Used Kia Rio for sale near Chelmsford

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £7,900

Kia Rio (2017-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
As sensible and practical as superminis get	A bit of a yawn to look at
The seven-year warranty is class-leading	Slow 1.2-litre petrol engine
Perky 1.0-litre turbo engines	Nothing like as much fun as a Ford Fiesta to drive

Quick Summary

The Kia Rio (2017-2023) is a straightforward, sensible, and practical supermini that prioritises reliability and user-friendliness over excitement. Though removed from the UK market in 2023, it remains an excellent secondhand buy. The interior is functional with well-laid-out controls, and the 325-litre boot expands to 1,103 litres with rear seats folded. Spacious for passengers and comfortable on most road surfaces, the Rio offers decent practicality without pretension, making it an easy car to live with day-to-day.

The Rio features a wide range of engine options, with the perky 1.0-litre turbo variants being the most engaging, whilst the mild hybrid version offers marginal fuel economy improvements. Petrol models achieve around 45mpg in real-world driving, whilst diesel versions can reach 60mpg on longer runs. With affordable servicing costs and Kia's class-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty on later examples, running costs are competitive. The straightforward trim structure (1, 2, 3, GT-Line, and GT-Line S) makes choosing specifications simple, with all but the base model receiving touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, affordable, and hassle-free transport; families prioritising practicality; those valuing Kia's extended warranty protection.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting an exciting or characterful supermini; those seeking premium styling or engaging driving dynamics; buyers prioritising aesthetic flair in infotainment systems.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Rio if: You're seeking reliable, affordable, and hassle-free transport; prioritising practicality for families or commuters; or valuing Kia's extended warranty protection.

Consider alternatives if: You want an exciting or characterful supermini, premium styling, engaging driving dynamics, or aesthetic flair in infotainment systems.

Competitive Position: The Kia Rio (2017-2023) is a sensible choice in the used supermini market, offering excellent practicality, affordability, and Kia's class-leading seven-year warranty. Whilst it lacks the driving excitement of a Ford Fiesta or the premium appeal of rivals, its straightforward reliability, comfortable ride, and low running costs make it an intelligent purchase for budget-conscious buyers. The Hyundai i20 sister model has achieved greater market success, but the Rio remains a dependable and practical alternative with strong user satisfaction ratings.

Read our full Kia Rio Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.