DecodedCars2009 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 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)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 157.1–166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,434–2,456 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2009 compact car (22.2 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 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 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 35% better than the 2009 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Rio — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 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 | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 30 | +35% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Rio | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 30 | +35% | $2,250 | 296 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Kia Rio under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Kia Rio (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Kia Rio.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Seats — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 76,000 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 2009 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 →