Kia Rio — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have Kia Rio specifications on file for 14 model years, 2010–2023, covering hatchback trims. EPA data lists a single engine, the 1.6L 4-cyl. Combined fuel economy runs from 36 to 43 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 0 of the 6 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

YearEngine(s)FuelMPG (UK)CO₂ g/kmNHTSARecallsComplaints
20231.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline43155—012
20221.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline43155—111
20211.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline43155—215
20201.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline43155—127
20191.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline38173—121
20181.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline38172—128
20171.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline371784★231
20161.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline371784★277
20151.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline361804★152
20141.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline36–371784★152
20131.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline37–381764★1153
20121.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline37–381734★154
20111.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline36184—024
20101.6L 4-cylRegular Gasoline36–37178—026

Best and Worst Kia Rio Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 13 Kia Rio model years from 2010 to 2022 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 28 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

  • 2022 — 11 complaints, 1 recall campaign
  • 2021 — 15 complaints, 2 recall campaigns
  • 2019 — 21 complaints, 1 recall campaign

Most owner complaints

  • 2013 — 153 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 4★ NHTSA
  • 2016 — 77 complaints, 2 recall campaigns, 4★ NHTSA
  • 2012 — 54 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 4★ NHTSA

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the Kia Rio covered on this site?

We have data for 14 model years of the Kia Rio, from 2010 to 2023.

What engines does the Kia Rio come with?

EPA data lists: 1.6L 4-cyl (2010–2023).

Which Kia Rio year has the best fuel economy?

The 2023 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 43 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the Kia Rio have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

No model year of this car currently has a 5-star overall NHTSA rating on record here — check the individual year pages above for the exact rating available.

Which Kia Rio model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2016 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (2), and the 2013 has the most owner complaints (153). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2010–2011 and 2023. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the Kia Rio?

The Kia Rio is classed as a hatchback on this site.

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