Used Kia Rio5 for SaleNationwide

Is the Kia Rio5 a good car?

Yes — the Kia Rio5 is a strong used-car pick if you want a practical small hatchback with broad owner approval and a value-focused personality. The all-generations owner rating is 4.71/5 across every model year in the data.

Expert reviews rate the 2018 model among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs are a sparse base-trim experience, limited tech on lower trims, and a ride-and-performance setup that prioritizes everyday usability over excitement.

28.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Rio5 models reliable?

Owners consistently rate the Rio5 very highly, and the expert write-up for the newest tested year highlights a simple, responsive powertrain and a solid everyday driving feel. The overall picture points to a car that should be straightforward to live with if you keep up with routine maintenance.

• Owners rate the Kia Rio5 between 4.67 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk looks manageable, but a careful history check still matters because condition and prior use vary widely across listings.

What should I look for when buying a used Kia Rio5?

Across all model years, at 61.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2022 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: forward-collision warning with auto brake
• Infotainment: 7-inch touchscreen with the Uvo infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
• Fuel efficiency: 28 mpg city and 37 highway for a combined rating of 32 mpg

Which Kia Rio5 trim should I buy?

The 2018 Kia Rio5 offers these trims:

• LX: This entry trim focuses on value and adds alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uvo infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, fog lights, chrome grille, leather for the steering wheel and shifter, upgraded cloth upholstery, dual lighted vanities, and forward-collision warning with auto brake. It stands out as the best-value choice if you want the richest feature set.
• S: This trim adds keyless entry for the power locks, power windows, heated power mirrors, cruise control, map lights, Bluetooth, an extra USB charging port, and a sliding center-console armrest with added storage. It suits you if you want a more comfortable daily driver with a stronger convenience mix.
• EX: This trim brings the 5-inch touchscreen, automatic headlights, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a rear-view camera, satellite radio, USB and auxiliary inputs, and a 4-speaker stereo. It suits you if you want the most affordable way into the lineup.

What Kia Rio5 do most buyers choose?

The Kia Rio5 years with the most listings are 2022, 2021, and 2019.

These higher-volume years tend to attract more shoppers because they offer a wider selection and more chances to find the right price, mileage, and condition. They also give you more room to compare listings side by side.

Is the Kia Rio5 safe?

• 2018: 7/10

For the safest used buy, the 2018 model posts the highest confirmed score of 7/10.

Should I buy a used Kia Rio5 now?

Buy now if:

• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings. The Kia Rio5 offers a practical, easy-to-live-with hatchback character that makes it a sensible everyday choice.

If you're buying used today, the 2022 model year offers the best mix of value and availability.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.