2012
Kia Rio

Starts at:
$13,400
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New 2012 Kia Rio
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn Man LX
    Starts at
    $13,400
    29 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto LX
    Starts at
    $14,500
    28 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto EX
    Starts at
    $16,300
    28 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto SX
    Starts at
    $17,500
    28 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio

Notable features

Redesigned for 2012
EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway
Direct-injection four-cylinder
VSM safety system can automatically make steering corrections
Available navigation with 7-inch screen

The good & the bad

The good

Assertive styling
Gas mileage
Decent power
Automatic-transmission responsiveness
Optional upscale amenities

The bad

Active Eco mode severely diminishes performance
Uncomfortable front seats
Tight backseat
Safety concern in NHTSA side crash test
See all specifications

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2012 Kia Rio base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
4/5
Combined side rating front seat
4/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
4/5
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
11.6%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
11.6%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2012
    4.5
    Kia Rio
    Starts at
    $13,400
    29 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
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  • 2008
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    Scion xB
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    MPG
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    Seat capacity
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    Warranty
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  • 2011
    4.5
    Kia Forte
    Starts at
    $14,995
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
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  • 2015
    4.7
    Kia Soul EV
    Starts at
    $33,700
    93 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
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  • 2006
    4.6
    Scion tC
    Starts at
    $16,300
    22 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2010
    3.4
    Kia Rio
    Starts at
    $11,695
    28 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2009
    4.3
    Hyundai Accent
    Starts at
    $9,970
    27 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
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    Warranty
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    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

84% of drivers recommend this car
4.5 / 5
Based on 32 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.4
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

By Waynetheking from Godley, TX
Owns this car
May 2, 2023

Long time owner.

Fantastic car!! Not a single issue but normal wear and tear. Bought new in 2012. Good build. You can't go wrong with this car. Buy one.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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By Alex from Alaska
Used to own this car
February 14, 2023

Eats Oil

Worked great for awhile but over time it consumes oil, typically every 1000 or so miles it would need a quart. If you forget to check it for a couple weeks you might end up screwing your engine up due to the lack of oil. It’s a good first car but it doesn’t last as long as one would like.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 3.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 2.0
Reliability 1.0
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2012 Kia Rio?

The 2012 Kia Rio is available in 3 trim levels:

  • EX (1 style)
  • LX (2 styles)
  • SX (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2012 Kia Rio?

The 2012 Kia Rio offers up to 29 MPG in city driving and 37 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2012 Kia Rio?

The 2012 Kia Rio compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2012 Kia Rio reliable?

The 2012 Kia Rio has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2012 Kia Rio owners.

Is the 2012 Kia Rio a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2012 Kia Rio. 84.4% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 32 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.4

Kia Rio history

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