2021
Kia Rio

Starts at:
$16,050
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New 2021 Kia Rio
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • LX IVT
    Starts at
    $16,050
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S IVT
    Starts at
    $16,690
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S IVT
    Starts at
    $16,990
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio 2021 Kia Rio

Notable features

Updated front-end styling
8-inch touchscreen now standard
Sedan and four-door hatchback body styles
Four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard

The good & the bad

The good

Stable handling
Quiet at cruising speed
Fuel efficiency
Cargo room
Automatic emergency braking available

The bad

Tight backseat
Modest engine power

Expert 2021 Kia Rio review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Kia Rio?

The Kia Rio is a front-wheel-drive, five-seat subcompact car that’s offered in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. It’s powered by a 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that drives a continuously variable automatic transmission. Competitors include the Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent.

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Rio?

The Rio gets light front and rear updates that include revised grille and bumper styling. There’s also a new standard 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.  

What Features in the 2021 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Heated side mirrors
  • Air conditioning
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Power windows

Available features include:

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Remote keyless entry
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Driver attention monitor

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Rio?

A city car that’s competent on the highway, the Rio also offers good cargo room regardless of whether you choose the sedan or hatchback version. Its backseat, however, is tight. EPA-estimated gas mileage is impressive, but engine power is modest.

2021 Kia Rio review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Kia Rio?

The Kia Rio is a front-wheel-drive, five-seat subcompact car that’s offered in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. It’s powered by a 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that drives a continuously variable automatic transmission. Competitors include the Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent.

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Rio?

The Rio gets light front and rear updates that include revised grille and bumper styling. There’s also a new standard 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.  

What Features in the 2021 Kia Rio Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Heated side mirrors
  • Air conditioning
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Power windows

Available features include:

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Remote keyless entry
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Driver attention monitor

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Rio?

A city car that’s competent on the highway, the Rio also offers good cargo room regardless of whether you choose the sedan or hatchback version. Its backseat, however, is tight. EPA-estimated gas mileage is impressive, but engine power is modest.

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    4.7
    Kia Rio
    Starts at
    $16,050
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.3
    Hyundai Accent
    Starts at
    $14,995
    28 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
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    Drivetrain
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  • 2021
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    Starts at
    $17,890
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
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  • 2023
    Nissan Versa
    Starts at
    $15,980
    27 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
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    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
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  • 2019
    4.3
    Mitsubishi Mirage
    Starts at
    $13,795
    33 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
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    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-3
    Engine
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  • 2023
    4.8
    Kia Rio
    Starts at
    $16,750
    32 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

I've had my 2021 kia rio hatchback since October '21.

I've had my 2021 kia rio hatchback since October '21. It is a solid reliable subcompact. It performs fine, and has enough power for its size. Wireless connectivity is a plus. Nice sound system. My only disappointment is no telescoping steering wheel (I'm tall) but you adjust, Very happy with this car!
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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I like this car!

2021 Rio Hatchback- I am quite happy with this car. Handles fine, great fuel milage, plenty of power for it's size (and I love its size) Wish it had a telescopic steering wheel, but you adjust. Apple CarPlay and 8" touchscreen is great.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 5.0
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Kia Rio?

The 2021 Kia Rio is available in 2 trim levels:

  • LX (1 style)
  • S (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Rio?

The 2021 Kia Rio offers up to 33 MPG in city driving and 41 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Kia Rio?

The 2021 Kia Rio compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Kia Rio reliable?

The 2021 Kia Rio has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Kia Rio owners.

Is the 2021 Kia Rio a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Kia Rio. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.8

Kia Rio history

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