SUMMARY
The 2022 Kia Rio is the brand’s offering for those who want an affordable option to drive around for their daily needs. It’s both fuel-efficient and reliable, providing it with a lot of value for the money you’re spending. It comes in both a Sedan and Hatchback option, with the Hatchback only available in the S trim level. Since many of its rivals have stopped production of cheaper cars, the Kia Rio is now in a unique spot as one of the only cars left with affordability in mind. This 2022 Kia Rio review will look into the specs and features that make this subcompact shine amidst its low price tag.
LATEST
Only the security system of the 2022 Kia Rio was updated as the company added a standard engine immobilizer to all models. Other than that, the Rio is now featuring Kia’s redesigned logo and is the last model to adopt this change.
ESTIMATED PRICE
The 2022 Kia Rio price point is split between only 2 trim levels: The LX and S models. The LX already comes with basic features but lacks in the driver-assistive feature department. We do suggest the S as it’s got a lot more features that you may find useful. Not only that but it’s also got the larger share of choices when it comes to the roster of 2022 Kia Rio colors. The interior is also decked out with options such as USB charging outlets and driver-assistive features that are missing on the LX. If you’re choosing between the Sedan and the Hatchback, we suggest the hatchback as the additional cargo space and passenger volume can be a great addition. Below are the different starting MSRPs of the 2022 Kia Rio sedan lineup. The hatchback model has been reviewed separately:
| Trim (Drivetrain) | MSRP* |
| 2022 Kia Rio LX – Sedan | $16,250* |
| 2022 Kia Rio S – Sedan | $16,890* |
As is usual, the 2022 Kia Rio lease price can be found on the company’s official website alongside other financing options. If you’re looking for a way to get your hands on the Kia Rio without bringing out a large sum all at once, then this might be the way for you. Make sure to check this out along with your preferred car dealer to figure out the best deals within your local area.
MACHINE PERFORMANCE
The 2022 Kia Rio specs are made with a simple goal in mind: Providing a reliable and comfortable ride experience for the driver. Its sole powertrain option is a 1.6-Liter Inline 4-Cylinder Engine that’s capable of 120 horsepower and 112 pounds-feet of torque. The only transmission system available is an Intelligent Variable Transmission system or IVT. This is paired with a Front-Wheel drivetrain that’s standard for both models. Steering is provided by an Electric Motor Driven Power Steering system that’s a bit numb but precise enough for everyday use. One nice aspect of the Kia Rio is how well its suspension system absorbs bumps on the road. The front suspension is a MacPherson Strut type with Gas Shock Absorbers while the rear suspension is a Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Twin Tube Shock Absorbers.
FUEL EFFICIENT & ACTUAL MPG
According to the EPA’s fuel estimates, both models of the 2022 Kia Rio follow the exact same set of MPG scores. Since they both use the 1.6-Liter 4-Cylinder powertrain without much in the way of mechanical differences, this is understandable. The Kia Rio shows itself to be quite the economical option, opening it to a more budget-conscious audience that wants to save up on rising fuel costs. The total fuel capacity on all models is 11.9 gallons.
| Trim Mileage Estimates | City/mpg | Highway/mpg | Combined/mpg |
| 2022 Kia Rio | 33 | 41 | 36 |
INTERIOR, SOLACE & BAGGAGE
We’ve noticed that the 2022 Kia Rio interior space is made with simplicity as a focus. Of course, that’s not a bad thing with this hatchback because Kia has done a great job in creating a clean and easily useable layout. Hard plastics are used all throughout the cabin but are textured quite nicely, making it a lot more mature-looking than you’d expect. This hatchback has a passenger capacity of around 5 people seated within 89.9 cubic feet of space. Tricot and Woven Cloth is the main option for seat trimming, coming in both Black and Grey color schemes. Both models come with a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and a height-adjustable front seat-belt anchor. However, only the S model comes with Rear-Seat Adjustable Headrests and a 60/40 Folding Rear Seat. For cargo capacity, the 2022 Kia Rio hatchback is the better option when compared to its sedan counterpart. It has a cargo capacity of about 13.7 cubic feet with the rear seats placed upright.
TECHNOLOGY
Both models of the 2022 Kia Rio make use of an 8-inch touchscreen display for the user interface. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are available across the two trim levels with Bluetooth being a standard feature as well. Some differences between the two models include the presence of USB Charging Ports and access to Kia Connect, the brand’s suite for certain connected services that are controllable via smartphone. The base sound system found on both models is an AM/FM/MP3 system that comes with 6 speakers and Front Tweeters mounted on the doors. This should be enough to jam out to your music while driving down long roads with others.
SAFETY
The safety and driver-assistive suite found on the 2022 Kia Rio isn’t as robust as other cars in its segment but still manages to deliver when it comes to passenger safety. The Kia Drive Wise suite is in full force with the S trim level as the base model is stuck without any features from it. Some examples include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assists, Lane Keeping/Following Assists, Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Warnings, and a Rear-Occupant Alert. Another main difference between the LX and S models is the presence of certain security features like Remote Keyless Entry. The S model also comes with options for LED Headlights that come with a High Beam Assist.
WARRANTY
Kia is well-known for its warranty coverage, specifically its long-lasting powertrain and basic limited warranty plans. Speaking of which, the limited warranty spans for 5 years or the first 60,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. Next is their powertrain warranty which lasts for 10 whole years with a mileage limit of 100,000 miles driven. One perk missing is the option for complimentary scheduled maintenance.