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: 33.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 350
Average Price: Around £8,000

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. Offering plenty of space for passengers and a comfortable ride, the Rio is easy to live with for families and commuters seeking dependable transport without fuss.

The Rio offers a wide range of engine options, with the perky 1.0-litre turbo variants being the most engaging to drive. Petrol versions achieve around 45mpg in real-world driving, whilst diesel models can reach 60mpg on longer runs. Servicing costs are relatively affordable, and many examples retain Kia's impressive seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. As a used car, it represents excellent value for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, practical, and straightforward supermini with minimal hassle.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, those seeking reliable and practical transport, families and commuters, and drivers prioritising low running costs and warranty protection.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking premium styling or badge appeal, those wanting an exciting driving experience, or drivers prioritising character over practicality.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Rio if: You're on a budget, seeking reliable and practical transport, prioritising warranty protection, or looking for a straightforward supermini with low running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You want premium styling, an exciting driving experience, or prioritise character over practicality.

Competitive Position: The Kia Rio (2017-2023) is a strong contender in the used supermini market for budget-conscious buyers. Whilst it lacks the driving excitement of the Ford Fiesta or the premium appeal of rivals, its exceptional practicality, affordability, and class-leading seven-year warranty make it an excellent choice for those seeking dependable, hassle-free transport. The Rio's sensible approach and low running costs offer genuine value, particularly for families and commuters prioritising reliability over character.

Read our full Kia Rio Review

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