2017 Kia Rio — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
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 2017 Kia Rio is a hatchback powered by a 1.6L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. It returns around 37 mpg (UK) / 31 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Kia Rio workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2016 Kia Rio: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 37 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Length | 4210 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 88 cu ft (2,492 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 37 combined / 32 urban / 43 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 31 combined / 27 city / 36 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 178 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2017 Kia Rio, all with the 1.6L 4-cyl engine. 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 (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (27/36) | 178 | $2,150 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (27/36) | 178 | $2,150 |
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 88 cubic feet (about 2,492 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2017 Kia Rio
Running Costs: 2017 Kia Rio
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2017 Kia Rio at 37 mpg combined, expect roughly 983 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,150 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.
2017 Kia Rio Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2017 Kia Rio (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1), Latches/locks/linkages (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.
- Latches/locks/linkages — campaign 23V594000, reported 24 August 2023. Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Rio. The most-reported areas are Engine (11), Unspecified (6), Service brakes (6). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 6 reported fires, 4 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 28 complaints across the 14 Kia Rio model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2017 Kia Rio
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Brakes (1 recall campaign · 6 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Engine (11 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Doors & latches (1 recall campaign) — Test every door, boot and bonnet latch and the central locking.
- Electrical system (3 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
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 2017 Kia Rio's 37 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 178 g/km CO₂ figure is 29 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Kia average.
Of the 14 Kia Rio model years we cover, the 2017 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (37 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 2017 Kia Rio
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2017 Kia Rio have?
It's fitted with a 1.6L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Kia Rio?
The most efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, or 31 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2017 Kia Rio cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,150 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 2017 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 2017 Kia Rio have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2017 Kia Rio (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1), Latches/locks/linkages (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 2017 Kia Rio?
Among the 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (11 complaints), Unspecified (6 complaints), Service brakes (6 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 2017 Kia Rio have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 88 cubic feet (about 2,492 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.