DecodedCars2022 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 120 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- 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 — 28% better than the average 2022 compact car (28.2 MPG).
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 120 hp, versus about 169 hp for similar 2022 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 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), 28% better than the 2022 compact car average of 28.2 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 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2022
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Rio — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Rio →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2022 Rio configurations; 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 | 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 (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 / 41 / 36 | +28% | $1,850 | 250 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2022 Kia Rio.
Similar 2022 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Kia Rio (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2022 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Mazda 3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Leaf | 226 mi | Not rated | 4 |
| 2022 Nissan Sentra | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Steering › Column · May 5, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V304000 · 30 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Not every 2022 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,000 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 2022 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →