Used Kia Rio for sale near Darlington

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £9,200

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 family 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. Visibility is good thanks to generous 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.

Engine options are plentiful, with petrol variants ranging from a leisurely 1.2-litre to perky 1.0-litre turbos, plus a mild hybrid version. Diesel options were discontinued in 2018. Fuel economy averages around 45mpg for petrol models, with diesels achieving up to 60mpg. The seven-year/100,000-mile warranty on newer examples is class-leading, and affordable servicing keeps running costs down. As a used car, the Rio represents excellent value for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, hassle-free transport with practical appeal.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, those seeking reliable and practical transport, families and commuters, and buyers who value the peace of mind offered by Kia's extended warranty.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising exciting styling or engaging driving dynamics, those wanting a car with genuine character, or buyers seeking the most fun-to-drive supermini in its class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Rio if: You're on a budget, seeking reliable and practical transport, prioritising value for money, or wanting the peace of mind offered by Kia's extended warranty.

Consider alternatives if: You desire exciting styling, engaging driving dynamics, or want the most fun-to-drive supermini in its class.

Competitive Position: The Kia Rio (2017-2023) is a sensible choice in the used supermini market, offering excellent value, practicality, and reliability. Whilst it may not match rivals like the Ford Fiesta for driving engagement or the Hyundai i20 for user ratings, its affordability, class-leading warranty, and straightforward approach make it an intelligent option for budget-conscious buyers. The Rio's comfortable ride and practical interior appeal to families and commuters seeking hassle-free motoring without compromise.

Read our full Kia Rio Review

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