CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £9,000

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 supermini that prioritises practicality and reliability 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. It offers plenty of space for passengers and a comfortable ride that handles imperfections smoothly, though it lacks the driving dynamics of rivals like the Ford Fiesta.

The Rio boasts a wide range of engine options, with the perky 1.0-litre turbos being the standout choice, achieving 0-62mph in around ten seconds. Petrol versions deliver approximately 45mpg in real-world driving, whilst diesel models can achieve closer to 60mpg. With affordable servicing costs and a class-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty on later examples, the Rio represents excellent value. It's an honest, user-friendly car that makes an especially good buy if warranty coverage remains.

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

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising exciting styling or engaging driving dynamics, those seeking a car with character, or buyers wanting 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, practical, and hassle-free transport, a family or commuter valuing sensible design, or looking to benefit from Kia's class-leading extended warranty.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise exciting styling or engaging driving dynamics, want a car with character, or seek the most fun-to-drive supermini in its class.

Competitive Position: The Kia Rio (2017-2023) is a strong contender in the used supermini market for budget-conscious buyers. Whilst it may not match the Ford Fiesta for driving excitement or the Hyundai i20 for user ratings, its practicality, affordability, and class-leading seven-year warranty make it an exceptionally sensible choice. The Rio's straightforward approach to motoring, combined with perky turbo engines and low running costs, positions it as an excellent value proposition for those prioritising reliability and ease of ownership over thrills. It's an honest car that delivers what it promises without pretence.

Read our full Kia Rio Review

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

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