DecodedCars2005 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch FWD /Rx-V/Rx-V Conv, 4dr Sedan FWD /S/RS/Ls
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 165.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,403–2,447 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Kia Rio is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 166 inches long and 66 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,447 lb (4dr Hatch FWD /Rx-V/Rx-V Conv).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 7% better than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch FWD /Rx-V/Rx-V Conv | 165.7 in | 66.1 in | 56.7 in | 94.9 in | 57.1 / 57.1 in | 2,447 lb | 64/36 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /S/RS/Ls | 165.7 in | 66.1 in | 56.7 in | 94.9 in | 57.1 / 57.1 in | 2,403 lb | 64/36 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +7% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Rio | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +3% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Kia Rio under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Kia Rio (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2005 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Ford Focus | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Jetta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Kia Rio.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 109,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Kia Rio. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Rio years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Rio | 36 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2022 Rio | 36 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2021 Rio | 36 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 15 |
| 2020 Rio | 36 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
| 2019 Rio | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 22 |
| 2018 Rio | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 28 |
| 2017 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2016 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 79 |
| 2015 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 52 |
| 2014 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 47 |
| 2013 Rio | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 134 |
| 2012 Rio | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 46 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →