2013 Kia Rio Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$14,700 to $17,700

Original MSRP

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expert review

3.2

avg user rating

(15 reviews)
2013 Kia Rio Preview summaryImage

The 2013 Kia Rio may be the smallest vehicle Kia builds, but in this case, big things come in small packages. The updated muscular look of the 2013 Kia Rio exudes power and agility. Although the Rio received a complete redesign for 2012, Kia felt there was still room to add more updates and amenities for the 2013 Rio. Although this is one of the most affordable vehicles you can buy, that does not mean you have to give up all the options and features of a much higher priced vehicle.

This eco-friendly fuel-efficient vehicle is available in 3 trims, the LX, EX and sportier SX. The Kia Rio LX is the base trim, but is available with an optional Power Package that includes a 6-speed automatic transmission, power door locks and keyless entry. The 2013 Kia Rio EX offers the availability of an Eco Package to provide even better fuel economy than the standard EX. The sportiest of the 3 trims, the Rio SX, is available with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a leather interior. All 2013 Kia Rio trims represent some of the most affordable vehicles you can buy that have the added bonus of excellent fuel economy. For those that want the amenities of a more expensive vehicle in a small, money-saving package, the 2013 Kia Rio may be the perfect choice.

The 2013 Kia Rio LX, EX and SX are all powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. This 138-hp engine produces 123 lb-ft of torque and provides excellent fuel efficiency with an EPA estimated 30 mpg city/40 highway. The Rio EX also offers the optional ISG system, which increases fuel economy by turning the engine off when the brake is applied and automatically restarting the motor once you release the brake. This is the first time this option has been made available on a mass-produced vehicle that is not in the luxury segment. The Rio LX is available with an optional 6-speed manual transmission that is upgradeable to a 6-speed automatic transmission standard in the Rio EX and SX. No matter which trim level you choose, you'll still get a power-packed vehicle that provides some of the best fuel economy available.

The lightweight design of the 2013 Kia Rio offers improved handling and ride quality. The front-wheel-drive Kia Rio has a unibody frame and is equipped with an independent front suspension. The front suspension features MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while the rear features a torsion beam axle suspension. This suspension setup combined with the lightweight build of the Rio provides the driver with a responsive, sporty driving feel that's still comfortable for passengers. The LX and EX trims come with standard 15-inch steel wheels and 185/65R15 tires. The sportier SX comes standard with 17-inch wheels and 205/45R17 tires. The EX has the option of 15-inch alloy wheels in place of its standard steel wheels.

The interior of the 2013 Kia Rio makes a bold statement with its modern look, which features a two-tone color scheme that draws attention to its spaciousness. The Rio features an extended wheelbase that provides more legroom for both front and rear passengers. This also allows more space for cargo as well, with 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space. The LX comes standard with a tilt steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat. In addition to the standard features of the LX, the EX is equipped with power windows, cruise control and Bluetooth wireless connectivity as well as leather look door trim. The SX has the most upscale interior, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and locks, keyless entry and a Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system with rear camera display. The EX is the only trim available with an optional all-leather interior. All trims feature top-of-the-line audio systems with Sirius satellite radio as well as a USB audio input jack for an iPod or MP3 player.

The 2013 Rio features Kia's innovative Halo Body construction, designed to protect occupants in rollover or side impact collisions. Every Kia Rio is equipped with 6 airbags (front, rear and side) as well as side impact door beams. To provide stability and control in emergencies, all trims also feature 4-wheel ABS and electronic stability control. A vehicle stability management system coordinates the two systems to assist the driver in controlling the vehicle in case of an emergency braking or steering situation.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2013 Kia Rio

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Mar 30, 2023
This is a great little car! It is very fun to drive!!Mar 30, 2023
by yassine b
Jan 08, 2023
The check engine pop up after 10 days of driving it and the keys I got doesnt open the door only to turn the car on . Jan 08, 2023
by Brandon H
Dec 09, 2022
Same as all above. Read a few were losing power or battery drawing power. My book bag was on passenger seat and by e not having the seat belt fasten in was drawing from battery!! Stupid! Ha Change the battery, starter, clutch pedal switch, starter relay. Mine was the Negative Battery Sensor. Worth a shot maybe.Dec 09, 2022

2013 Kia Rio Pricing

Original MSRP
$14,700 to $17,700
Price range
$5,834 to $6,416
Average price on CG
$5,834
YoY price change
$6,416 to $5,834

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.83

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.27

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.27

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 4.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

See all trims (3)