2021 Kia Rio
The 2021 Kia Rio is a compact car, rated at 36 MPG combined by the EPA. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 36
- NHTSA safety
- Not rated
- Starting price
- $17,000
- Recalls
- 2
Watch: Rio reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Rio |
| Model year | 2021 |
| Vehicle class | Compact Car |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 1.6 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S1) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 33 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 41 |
| Combined MPG | 36 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 249 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1750 |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 33 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 41 MPG |
| Combined | 36 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 14% more efficient than the Rio's class average.
- Amount financed
- $15,300
- Total interest
- $2,662
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≈ $1,117/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPICNHTSA has not published NCAP crash-test ratings for this model year yet.
Recalls (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER21V936000 · 2021-12-01
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.
Remedy: 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.
- STEERING:COLUMN22V304000 · 2022-05-05
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Rio?
The 2021 Kia Rio is EPA-rated at 36 MPG combined (33 city / 41 highway).
Is the 2021 Kia Rio reliable?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Rio. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Kia Rio?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2021 Kia Rio costs roughly $1,117 per year to fuel, or about $5,583 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2021 Kia Rio?
The 2021 Kia Rio is classified as a compact car. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC