Used Kia Rio for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £8,850

Kia Rio (2017-present) 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-present) is a straightforward, sensible supermini that prioritises practicality and reliability over driving excitement. It offers a well-laid-out interior with satisfying controls, plenty of space for front and rear passengers, and a 325-litre boot that expands to 1,103 litres with the rear seats folded. The Rio's key selling point is Kia's class-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, which none of its rivals can match. Available in four trim levels (1, 2, 3, and GT Line S), the Rio provides good value with competitive pricing and more equipment than many rivals at similar price points.

On the road, the Rio is functional and comfortable, with a smooth ride that handles imperfections better than most competitors. However, it lacks the driving verve of rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Seat Ibiza, feeling a bit roly-poly in corners with slow steering feedback. The entry-level 1.2-litre engine is rather slow, but the 1.0-litre turbocharged versions are much better, with the hybrid-boosted variant feeling particularly perky. Fuel economy averages around 45mpg across the range, with affordable servicing costs offsetting modest fuel consumption compared to rivals. All models incur standard car tax rates, though the mild hybrid version benefits from lower emissions-based taxation.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, affordable, and user-friendly transport with minimal hassle, families prioritising practicality and comfort, and those valuing long-term warranty protection.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking an exciting or characterful driving experience, those prioritising aesthetic appeal, or buyers wanting the most engaging handling in the supermini class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Rio if: You're seeking reliable, affordable, and user-friendly transport with minimal hassle, prioritising practicality and comfort, or valuing long-term warranty protection.

Consider alternatives if: You want an exciting or characterful driving experience, prioritise aesthetic appeal, or require the most engaging handling in the supermini class.

Competitive Position: The Kia Rio (2017-present) is a strong contender in the used supermini market, offering excellent value, practicality, and a class-leading seven-year warranty. Whilst it may not match rivals like the Ford Fiesta for driving dynamics or the Hyundai i20 for user ratings, its sensible approach, comfortable ride, and affordable servicing costs make it a highly sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers. The perky 1.0-litre turbo engines provide adequate performance, and the straightforward trim structure makes choosing the right specification straightforward.

Read our full Kia Rio Review

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