The 2020 Kia Rio is available in three different trim levels, with prices ranging from $17,490 before on-road costs for the base Rio S manual to $23,590 before on-road costs for the Rio GT-Line.

    Kia regularly does drive-away offers, however.

    The current Rio is in its fourth generation and battles rivals such as the Mazda 2, Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris.

    Though a Rio sedan was available in the past and is sold in other markets, the current generation is sold only as a hatchback in Australia.

    2020 Kia Rio price and specs

    Pricing

    • 2020 Kia Rio S manual: $17,490 ($17,790 drive-away)
    • 2020 Kia Rio S auto: $19,590 ($18,790 drive-away)
    • 2020 Kia Rio Sport manual: $18,290 ($18,990 drive-away)
    • 2020 Kia Rio Sport auto: $20,590 ($19,990 drive-away)
    • 2020 Kia Rio GT-Line auto: $23,590 ($23,790 drive-away)

    All prices exclude on-road costs unless otherwise specified

    2020 Kia Rio price and specs

    Engines

    The 2020 Kia Rio range comes with a choice of two engines, mirroring the smaller Picanto’s engine line-up.

    The S and Sport both use a naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre four-cylinder with 74kW and 133Nm, with a six-speed manual transmission standard.

    An automatic transmission is optional on both, though the S uses a four-speed automatic while the Sport has a six-speed automatic.

    The range-topping Rio GT-Line has a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with 88kW and 172Nm. It’s mated exclusively to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

    2020 Kia Rio price and specs

    Fuel Economy

    The 2020 Kia Rio sips 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle when equipped with the six manual transmission. Automatic models use slightly more fuel – 6.2L/100km for the S automatic and 6.0L/100km for the Sport automatic.

    The punchiest powertrain is also the thriftiest. The range-topping Rio GT-Line has a combined fuel economy rating of 5.4L/100km.

    Dimensions

    The 2020 Kia Rio measures 4065mm long, 1450mm tall and 1725mm wide.

    The Kia Rio’s total luggage space is 325L or 980L with the rear seats folded.

    2020 Kia Rio price and specs

    Safety

    When the Kia Rio was tested by ANCAP in 2017, it received a rating of five stars.

    All 2020 Kia Rio models come standard with anti-lock brakes and front, front side, and curtain airbags. However, autonomous emergency braking is standard only on the GT-Line and isn’t even available as an option on the S and Sport.

    Lane-keeping assist is also exclusive to the Rio GT-Line.

    2020 Kia Rio price and specs

    Standard Equipment

    The base model Rio S comes with the following standard features:

    • Reversing camera
    • 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Power windows

    Next is the Rio Sport, which adds the following:

    • Cruise control
    • 17-inch alloy wheels
    • Heated and folding power mirrors
    • Premium shift knob and steering wheel

    The range-topping GT-Line replaces the 1.4-litre four with a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and adds:

    • Autonomous emergency braking
    • Lane-keeping assist
    • LED daytime running lights
    • GT-Line exterior package with body kit, rear diffuser and dual exhaust outlets
    • Alloy sports pedals
    • Flat-bottomed sports steering wheel
    2020 Kia Rio price and specs

    Servicing

    All 2020 Kia Rio models with the 1.4-litre require servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The Rio GT-Line requires servicing every 10,000km.

    Kia offers seven years of capped-price servicing. The GT-Line has an average service cost of $457, while all other Rios have an average cost of $413.

    William Stopford

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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