The 2019 Kia Rio, with its 1.6L 4-cylinder engine, achieves 32 MPG combined. This fuel economy meets the expectations of Rio buyers. It’s basic, economical transportation, not a sports sedan or a luxury SUV. Buyers choose the Rio with its automatic transmission because affordability and low running costs are their priority. For them, a few MPG can equate to real savings, and the Rio delivers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Kia Rio with the 1.6L engine and automatic transmission gets 28 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the inefficiencies of stop-and-go driving, and the highway number shows that the Rio can maintain reasonable efficiency at cruising speeds. These are just estimates. Your numbers will change based on your driving style, traffic, and even your commute’s terrain. 28 MPG around town isn’t award-winning, but it is a respectable figure for a conventional gasoline engine in its class.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Kia Rio 1.6L is $1,350. This is based on 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. It’s helpful to compare the Rio’s running costs with other vehicles. Remember that your fuel expenses depend on how much you drive and what you pay at the pump. Tire pressure and vehicle maintenance can also subtly affect your fuel consumption.

Real-world expectations

EPA MPG numbers give a baseline for comparison, but real-world fuel economy can change based on driving habits and the environment. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, or neglecting maintenance will lower your mileage. Smooth driving and proper tire inflation can help you get close to or exceed the EPA estimates. Expect numbers close to the estimates, unless you drive aggressively.

How it compares

The 2019 Kia Rio compares well against its competitors that also focus on lower fuel costs. The 2019 Honda Fit gets an EPA combined rating of 33 MPG using its CVT transmission, a slight edge over the Rio, but some might find a CVT less engaging. The 2019 Toyota Yaris (hatchback version) nets 34 MPG combined. The differences aren’t massive, so your preferences, budget, and needed features might be more important than any fuel savings. You can see all Kia fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Rio’s 1.6L engine responds to driving style. Smooth acceleration and consistent speeds are key to maximizing fuel economy. Limit rapid acceleration and hard braking. Watch traffic and maintain a steady pace to cut fuel consumption, especially in the city.

Tire pressure affects fuel efficiency. Inflate your tires to the pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tires often, especially when the temperature changes.

Extra weight in the car also hurts fuel economy. Remove unneeded items from the trunk or back seat. A lighter car needs less effort from the engine, raising the MPG. Get rid of those golf clubs when you aren’t golfing.

Regular maintenance helps the Rio last, and it also optimizes fuel consumption. Keep the engine oil clean and at the right level, and change the air filter as the owner’s manual recommends. A maintained engine runs better and burns fuel more cleanly.

Think about your route. Taking a longer route with fewer stops or less traffic can be better than a shorter, congested route. Frequent stops lower your overall MPG on each trip. Plan smartly to increase the RIO MPG across all years.