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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S1) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 33 / 41 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 36 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 249 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $16,188–$19,234 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Kia Rio at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.4/10, while Performance at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.6/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.0/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $16,188–$19,234, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Rio sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.4/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Kia Rio is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Kia Rio ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $16,188 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 41%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Kia Rio scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.4 — and starts roughly $1,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $17,256 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $16,722 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $16,188 | |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $15,655 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $15,121 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $14,587 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $14,054 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $13,520 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $12,986 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Master cylinder 01/12/2021 · 21V936000 | 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. |
|---|---|
| Steering / Column 05/05/2022 · 22V304000 | 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. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.