Kia Rio first generation

The Kia Rio first generation (2001–2005): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 15 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: DC · Sold in: United States, Canada, and United Kingdom
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | – | 4,215–4,240 mm |
| Width | – | 1,675–1,680 mm |
| Height | – | 1,440 mm |
| Wheelbase | – | 2,410 mm |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | – | 1,019–1,256 kg |
| Seats and space | ||
| Luggage space (EPA) | 368–708 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | 2,492 L EPA | – |
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia, US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 58.7% (57.1–60.3) | 69.2% | 3,814 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 53.0% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 48.3% | 36.4% |
| Tyres | 37.7% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 35.7% | 28.8% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 28.9% | 18.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 27.8% | 17.1% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
541 complaints for model years 2001–2005. 66 crashes · 31 fires · 61 injuries · 3 deaths
- Engine 140
- Airbags 62
- Transmission and drivetrain 34
- Fuel system 34
- Wheels 27
- Electrical system 26
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 15 versions of the Kia Rio first generation
Show all 15 versions
United Kingdom 4 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–20041.3 | 1.3 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 6.6–7.1 L/100 km NEDC | 157–170 g/km |
| 2001–20041.3 | 1.3 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 7.7–8.0 L/100 km NEDC | 183–192 g/km |
| 2001–20031.5 | 1.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 6.9–7.3 L/100 km NEDC | 163–173 g/km |
| 2001–20031.5 | 1.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 8.0–8.8 L/100 km NEDC | 191–207 g/km |
United States 5 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2005CLKUP | 1.6 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA | 230 g/km |
| 2003–2005 | 1.6 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 25–26 MPG (9.0–9.4 L/100 km) EPA | 212–221 g/km |
| 2003–20042MODE CLKUP · CLKUP | 1.6 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 25 MPG (9.4 L/100 km) EPA | 221 g/km |
| 2001–20022MODE CLKUP | 1.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 24–25 MPG (9.4–9.8 L/100 km) EPA | 221–230 g/km |
| 2001–2002 | 1.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA | 212 g/km |
Canada 6 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2005Compact | 1.6 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 9.5–9.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 219–228 g/km |
| 2003–2005Compact | 1.6 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.2–9.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 212–221 g/km |
| 2002Compact | 1.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 9.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 223 g/km |
| 2002Compact | 1.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 212 g/km |
| 2001Subcompact | 1.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 9.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 221 g/km |
| 2001Subcompact | 1.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 209 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.





