It’s still feasible to get an economical automobile thanks to vehicles like the 2023 Kia Rio. Even though the fundamental design of the subcompact stalwart is six years old, it still stands as a shining example of a straightforward and inexpensive vehicle that isn’t overly basic or seems like a compromise. It is the best pick in its small niche for budget customers. It is a little vehicle with many features that are also fuel-efficient, available in either a classic sedan or a practical hatchback.
Except for a new digital oil-level sensor for the engine and a minor ($100) price increase, the Rio remains unaltered for 2023. The Rio hadn’t had any significant updates since 2021 when a new infotainment system was fitted, and the appearance was lightly updated. This year, the powertrain, entry-level LX (sedan only), and top-spec S (hatchback or sedan) models remain the same. The only significant modification for 2022 was the installation of an anti-theft immobilizer.
Since the Hyundai Accent and Chevrolet Spark cancellation last year and the 2020 release of the Honda Fit, small vehicles are becoming more uncommon, and many of Rio’s rivals have failed. Small crossovers like the Hyundai Venue have been progressively invading, while others, like the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage, are helping to keep the inexpensive subcompact non-SUV sector viable. Even yet, the Kia Rio is still in demand in both of its iterations because it offers good budget driving and, as a hatchback, the spaciousness that rivals the minor crossovers.
The Rio’s entire range consists of the basic LX and the top-spec S, with the option of a sedan or five-door hatchback for the top trim. With a continuously variable gearbox and 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, propulsion tasks continue to provide the highest fuel efficiency in the market. Although it doesn’t burn tires, it can still get up to 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the interstate.
Thanks to a smooth and surprisingly supple suspension, the Rio feels considerably more posh and solid than its compact size implies. With its fine-tuned suspension and light steering, the Rio also has commendable handling. This gives it a highly tossable feel that may sometimes cause smirks.
The Rio isn’t exactly a new child on the block, having debuted for the model year 2018, and it shows in its appearance. However, the starting price for this superb execution stays at $17,305 (with the required $1,055 destination delivery cost), with a fully equipped S trim with the $1,800 Technology package reaching a high price of about $21,000. The tech bundle includes all the safety measures, even if many aren’t standard.
Performance: Kia Rio
The only powerplant is the Rio’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT) with 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. With a manufacturer-stated zero-to-60 time of just under 9 seconds, those figures certainly don’t make for superb straight-line performance. However, it is more than sufficient for a vehicle of its sort, and the Rio maintains its econo-car engine sounds to a minimum.
The CVT doesn’t provide much excitement, as was to be anticipated. However, switching to manual mode and experimenting with any of its simulated six-forward gear ratios allows for a little more engagement. It seldom sends shivers down your spine, but it makes up for it in handling and fuel efficiency.
Due to its compact automobile footprint and overall light curb weight, the Rio is nimble and agile on rewinding roads. Despite its small size and short wheelbase, the car’s rigid construction and well-organized suspension absorb flaws with the composition and maturity one would expect from a more extensive and more costly vehicle.
Although precise and moderately weighted, electrically assisted power steering falls short regarding overall driving feel, the Rio’s excellent road manners and self-assured demeanor provide a remarkably smooth and sure-footed driving experience that its rivals still can’t relatively equal. The Rio’s tossable and reliably controlled feel may even cause one to smile a little if you find a beautiful twisty section of pavement.
Fuel efficiency: Kia Rio
After withdrawing the Hyundai Accent from the circuit, the Rio sedan was the most fuel-efficient car. The sedan exceeds the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 and even the Nissan Versa, with an EPA rating of 33 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg on the average combined cycle.
The smaller and less powerful Mitsubishi Mirage hatch, which achieves 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, surpasses the Rio hatchback, which maintains its position as the second most fuel-efficient vehicle.
Safety and driver support technology:
The 2023 Rio maintains its Top Safety Pick ranking for the category from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) owing to excellent scores across the board, except the “Acceptable” score for the passenger small frontal overlap test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not publish scores.
Safety is still a top issue, and Rio doesn’t forgo it to keep its price tag low. Frontal, side, and curtain airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, tire pressure monitors, hill-start assist, and LATCH child seat attachment systems are all standard.
It is necessary to upgrade to the S trim and add the $1,800 Technology Package to get the extra but nice-to-have features like forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keep and lane-follow assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert. That is, however, just a tiny price increase for a Rio that is fully equipped in the big picture.
The Versa features the most modern and best safety equipment since it has undergone more recent updates. The low-tech Mirage is sandwiched between it and the Rio in this area.
Comfort and Space
The Rio makes the most of its 89.9 cubic feet of total passenger space. The only variation between the two types is in the cargo compartment. Therefore, the front passengers in both have the most significant room. It is anticipated and guaranteed that passengers in the back would feel the crush.
On paper, the Versa provides somewhat more excellent headroom (39.5 inches compared to 38.9 inches in the front) than the Rio, but the Rio has more legroom in the rear (33.5 inches compared to 31 inches in the Versa). Overall, the Rio’s limits are well-designed for an entry-level, cost-conscious car, and there doesn’t appear to be any wasted space anywhere. With comfy seats and doors that shut with a loud and satisfying thud, the materials used and construction quality are among the best in the market.
Cheaper materials are kept out of reach, and the polymers are strong without being obnoxiously rough to the touch. Additionally, excessive wind and road noise are pleasantly absent from the Rio’s interior at high speeds.
Infotainment: Kia Rio
The Rio’s entertainment system begins with a six-speaker audio and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connection, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It would be best to upgrade to the S trim to get a SiriusXM satellite radio and a condensed version of the Kia Connect smartphone connection.
The infotainment system in Rio is still straightforward to operate. It has easy-to-read visuals and text, even based on a prior Kia user interface version. Although some may note loading times take longer than those of more modern systems on more current models, overall reaction times aren’t too poor.
Storage & Cargo Space:
With 17.4 cubic feet of space in the hatchback and 13.7 cubic feet in the sedan’s trunk, the Rio has a fair amount of cargo space for its class. When the back seats are folded, the hatchback provides 32.8 cubic feet of total cargo capacity. In contrast, the Mirage hatchback offers 47 cubic feet of space, including 17.1 behind-the-back seats. The Versa’s trunk has a class-leading 14.7 cubic feet of space compared to the Mirage G4’s 12.1 cubic feet.
This statistic surpasses its rivals and is comparable to certain small crossovers, including the Nissan Kicks. But the trunk area of the Versa is one cubic foot more than that of the Rio sedan.
Design: Kia Rio
Rio’s current design seems to be from 2014. However, it is still somewhat relevant and mixes in with the recent wave of traffic. In this market, style isn’t often a top concern. However, compared to other designs, Rio’s aesthetics are more proportionately traditional and sophisticated. Therefore, the Rio is good at disguising its presence.
Upgrading to the S and adding the $1,800 Technology Package, the basic model’s rental-fleet steel rims and hubcaps are replaced with more fashionable 15-inch alloy wheels and LED projector-style headlamps.
The Kia Rio 2023: Is It Worth It?
Although the Kia Rio may be among the most economical vehicles available, its low price does not always reflect its quality. It is still a well-made, high-quality product with essential attributes like effective space use, fuel efficiency, and courteous driving.
The Nissan Versa may be more recent and loaded with features, but the Rio’s sturdy construction has stood the test of time and needs no upgrading or tweaking to remain functional. The Mitsubishi Mirage, recently out-of-date, has new amenities but is still the group’s oldest and least expensive-feeling vehicle. The Rio demonstrates that saving money doesn’t always require major concessions to amenities and services.
There are a few alternatives for colors and equipment, but everything is relative. The key to success in this section is frugality. The base LX Rio is still a reliable, basic form of transportation, costing $17,305 (with destination). However, we would choose the top-spec S hatchback for just $640 extra. The total MSRP of the Rio rises to just over $21,000 when the safety-tech-heavy Technology Package is added for $1,800, maintaining the Rio’s incredible value proposition with features like lane-keeping and following assist, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and entertainment features with an improved audio and tech system.
How Much Will Insurance for a 2023 Kia Rio Cost?
The Rio should be priced similarly to most of its competitors. Our statistics show that an average 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate a yearly premium of around $2,000, but this budget covers all 50 states. Nissan Versa owners may spend $2,030 annually, compared to $2,440 for the Mitsubishi Mirage and $1,904 for the compact Mini Cooper two-door.
Verdict
The 2023 Kia Rio sedan and hatchback are still among the most excellent and inexpensive vehicles you can purchase, even if they are six years old. Considering how rare cars under $20,000 are, its superb fuel efficiency, mature driving manners, and overall execution continue to stand the test of time. It’s still one of the few hatchbacks offered in the United States. The Rio proves that returning to the fundamentals doesn’t necessarily require significant sacrifices, even with its Hyundai Accent cousin departing the market and just a few newer competitors.
