Model year guide

2020 Kia rio

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Kia rio is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2020 Kia rio — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2020 Kia rio at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints26
Combined36 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2020 Kia rio recalls 1

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #21V936000 · 01/12/2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.

Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2020 Kia rio common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

2020 Kia rio MPG & running costs

Combined36 mpg
City33 mpg
Highway41 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,700

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Kia rio costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$8,500
Fuel only$8,500
Per mile$0.11

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2020 Kia rio trims & engines on record

Trims
LX, S
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl 113 hp

2020 Kia rio vehicles on record

2020 Kia rio 2020 Kia rio LX, S3KPA24AD2LE339121 2020 Kia rio 2020 Kia rio LX, S3KPA24AD5LE295597

Other Kia rio model years

2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2020 Kia rio — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Kia rio have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2020 Kia rio. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia rio?

Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia rio get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2020 Kia rio at about 36 mpg combined (33 city / 41 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.