DecodedCars2010 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD EX/EX Convenience, 5 4dr Hatch FWD EX/EX Convenience/EX Sport
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 28 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 157.1–166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,434–2,456 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2010 compact car (23.6 MPG).
- Few owner complaints11 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 64 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 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 EX/EX Convenience).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 36 highway), 31% better than the 2010 compact car average of 23.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Rio — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Rio →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD EX/EX Convenience | 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 EX/EX Convenience/EX Sport | 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 | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 34 / 31 | +31% | $2,150 | 287 |
| Rio | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +27% | $2,250 | 296 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Kia Rio under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Kia Rio (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2010 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Kia Rio.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2010 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 88,000 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 2010 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 | 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 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →