Makes›Kia›Rio›2017

2017 Kia Rio

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

Class: Compact Cars
Body styles: 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatchback
Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl
Horsepower: 132 hp
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Seats: 5
Fuel: Regular Gasoline
MPG (best): 31 combined · 27 city / 36 hwy
Length: 159.4–171.7 in
Curb weight: 2,478–2,493 lb
NHTSA rating: ★★★★★
Recalls: 2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2017 compact car (26.9 MPG).

Watch out for

Modest powerUp to 132 hp, versus about 173 hp for similar 2017 models.
"Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2017 Kia Rio is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 172 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,493 lb (4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (27 city / 36 highway), 15% better than the 2017 compact car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2017

Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall

Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Rio →

Trims, performance & features

Engine132 hp1.8L 4-cyl

Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

L/LE/SE/XLE/XSE

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard

Forward collision warningStandard

Lane departure warningStandard

Lane keeping assistStandard

Adaptive cruise controlStandard

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Built in: Blue Springs, Mississippi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2017 Rio configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

Body	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Track F / R	Curb weight	Weight F/R
4dr Sedan	171.7 in	67.7 in	57.5 in	101.2 in	59.8 / 60.2 in	2,493 lb	63/37
5dr Hatchback	159.4 in	67.7 in	57.5 in	101.2 in	59.8 / 60.2 in	2,478 lb	63/37

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 Eco	1.6L 4-cyl	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	27 / 36 / 31	+15%	$2,150	286
Rio	1.6L 4-cyl	Manual 6-spd	Front-Wheel Drive	27 / 36 / 31	+15%	$2,150	287
Rio	1.6L 4-cyl	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	27 / 36 / 30	+12%	$2,250	292

7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

7/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Save $1,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

26.9 MPG2017 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

Version	Overall	Frontal	Driver / passenger	Side	Side pole	Rollover	Rollover risk
2017 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	4★ / 4★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	11.6%
2017 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	4★ / 4★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	11.6%

StandardElectronic stability control

Not availableForward collision warning

Not availableLane departure warning

Frontal crash test — 2017 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Side crash test — 2017 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2017 compact cars

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2017 Kia Rio (this car)	31 MPG	★★★★★	2
2017 Honda Civic	36 MPG	★★★★★	6
2017 Toyota Prius	56 MPG	★★★★★	3
2017 Mazda 3	32 MPG	Not rated	0
2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI	29 MPG	★★★★★	5
2017 Hyundai Elantra	35 MPG	★★★★★	4
2017 Ford Focus	34 MPG	★★★★★	10

Recalls (2)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Aug 24, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · 319,436 vehicles

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

31Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

3Involved a crash

6Involved a fire

4Injuries reported

45,000 miTypical mileage at failure

Engine11

Unknown Or Other6

Service Brakes, Hydraulic6

Air Bags3

Electrical System3

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock2

Seat Belts1

Structure › Body1

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Kia Rio buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
Air Bags — 3 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 45,000 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 2017 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
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
2011 Rio	30	166.9 in	Not rated	0	13

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →