has lots of space for anyone in the front seats, as well as a big boot, but rear legroom can be a bit tight, if the front seats are pushed all the way back
The Rio may not be class-leading in any particular area, but it is a deceptively good all-rounder that's pretty good at everything
What's it like to drive?
On the road, the Rio is a jack of many trades but a master of few.
What's it like inside?
The Kia Rio is further evidence of the way that Kia is improving its cars: the cabin is full of nice materials that are put together really well. There’s lots of high-tech features, too, and the touchscreen is better than the old versions.
Kia Rio colours
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- Free
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- From £270
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- From £545
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- From £545
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- From £545
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- From £545
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- From £545
- Cash
- £13,240
- Monthly
- £155*
- Used
- £9,595
Build your own Rio on carwow
Save on average £1,240 off RRP
*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.