Welcome back to 2022, where everything comes with a high price tag and economical vehicles are like a mirage—except for the 2023 Kia Rio. It still belongs to the small (and diminishing) group of new vehicles priced under $20,000.
Surviving into 2023, and thus outlasting the more affordable Chevy Spark, the Rio receives additional features that Kia describes as a “lengthy list of conveniences.” It may sound like the lead-in to a joke, so here’s the list of standard features:
- Electronic stability control
- 8-inch touch display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Heated wing mirrors
- New for 2023: engine oil level indicator
Interestingly, the Kia Rio didn’t previously have an oil level sensor (or warning light). It also lacks standard auto climate control, and most of the advanced tech features are not included in the base LX trim.
To access those additions, you need to move up to the (still below $20,000) S variant, available in both sedan and hatchback forms. As part of the options, it provides remote start—without a subscription—and a “locate my car” feature. This feature will be beneficial given the susceptibility of Kias to theft. Lane-tracking, collision prevention, LED headlights, and automatic high beams are also offered, but unlike the Mitsubishi Mirage, there is no manual transmission available. The Rio only comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps it make the most of its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque. It achieves a combined 36 mpg, with up to 41 mpg on the highway—an impressive performance for a non-hybrid vehicle.
With a base model price of $17,505 including delivery, the Rio is competitively priced. It doesn’t hold the title of the absolute cheapest new car in the U.S., as the Mitsubishi Mirage starts as low as $15,975 (at least for the 2022 model). The Rio may also face additional dealer markups—Kia dealers, known for questionable practices, tend to add an average of $2,784 according to iSeeCars. Therefore, finding examples below the $20,000 threshold might still be challenging, especially as a looming economic downturn drives demand towards more budget-friendly options.
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