DecodedCars2008 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD EX/EX Convenience, 5 4dr Hatch FWD EX/EX Convenience/EX Sport
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 157.1–166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,434–2,456 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2008 compact car (21.9 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Kia Rio is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,434 lb (4dr Sedan FWD EX/EX Convenience).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 32% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Rio — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Rio →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD EX/EX Convenience | 166.9 in | 66.9 in | 57.9 in | 98.4 in | 57.9 / 57.5 in | 2,434 lb | 63/37 |
| 5 4dr Hatch FWD EX/EX Convenience/EX Sport | 157.1 in | 66.9 in | 57.9 in | 98.4 in | 57.9 / 57.5 in | 2,456 lb | 63/38 |
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 | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +32% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Rio | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +32% | $2,300 | 306 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Kia Rio under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Kia Rio (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · May 31, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V244000 · 72,568 vehicles
- Problem
- KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING. IF SUFFICIENT CRACKING OCCURS, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) WILL CEASE TO FUNCTION SUCH THAT THE SYSTEM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DETECT WHETHER A CHILD PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY DURING A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT.
- Risk
- AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITH A CHILD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THAT CHILD.
- Fix
- KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Not every 2008 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 12 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 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 2008 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 | ★★★★★ | 2 | 79 |
| 2015 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 52 |
| 2014 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 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 →