With a bit of a freshening in 2021, the 2022 Kia Rio returns pretty much unchanged.
As the entry model of the Kia brand, this subcompact sedan/hatchback has outlasted several competitors. The Hyundai Accent, with which it shares some DNA, and the Nissan Versa are about the extent of direct rivals.
The Rio may not be exciting, but it does exactly what a subcompact should. It doesn’t bust budgets; it gets excellent fuel economy; and it’s easy to park in crowded urban areas.
We like the Rio for its solid warranty, efficiency, relatively roomy cabin, and standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Rio’s user-friendliness comes into play right from the buying experience. You needn’t worry about pouring over trim comparisons and lists of options. Nope, just the opposite.
Besides the color, you basically need to make no more than three buying decisions — and you may get away with just making two.
First, do you want four (sedan) or five (hatchback) doors? Second, do you want the LX or S trim level?
Third, if you picked the S grade, do you want the Technology Package?
The LX is only available as the sedan and has no dealer-installed options. Consequently, all the decision-making swirls around the S trim: hatchback or sedan and Technology Package or no Technology Package.
There’s only one engine and transmission combination. The engine is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder mated to an automatic transmission. The government-estimated fuel economy is 33 miles per gallon city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg in combined driving.
Rio is front-wheel drive.
2022 Kia Rio LX (starting at $16,150)
The 2022 Kia Rio LX starts at $16,150.
Standard content includes 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, a tilt-only steering wheel, heated power outboard mirrors, and power door locks and windows.
Also included are hill-start assist, a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a PVC shift knob, and a polyurethane steering wheel.
The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, 4-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, USB port, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Adding the $995 destination fee to the LX base price brings the total to $17,145. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $308 per month. See 2022 Kia Rio LX models for sale
2022 Kia Rio LX includes:
- Automatic transmission – Rio’s automatic transmission consists of pulleys and belts rather than a clutch and gears. It’s called a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allows your smartphone to interface with your vehicle; no cable needed. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
- Power accessories – Rio comes standard with power windows, power door locks, and heated power outboard mirrors.
2022 Kia Rio S (starting at $16,790, sedan/$17,090, hatchback)
The 2022 Kia Rio S starts at $16,790. The hatchback model begins at $17,090.
The S adds cruise control, remote keyless entry, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a center console, and a second USB port to the LX.
You can opt for the Technology Package for a cool $1,800. It adds 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, rear disc brakes, and a 4.2-inch driver information display.
Also included are automatic climate control and satellite radio capability.
A suite of driver aids also comes with the Technology Package. They include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, and lane-departure warning. Other included driver aids are Driver Attention Warning, rear occupant alert, and high-beam assist.
Adding the $995 destination fee to the S sedan base price equals $17,785. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $320 per month. See 2022 Kia Rio S models for sale
2022 Kia Rio S models include:
- Hatchback – You can order the Rio S in sedan or hatchback configuration.
- Remote keyless entry – You can unlock and lock the vehicle remotely when in range using the fob.
- Cruise control – When on a freeway, you can set the cruise-control system to a specific speed, and it will maintain that speed until you depress the brake or turn off the system.
