DecodedCars2023 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 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 · 32 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 160.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,549 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 30% better than the average 2023 compact car (27.6 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 120 hp, versus about 189 hp for similar 2023 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Kia Rio is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 160 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,549 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (32 city / 41 highway), 30% better than the 2023 compact car average of 27.6 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2023
- New body dimensions: 12.6 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Rio →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2023 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 32 / 41 / 36 | +30% | $1,850 | 250 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Kia Rio.
Similar 2023 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Rio (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mazda 3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Volkswagen GLI | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Kicks | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Hyundai Venue | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Rio.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2023 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Steering — 3 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,900 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 2023 Kia Rio. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Rio years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 →