2012 Kia Rio — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2012 Kia Rio is a hatchback powered by a 1.6L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 37–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Kia Rio workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Kia Rio: Fuel economy improves from 36 to 38 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model). EPA passenger volume changes from 92 to 90 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Length | 4210 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 90 cu ft (2,549 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 35 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 29 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 173 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2012 Kia Rio, all with the 1.6L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 31 to 32 mpg (US), or 37 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (28/36) | 178 | $2,150 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 173 | $2,100 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 90 cubic feet (about 2,549 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Kia Rio
Running Costs: 2012 Kia Rio
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Kia Rio at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Kia Rio Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Kia Rio (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Service brakes — campaign 23V652000, reported 25 September 2023. Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Rio. The most-reported areas are Engine (24), Air bags (12), Fuel/propulsion system (7). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 9 reported fires, 4 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 28 complaints across the 14 Kia Rio model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Kia Rio
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (24 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Air bags (12 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Fuel system (7 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Kia models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Kia Rio's 38 mpg is 4 mpg above that make average. Its 173 g/km CO₂ figure is 34 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Kia average.
Of the 14 Kia Rio model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 43 mpg). See every Kia Rio year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Kia Rio
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Kia Rio have?
It's fitted with a 1.6L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a manual 6-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Kia Rio?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 37 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Kia Rio cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Kia Rio have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Kia Rio have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Kia Rio (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Kia Rio?
Among the 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (24 complaints), Air bags (12 complaints), Fuel/propulsion system (7 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Kia Rio have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 90 cubic feet (about 2,549 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.