Kia Rio hatchback - MPG, running costs & CO2 (2017-2023)

The Kia Rio engine range has been overhauled for the latest model and all of the engines offer decent efficiency. There's no full-hybrid version to rival the Renault Clio E-Tense, Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris, but the top 1.0-litre petrol engine now gets an innovative gearbox and mild-hybrid setup to help boost efficiency.

Kia Rio MPG & CO2

The most efficient engine is the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol that can return up to 52.3mpg on the WLTP cycle. This makes it not only more powerful than the entry-level naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol, but more economical. The 1.0-litre turbocharged engine gets our recommendation for its mix of performance and economy, it also falls in a low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band making it ideal for company car buyers who want to keep costs down.

The more powerful version of the same 1.0-litre engine is the strongest performer in the line-up, but owing to its small size and mild-hybrid technology, it still manages 52.3mpg and emits 123-126g/km of CO2. A small battery and generator can add torque to help the engine pull away, while an innovative manual gearbox can automatically disconnect drive while coasting to allow the engine to switch off briefly. 

The 83bhp 1.25-litre petrol is the cheapest engine in the Rio range, returning up to 49.6mpg and emitting 130g/km of CO2. In late 2018, Kia ended production of the diesel version of the Rio hatchback. All conventional petrol models are liable for road tax at the standard rate, while the 48-volt mild-hybrid is liable for the discounted VED rate. 

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Insurance group

The Kia Rio occupies insurance groups four to nine (out of 50), with the 83bhp 1.25-litre petrol costing least to insure and the range-topping 118bhp 1.0-litre 3 and GT-Line S trims sitting in group nine.

Warranty

One area in which the Rio excels, like all Kias, is warranty cover. Lasting for seven years or 100,000 miles, the brand’s warranty offers fantastic peace of mind and should give owners confidence in the reliability of their cars. It's fully transferable to subsequent owners of the car, too.

Servicing

Kia servicing costs are generally competitive. Petrol models need a service every 10,000 miles or once a year, with diesels needing attention every 20,000 miles or once a year. Kia offers a ‘Care-3’ service pack that costs £299 and covers you for the first three services. For an extra £30, you can get the car’s first MOT included, and for £599 you can cover the cost of the car’s first five services.