The 2022 Kia Rio is affordable and uncomplicated. This fuel-efficient subcompact offers surprising driving skills and features for the price.

It is offered as a sedan or a hatchback, but neither has a lot of room in the back seat or the trunk.

The Kia Rio 2022 is one of the remaining truly affordable new cars after the Chevy Sonic, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris exited the market.

2022 Kia rio Price

Starting at $16,150, the 2022 Kia Rio LX sedan is reasonably priced for a subcompact car. The S sedan starts at $16,790.

What's New for 2022?

Standard engine immobiliser improves anti-theft security by preventing the car from being started with any other key.

The Rio is the latest model to get Kia's revised logo. We think the extra $300 for the Rio S is worth it.

The S also offers attractive extras like SiriusXM satellite radio, LED lighting, forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, and more.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Kia Rio 2022 has a 1.6-liter inline-four engine with 120 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic.

The Rio's strong body and well-tuned suspension absorb bumps admirably for a compact car. It has outstanding cornering control.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Rio sedan and hatchback should get 33 city and 41 highway mpg. These numbers match the Hyundai Accent and beat the Nissan Versa.

A 2021 Rio hatchback achieved 39 mpg in our real-world 75 mph highway fuel economy test, almost two miles per gallon less than the EPA highway figure.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2022 Kia Rio is simple, and that's no insult. Clean, easy-to-use dashboard with climate and music controls.

Although the Kia's front seats have plenty of capacity, the rear seats won't be nearly as comfortable due to the legroom restrictions.

The trunk of the hatchback is bigger than the trunk of the sedan, but neither Kia is a good choice if you need to carry a lot of stuff.

The folding seats don't produce a flat hatch floor. Its console and door pockets are competitively sized.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Kia Rio Hatchback comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that can wirelessly mirror both Apple and Android phones.

The S trim level's enhanced infotainment system, which includes SiriusXM satellite radio and Kia's UVO telematics system, is an option.