Used Kia Rio for sale nearDarlington

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 370
Average Price: Around £7,750

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 the rear seats folded. Visibility is good thanks to large windows, and there's ample space for passengers. The Rio offers a comfortable ride that handles imperfections smoothly, though it lacks the driving dynamics of rivals like the Ford Fiesta.

The Rio boasts an impressive range of engine options, including a slow 1.2-litre petrol, a capable 1.4-litre petrol, and perky 1.0-litre turbos (with or without mild hybrid technology). Petrol versions achieve around 45mpg in real-world driving, whilst diesel models can reach 60mpg on longer runs. Service intervals are straightforward at 12 months or 10,000 miles, with affordable servicing costs. The class-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty on later examples provides excellent peace of mind, making the Rio an intelligent choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, hassle-free transport.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, practical, and user-friendly transport; those valuing the class-leading warranty; and drivers prioritising comfort and ease of use over driving excitement.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking premium styling or badge appeal; those wanting an engaging driving experience; or drivers who prioritise character and flair in their supermini.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Rio if: You're budget-conscious and seeking reliable, practical, and user-friendly transport; you value the class-leading warranty; or you prioritise comfort and ease of use over driving excitement.

Consider alternatives if: You seek premium styling or badge appeal, an engaging driving experience, or character and flair in your supermini.

Competitive Position: The Kia Rio (2017-2023) is a strong contender in the used supermini market, offering excellent value, practicality, and the class-leading seven-year warranty. Whilst it may not match rivals like the Ford Fiesta for driving dynamics or the Hyundai i20 for overall appeal, its affordability, comfortable ride, and straightforward reliability make it an intelligent choice for sensible buyers. The perky 1.0-litre turbo engines provide adequate performance, and low servicing costs enhance its appeal as a secondhand purchase.

Read our full Kia Rio Review

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