What's New
While the subcompact segment is beginning to fizzle out, Kia continues to offer the 2023 Rio. The small sedan and hatchback arrive without any notable changes for the new model year. The Rio may not be the newest subcompact in the segment, but the fact that it still exists is noteworthy.
Choosing Your Kia Rio
Kia offers the Rio sedan in two trims: LX and S. Pricing for the LX starts at $17,645 (prices include destination), while the S costs $18,285. The Rio hatchback is only available in an S trim that’s priced at $18,585.
Engine Choices
The Rio comes standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard throughout the lineup.
While the Rio is down on power, it makes up for it with impressive fuel economy figures. The Rio is rated to get up to 32 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
There’s enough room for up to five people in the Rio, which has a surprisingly roomy cabin for its subcompact size. The sedan offers up to 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk, while the hatchback is more versatile with a cargo area that has up to 17.4 cubic feet of space. With the rear seats folded, the hatchback has up to 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety Features
There aren’t a lot of standard safety features on the Rio, as the only one that’s worth mentioning is the rearview camera, which is federally mandated.
In order to get any advanced safety features, shoppers have to move up to the S trim and opt for the $1,800 Technology Package. That includes forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, a driver attention monitor, high-beam assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Connectivity
Every Rio comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, six audio speakers, and a USB port. The S trim adds a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, and extra USB ports.
2023 Kia Rio LX – MSRP From $17,645
The budget-friendly LX doesn’t have a lot of convenience features but has its bases covered with the basics. Standard features include 15-inch steel wheels, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, power windows, heated exterior mirrors, and power door locks.
2023 Kia Rio S – MSRP From $18,285
The S trim steps things up with cruise control, keyless entry, and split-folding rear seats
The $1,800 Technology Package includes a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster, automatic climate control, push-button start, keyless entry, 15-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, and chrome door handles.
Compare Rio Trims Side-By-Side
Even for an affordable subcompact car, the 2023 Kia Rio LX sedan is sparsely equipped. We recommend moving up to the S trim and getting the available Technology Package. The extra features don’t stop the Rio from feeling like an affordable form of transport, but they do result in a more comfortable commuter.