DecodedCars2020 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 33 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 160.2–172.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,549 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2020 compact car (27.3 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Kia Rio is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,549 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (33 city / 41 highway), 32% better than the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2020
- Best combined MPG up from 32 to 36
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Rio →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 172.8 in | 68.1 in | 57.1 in | 101.6 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 2,549 lb | 57/43 |
| 5dr Hatch | 160.2 in | 68.1 in | 57.1 in | 101.6 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 2,549 lb | 57/43 |
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 (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 / 41 / 36 | +32% | $1,850 | 249 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Kia Rio.
Similar 2020 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Rio (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 Subaru Impreza | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Hyundai Elantra | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Dec 1, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V936000 · 87 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
- Risk
- Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.
Not every 2020 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,000 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 2020 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →