DecodedCars2020 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 113 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 33 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 160.2–172.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,549 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2020 compact car (27.3 MPG).
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 113 hp, versus about 169 hp for similar 2020 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Kia Rio is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,549 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (33 city / 41 highway), 32% better than the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 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 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2020
- Best combined MPG up from 32 to 36
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Rio →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Tijuana, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 172.8 in | 68.1 in | 57.1 in | 101.6 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 2,549 lb | 57/43 |
| 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 (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 / 41 / 36 | +32% | $1,850 | 249 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Kia Rio.
Similar 2020 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Rio (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 Subaru Impreza | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Hyundai Elantra | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Dec 1, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V936000 · 87 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.
Not every 2020 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,000 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 2020 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →