Used Kia Rio for sale

What types of used Kia Rio cars are there?

The Kia Rio came out in 2000 and has since gone on to become the thinking man’s supermini.   

Due to its practical nature and affordability, the Rio seems like the perfect alternative to a Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio or Vauxhall Corsa.    

Although it can be cheap to buy and doesn’t have the association of a premium brand, the Kia Rio comes with a lot of equipment and luxuries that you might typically associate with bigger and more expensive cars. 

– Read our Kia Rio review

Kia updated the Rio in 2016, which saw the introduction of a sharper and cleaner design and an improved interior. This hasn’t changed it all that much, however, and Kia ensured the Rio offered plenty of passenger space and an impressive interior.    

The Rio range is available with either petrol, diesel or a mild hybrid engine, allowing plenty of choice for prospective buyers.  

Popular Kia Rio trims 

Kia’s naming structure for its trim levels is one of the best around – for example, 1, 2, and 3 are all trim levels of the Rio. At the top, there are sporty GT-Line models. 

> Kia Rio 2 - Popular mid-spec 2 version with rear parking sensors, cruise control and reversing camera 

> Kia Rio 3 - High-spec 3 model with all the bells and whistles, including heated seats and heated steering wheel 

> Kia Rio GT-Line S - Range-topper GT-Line S with all the kit and sporty styling, plus upgraded alloy wheels 

Kia Rio history 

There have been four versions of the Kia Rio. Most buyers will be familiar with the third- and fourth-generation models. In 2023, Kia stopped selling the Rio. 

> Kia Rio third-generation (2011) - Higher quality than the predecessor and extremely efficient engines 

> Kia Rio fourth-generation (2016) - Sharper styling and more standard equipment 

> Facelifted Kia Rio (2020) - Design and equipment tweaks, plus the introduction of economical mild hybrid options 

What features does the Kia Rio have?

Inside, the Kia Rio is a very pleasant place to be, like most other models the brand makes. It offers a very functional and simple feel to the cabin, but what more could you possibly want in a budget-friendly supermini?   

Entry-level models feature a standard radio unit with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and as of 2020, the mid-spec trims get an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.   

The most popular trim is the top-spec GT-Line S, which introduces 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear fog lights, front LED fog lights and privacy glass. You also get heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic air-conditioning and keyless start/stop.  

At the rear, the Rio has a very big boot for its size, measuring 325 litres, and grows to 980 litres once the rear seats are folded flat.    

Visit our used Kia Rio listings to see the full range of features on offer in each model.  

Is the Kia Rio reliable?

Kia has a track record of building reliable cars, and the used Kia Rio is no different. Every Kia Rio for sale benefits from a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, which transfers to new owners. 

The small car also borrows parts from bigger and plusher cars – the mild hybrid engines are used elsewhere in the Kia range, for example in the Ceed. 

How much does the Kia Rio cost to run?

Both the third- and fourth-generation models have some of the most efficient engines of any manufacturer, so any Kia Rio for sale should be good on your wallet. 

They’re cheap to insure too, with even used Kia Rio GT-Line S models sitting in low insurance groups. 

Who is the Kia Rio suitable for?

A used Kia Rio would make a great car for someone wanting a practical, economical and well-built car that is easy to live with and that offers great reliability.

There’s a reason they’re just as popular with first-time drivers as they are with retirees, all looking for something economical to run. 

Due to its practical nature and affordability, the Rio seems like the perfect alternative to a Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio or Vauxhall Corsa.