In-depth reviews

Kia Rio (2017-2023) review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The Rio offers decent fuel economy despite some old-tech powertrains, and the seven-year warranty should benefit residual values

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.0 out of 5

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs Rating

3.9 out of 5

Find your Kia Rio
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

Low running costs are often at the forefront of buyers’ minds when choosing a new supermini, and the Rio excels in that area. It's no longer the cheapest to buy, but it won’t cost the earth to fuel or maintain.

The entry-level 1.2-litre petrol engine manages a claimed 49.6mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and emits 128g/km of CO2 in 1 spec and 130g/km in 2 spec. The 99bhp 1.0-litre petrol fairs slightly better, managing 52.3mpg on the combined cycle (dropping to 50.4 for automatic models). CO2 emissions are 123g/km for manuals and 127g/km for autos. 

Mild-hybrid versions don’t bring the improvements in fuel economy and emissions some might expect. 3 grade manual and automatic models are both claimed to be capable of 52.3mpg (identical to some lesser-equipped Rios with no 48-volt hybrid system). A manual gearbox means emitting 122g/km of CO2 while an auto translates to 123g/km. 

Range-topping mild-hybrid GT-Line S models perform worse still. Again, the manual and automatic versions are claimed to come with the same fuel economy – 51.4mpg – and again the auto emits 1g/km more CO2 than the manual – 125 vs 126.

Insurance Groups

The Rio ranges from Group 4 to Group 9 for insurance purposes, so it'll be relatively cheap to insure. It is 1 and 2 grade models with the 1.2-litre petrol engine that sit in group 4, while 3 and GT-Line S models sit in group 9. 

Depreciation

The Rio's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty is transferable between owners, which is a real selling point on the second-hand market. However, residual values of around 40 per cent are fairly average in the supermini class.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.25 1 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £12,820

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.0 T GDi 48V 118 3 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £19,870

Fastest

  • Name
    1.0 T GDi 48V 118 3 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £19,870
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor on DrivingElectric.com and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Most Popular

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style
Renault Scenic - front
Road tests

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style

We get behind the wheel of new all-electric Renault Scenic to see what all the fuss is about
27 Nov 2023
“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”
Opinion - Renault Twingo
Opinion

“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”

Mike Rutherford thinks Renault is doing more than any other manufacturer when it comes to making affordable electric cars
26 Nov 2023
Are we at the end of the road for the spare wheel?
Spare wheel
News

Are we at the end of the road for the spare wheel?

Just three per cent of new cars have a standard-fit spare in the boot, latest RAC data reveals
21 Nov 2023