CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 360
Average Price: Around £8,500

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, and practical supermini that prioritises reliability and user-friendliness over excitement. Though removed from the UK market in 2023, it remains an excellent secondhand buy, particularly if you find one with Kia's class-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty still remaining. The interior is bland but well-organised, with decent visibility and plenty of space for passengers. The 325-litre boot expands to 1,103 litres with the rear seats folded, making it surprisingly practical for its class.

The Rio offers a wide range of engine options, with the perky 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines being the standout choice, delivering around 10-second 0-62mph times. Petrol versions achieve approximately 45mpg in real-world driving, whilst diesel models can reach 60mpg on longer runs. The ride is comfortable and smooth, though it lacks the driving engagement of rivals like the Ford Fiesta. Running costs are affordable, with reasonable servicing intervals and competitive maintenance expenses. As a used car, it represents excellent value for budget-conscious buyers seeking dependable, hassle-free transport.

Best for: Drivers seeking reliable, affordable, and practical transport with minimal fuss, those valuing the peace of mind from Kia's extended warranty, and budget-conscious families or commuters.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising driving excitement or distinctive styling, those seeking the finest handling dynamics, or those wanting a car with strong badge appeal.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Rio if: You're seeking reliable, affordable, and practical transport with minimal fuss, value the peace of mind from Kia's extended warranty, or are a budget-conscious buyer prioritising dependability.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise driving excitement or distinctive styling, seek the finest handling dynamics, or want a car with strong badge appeal.

Competitive Position: The Kia Rio (2017-2023) is a sensible choice in the used supermini market, offering excellent value, practicality, and the reassurance of Kia's class-leading warranty. Whilst it lacks the driving engagement of the Ford Fiesta or the premium appeal of rivals, its affordability, comfortable ride, and low running costs make it an intelligent purchase for practical buyers. The Hyundai i20, its sister car, has enjoyed greater success in the UK market and scores slightly higher on user ratings, but the Rio remains a compelling option for those prioritising reliability and value over excitement.

Read our full Kia Rio Review

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

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