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2018 Kia Rio Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Change Year or Change Vehicle
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.
Kelley Blue Book Value®
$12,642 - $16,541
New Fair Purchase Price Range
MPG (up to)
28 City / 37 HWY
Horsepower
130
Seats
5
4.59 Owner Reviews (32) 4.3 Expert Reviews Photos (76) Video Reviews (4) Compare Models & Features For Sale Near Me (9)

Expert Review

By Kelley Blue Book Editorial Staff
4.3 Overall Score
Performance
4.2
Interior
4.4
Comfort
4.4
Value
4.4

Editor's Overview

Available as a sedan or 5-door hatchback, the value-packed 2018 Kia Rio boasts a larger interior than its diminutive size would suggest. It offers a generous serving of tech-savvy features and the best warranty in the segment. All-new for 2018, the Rio offers an attractive, quiet interior, a comfortable ride, and an expansive array of safety features.

Show Full Review
What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment

Kia Rio Models & Trims

LX - $12,642 - $16,541

Horsepower: 130 hp
Engine Type: Regular Unleaded I-4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 15 X 5.5 (in.) Steel
  • Bluetooth (Optional)
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera (Optional)
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

EX - $12,642 - $16,541

Horsepower: 130 hp
Engine Type: Regular Unleaded I-4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 15 X 5.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

S - $12,642 - $16,541

Horsepower: 130 hp
Engine Type: Regular Unleaded I-4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 15 X 5.5 (in.) Steel
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Owner Reviews

4.59
5 star
69%
4 star
22%
3 star
9%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

The Kia rio is a great, small car to drive short or long distances.

The Kia rio is a great small car for daily use. It is good on gas and I spend about $20 a week to fill it up, and I can drive a 2. 5 hour trip which will only use about half of the tank. The radio is touch screen and it has access for an AUX cord and USB device to charge your phone or any other devices. The only downside to the specific model I have is that the windows and side view mirrors are manual, and I must lock the car through the driver's side manually.
Isabel M
Helpful

My Kia Rio is comforting and soothing.

There are no problems with my car except for the fact that there is no CD slot but that is the least of my worries. It runs smooth and fast and it is very comfortable. I feel great whenever I drive my car. It has a touch screen so it helps me by not physically using my phone for whenever I receive a call. I love it.
Ana Monica C
Helpful

It is the ideal vehicle for gas and maneuvering around the city.

I have no problems. This car has great performance just little space. Steering wheel control features and eco gas option that helps you save on gas in traffic especially. This car is easy to maneuver. Trunk space is descent also. It's a great car for a college student or a single mom with one kid or no kids.
Tamara L
Helpful
See All Reviews (32)

Video Reviews

2018 Kia Rio Review

2018 Kia Rio Review

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2018 Kia Rio Review
2018 Kia Rio Review
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2019 Kia Rio – Review and Road Test
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2018 Kia Rio Sedan Complete Review and Walkaround
2018 Kia Rio Sedan Complete Review and Walkaround
232,492 views
2018 Kia Rio First Drive Review In 4K UHD!
2018 Kia Rio First Drive Review In 4K UHD!
112,852 views

Compare Models & Key Features

For Sale Near Me

Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit group which conducts safety testing beyond federal regulations. "Good" is the highest rating.

  • Moderate Overlap Front G
  • Side G
  • Roof Strength G
  • Driver-side Overlap Front G
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor

Safety Features

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) *
  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control *
  • Side Impact Beams
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
  • Low Tire Pressure Warning
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
  • Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
  • Airbag Occupancy Sensor
  • Rear Child Safety Locks
  • Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
* Optional Safety Feature

Long-Term Reliability

J.D. Power Ratings 2

JD Power's Initial Quality Study measures issues with a vehicle the first 90 days after purchase.

  • ‌Overall ?
  • Mechanical ?
  • Powertrain Quality ?
  • Body & Interior Design ?
  • ‌Features ?
Among the best
Better than most
About average
The rest

Safety Recalls (0)

This Vehicle Has No Recalls

Payment Calculator

Estimated Monthly
Payment

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Expert Rating 4.3 /5 What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment
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Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price (New)

Updated weekly, the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for new cars is generally the midpoint of the Fair Market Range. It is Kelley Blue Book's estimate of what a consumer can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for this year, make and model used vehicle with typical miles and configured with their selected options, excluding taxes, title and fees, when buying from a dealer. It's based on actual used-car transactions, plus data from other reliable third-party sources as well as market conditions.

Kelly Blue Book® values and pricing are based in part on transactions in your area.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

2. J.D. Power’s Power Circles Ratings do not include all information used to determine J.D. Power awards. See jdpower.com for more information. Your experience may vary. All information provided by J.D. Power is owned by J.D. Power and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power, other than printing copies of the J.D.Power content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power.

Initial Quality Study: After 90 days.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., excessive brake dust, brake noise, excessive oil consumption and battery failed).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with exterior, seats and interior (i.e., memory seat controls difficult to use, center console difficult to use and materials scuffs/soils easily).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.

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2018 Kia Rio

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Our reviews are the product of decades of experience from some of the most experienced automotive writers working today.

Our automotive experts have over 50 years of collective automotive journalism experience writing for outlets such as Automobile, Car and Driver, Auto Express, Edmunds.com, MSN Autos, more than 75 newspapers across the country including The Chicago Tribune, and more. Now we have harnessed their talents to create a unique type of review that brings the best of the web together in a single opinion that readers can act on.

Our team of experts drives nearly 200 new vehicles each year between them, including advance drives of new vehicles not available to the general public. The Car Connection’s experts also travel to the world’s auto shows to learn firsthand about vehicles nearing production.

How We Test Cars

The Car Connection’s experts test-drive completely new models as well as cars that have been substantially updated with new styling, new safety gear, and new engines and transmissions. The team also drives some models that haven’t seen major changes as needed to refresh their opinions of the car. In nearly all cases, our experts have driven the vehicle in question in its current form, for the hands-on experience needed to bring you the best advice.

There are a few vehicles that have not been driven by our experts due to availability. In those cases, The Car Connection’s reviews bring you the highlights from the most respected sources around the Web. In the rare cases where The Car Connection’s team of experts has not recently driven a car, we will still bring together the consensus opinion from around the Web and update the review when they get some “seat time” in the car.

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We’re rating cars based on Style, Performance, Comfort, Quality, Safety, Features, and Green. Most categories start at 5 (average) and go up or down from there.

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Safety: Cars with official crash data gain points for a five-star overall rating by the NHTSA, or Top Safety Pick status by the IIHS. Cars with Top Safety Pick+ status are awarded an additional point for those advanced safety features. An additional point is awarded for cars with exceptional safety features such as parking assistance, surround-view camera systems, or autonomous-driving features. Cars with official crash data lose points for a four-star overall rating by NHTSA, “Poor” ratings by the IIHS, any three-star NHTSA ratings, no standard rearview camera, poor outward vision, or any special notes by the IIHS or federal testers. Cars without crash data aren’t given a rating at all.

Features: Cars with excellent base equipment earn a point above average. Extra points can be added for exceptional available features, good customization options, good infotainment systems with screens larger than 5.0 inches, and good warranty or service programs. Cars may lose points for sub-standard or expensive features; bad feature packages; poor relative value; or bad warranty or service availability.

Green: Cars are assigned a rating based on their EPA-estimated highway and combined mileage ratings. Plug-in and battery-electric vehicles start at 8. Electric-only cars with a range of more than 250 miles; plug-in electric cars with an EV range of more than 50 miles; or cars with a combined equivalent MPGe rating of more than 100 mpg earn a perfect score.

What’s New?

Our rating system better reflects how people look at their cars. We start in the middle, and add or take away points based on features, usability and driveability. It’s pretty simple!

A clearer path to 10—and 0. Our system is designed to better identify what’s exceptional in new cars.

Our ratings are reviewed by experts, every week. Editors constantly evaluate every new car rating to make sure we’re giving readers the best information.

We’re asking for discussion. We want to be as transparent as possible, so we’re inviting readers to discuss our ratings with the experts.

It’s not like grade school. Our ratings go from 1-10 with 5 being an average score. In the past, most of our ratings have fallen between 6 and 8 and while our new ratings may have lower scores, it doesn’t mean we like the car any less. An overall score of 5 is average—anything above is better than average.

How Do We Get There?

For most ratings, we start at 5 and work our way up—or down. Cars gain and lose points based on feature availability, affordability, comfort, and quality relative to their competition.

Some of our ratings are based on specific criteria. Safety ratings, for example, are based on official crash data from both of the major U.S. safety organizations. Green scores are calculated on mileage estimates from the EPA.

All of our ratings are open to the public. Wherever possible, we’ll tell you how we’ve rated a car and why we arrived at the score we did.

We’ve added an “N/A” rating. For cars without official crash safety ratings or other data by authorities, we’ve removed those numbers from the overall score to give readers a better measure for that car’s actual performance. We’ll tell you why we’re withholding a score, and we’ll add those in as those become available.

We’ve factored “Green” into the overall average. We know many readers and shoppers prioritize fuel economy and we’re rewarding efficient cars.

The Car Connection’s experts consult these professional review sources when writing our reviews:

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  • Consumer Reports
  • Edmunds
  • Kelley darkBlue Book
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  • Top Gear

How Often Are Ratings Changed?

We re-evaluate our ratings for new cars at least once a month—if not more.

How Can I Tell If You Recommend A Car?

We’ll tell you! For most models, we’ll identify our picks for powertrain and popular combinations we think are important to buy.

We’re changing our rating system to better serve our readers and start a conversation about new cars on the road today. We take seriously our responsibility to you and we want to be open and transparent.