Kia RIO reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Kia RIO is a supermini. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 89 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 335 of 442, and 31.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (3.4% of tests).
Ranked 335 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 13 of 31 superminis
In 2024, 97,225 Kia RIOs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 31.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Kia RIO is 12% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 10.0% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
31.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
10.0%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,800
Typical age at test: 9 years
Kia RIO MOT failure rate by age
Most common Kia RIO MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working3.4% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.1% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.7% of tests
- Ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.3% of tests
What the Kia RIO fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.2% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Suspension | 8.3% | About average |
| Brakes | 8.3% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Tyres | 7.0% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Visibility | 6.5% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Steering | 4.3% | ▲ 2.3× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.4% | ▼ 12% less often |
| Body and structure | 1.9% | ▼ 33% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.3% | ▲ 1.8× as often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 32% less often |
What MPG does the Kia RIO do?
Official economy for the Kia RIO ranges from 36.7 to 88.3mpg across the 156 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2024). A typical petrol version manages 51.4mpg and a typical diesel 78.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Kia RIO?
Any Kia RIO first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia RIO registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £360 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carKia RIO specs and running costs
Official figures for 156 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2024.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
36.7–88.3 mpg
CO2
85–183 g/km
Power
74–120 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio 1 1.2 DPi 83bhp74 PS · M5 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 120g | £200 | 30% |
| Rio 2 1.0 T-GDi 99bhp74 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 120g | £200 | 30% |
| Rio 2 1.2 DPi 83bhp74 PS · M5 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 122g | £200 | 30% |
| Rio 2 1.0 T-GDi 99bhp DCT74 PS · DCT7 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| Rio 3 1.0 T-GDi 48V 118bhp iMT88 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 118g | £200 | 29% |
| Rio 3 1.0 T-GDi 48V 118bhp DCT88 PS · DCT7 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| Rio GT-Line S 1.0 T-GDi 48V 118bhp iMT88 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 125g | £200 | 31% |
| Rio 1 1.25 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG84 PS · MT5 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 46.3 mpg | 138g | £200 | – |
| Rio 1 1.25 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG ADAP84 PS · MT5 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 46.3 mpg | 138g | £200 | – |
| Rio 2 1.25 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG84 PS · MT5 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | – |
| Rio 2 1.4 98bhp 6-speed auto99 PS · A6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 151g | £200 | – |
| Rio 2 1.4 98bhp 6-speed manual ISG99 PS · MT6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 46.3 mpg | 138g | £200 | – |
| Rio 3 1.4 98bhp 6-speed auto99 PS · A6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 42.2 mpg | 151g | £200 | – |
| Rio 2 1.0 T-GDi 99bhp 5-speed manual ISG100 PS · MT5 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 48.7 mpg | 132g | £200 | – |
| Rio 3 1.0 T-GDi 99bhp 5-speed manual ISG100 PS · MT5 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 48.7 mpg | 133g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 156 versions.
What a Kia RIO costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 51.4mpg…
- diesel, typical official 78.5mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Kia RIOBuying a used Kia RIO?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Kia RIO with other superminis
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Kia models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Kia RIO reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Kia RIO is 12% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 89 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Kia RIO?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 3.4% of tests. It fails on steering and seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Kia RIO do?
Official economy for the Kia RIO ranges from 36.7 to 88.3mpg across the 156 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2024). A typical petrol version manages 51.4mpg and a typical diesel 78.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Kia RIO?
Any Kia RIO first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia RIO registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £360 a year.
›How many Kia RIOs fail their MOT?
31.0% of Kia RIOs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 10.0% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Kia RIO combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.