DecodedCars2006 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD, 5 4dr Hatch FWD
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 157.1–166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,434–2,456 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2006 compact car (22.2 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Kia Rio is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,434 lb (4dr Sedan FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 31% better than the 2006 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2006
- New body dimensions: 1.2 in longer, wheelbase +3.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Best combined MPG up from 25 to 29
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Rio →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 166.9 in | 66.9 in | 57.9 in | 98.4 in | 57.9 / 57.5 in | 2,434 lb | 63/37 |
| 5 4dr Hatch FWD | 157.1 in | 66.9 in | 57.9 in | 98.4 in | 57.9 / 57.5 in | 2,456 lb | 63/38 |
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 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +31% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Rio | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +31% | $2,300 | 306 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Kia Rio under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Kia Rio (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2006 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 34 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford Focus | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Hyundai Accent | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · May 31, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V244000 · 72,568 vehicles
- Problem
- KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING. IF SUFFICIENT CRACKING OCCURS, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) WILL CEASE TO FUNCTION SUCH THAT THE SYSTEM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DETECT WHETHER A CHILD PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY DURING A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT.
- Risk
- AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITH A CHILD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THAT CHILD.
- Fix
- KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Not every 2006 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 115,486 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 2006 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 |
| 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 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →