Kia Rio
36 MPG The 2023 Kia Rio is EPA-rated at 36 MPG combined (32 city / 41 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 417 gallons, $1333 a year in fuel, or $0.089 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2001–2023 run it averages 30.2 MPG, improving by 10.5 MPG over 23 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.069 | $694 | $1042 | $1389 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.083 | $833 | $1250 | $1667 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.089 | $889 | $1333 | $1778 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.097 | $972 | $1458 | $1944 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 36 MPG | 32 | 41 | $1750 | 250 | 1 |
| 2022 | 36 MPG | 33 | 41 | $1750 | 250 | 1 |
| 2021 | 36 MPG | 33 | 41 | $1750 | 249 | 1 |
| 2020 | 36 MPG | 33 | 41 | $1750 | 249 | 1 |
| 2019 | 32 MPG | 28.5 | 37 | $1950 | 279 | 2 |
| 2018 | 32 MPG | 28.5 | 37 | $1950 | 279 | 2 |
| 2017 | 30.5 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2050 | 290 | 2 |
| 2016 | 30.5 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2050 | 289 | 2 |
| 2015 | 30 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2100 | 291 | 2 |
| 2014 | 30 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2100 | 291 | 2 |
| 2013 | 31.5 MPG | 28.5 | 36.5 | $1975 | 287 | 2 |
| 2012 | 31.5 MPG | 28.5 | 36.5 | $1975 | 282 | 2 |
| 2011 | 30 MPG | 27.5 | 34 | $2100 | 296 | 2 |
| 2010 | 30.5 MPG | 27.5 | 35 | $2050 | 291 | 2 |
| 2009 | 30 MPG | 26.5 | 34 | $2100 | 296 | 2 |
| 2008 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33.5 | $2150 | 306 | 2 |
| 2007 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33.5 | $2150 | 306 | 2 |
| 2006 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33.5 | $2150 | 306 | 2 |
| 2005 | 24.5 MPG | 21.5 | 29 | $2550 | 363 | 2 |
| 2004 | 25 MPG | 22 | 29.5 | $2500 | 356 | 4 |
| 2003 | 25.5 MPG | 22.5 | 30 | $2450 | 349 | 2 |
| 2002 | 25 MPG | 22.5 | 28 | $2500 | 356 | 2 |
| 2001 | 25.5 MPG | 23 | 28.5 | $2450 | 349 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Kia Rio ranks 16 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (37), Lexus UX 250h AWD (39), Chevrolet Volt (42), Lexus CT 200h (42), Lexus UX 250h (42).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 250 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 3.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Kia Rio get?
The 2023 Kia Rio is rated at 36 MPG combined by the EPA — 32 city and 41 highway. Across all 23 model years in the database it averages 30.2 MPG, ranging from 24 to 36 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Kia Rio cost in fuel per year?
At 36 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 417 gallons — roughly $1333 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.089 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2023 model is $1750.
Has the Kia Rio become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 25.5 MPG in 2001 to 36 in 2023 — an improvement of 10.5 MPG, or 41% across 23 model years.
Is the Kia Rio efficient for its class?
It ranks 16 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 9.4 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.