Body styles have included a three and five-door hatchback and four-door sedan, equipped with inline-four gasoline and diesel engines, and front-wheel drive.

The first generation Kia Rio (referred internally as the "DC") was offered in both four-door sedan and five-door station wagon body styles.

[4] While the Rio's styling and affordability were well-received, it was derided for its poor build quality and driving experience.

Then a larger version appeared, a 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder rated at 104 hp (78 kW) used for model years 2003 through 2005.

An alternative of a 1.3-litre (1,343 cc) SOHC four-cylinder/eight-valve petrol, producing 75 hp (56 kW) was offered in some other countries, including the United Kingdom and most of continental Europe.

There was a version called the Sports-Pac, which featured a bonnet scoop, a rear wing, golden wheels, and blue paint, all inspired by the Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

[7] In 2002, the Rio received a mild redesign (for the 2003 model year in the US) including upgrades in engine, suspension, brakes, and new exterior and interior styling.

The Rio5 (USA) is offered simply in SX trim level with leather-covered steering wheel.

The European version's common rail diesel engine produces 110 PS (81 kW).

In 2007, the South Korean government began testing approximately 4,000 pre-production Rio hybrid-electric models, with parent company Hyundai Kia Automotive Group later announcing and subsequently withdrawing anticipated release dates for the hybrid model.

[9][10] For 2008, Kia offered the LX trim level for the Rio5 (similar to the Rio LX sedan) and a limited production of Rio5 SX Tuner models, featuring Falken FK452 tires, Tanabe strut tower brace and Eibach Federn lowering springs.

[12] For the Malaysian market, the second generation Rio was launched on the 7 September 2005 available with only one trim level with only the hatchback body style and powered by a 1.4-litre 16 valve DOHC engine with a 4-speed automatic gearbox and was fully imported from South Korea.

The 2006 Rio received Poor to Average ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The global third-generation Rio debuted on March 1, 2011, at the Geneva Motor Show, again based on the Hyundai Accent.

The vehicle feature sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, which is inline with other Kia models at the time such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage.

The Rio also feature its own interpretation of Kia's signature grille known as the "Tiger Nose", which is slimmed down to connect to the headlamp design.

It is mechanically identical to the 5-door, though its longer doors give it a more sporting appearance that appeals to younger audiences.

The Rio 2 gained 16" alloy wheels, front fog lights, and heated power-folding door mirrors over the VR7 / SR7 but had a lack of parking sensors amongst the standard equipment.

The Rio 3 and 4 were the higher trim levels within the range, with the Rio 3 receiving features such as 17" diamond-cut alloy wheels, heated front seats, LED daytime running lights & rear lights, automatic & cornering headlights, automatic climate control, and a 'Premium Supervision cluster', a larger information display within the driver gauges.

Finally, the top spec Rio 4 gained features such as a sunroof, black leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and keyless entry & start over the 3 model.

After the facelift in 2015, the Rio 3 and 4 gained a multi-function touchscreen with satellite navigation and a reversing camera, exclusive to these higher models.

[25] The 2012 Rio received Marginal to Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Unlike the previous generations, the fourth-generation Rio is an export-only model since it is not offered in the South Korean domestic market due to decreasing sales of its predecessor.

[40][41] For the North American market, the Rio is manufactured alongside the Forte at the newly built Pesquería plant in Mexico.

[45][46] It is also offered in selected Latin America countries such as Panama and Peru as the Rio Cross.

[52] Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 5-door hatchback variant with standard equipment on a 2017 registration: Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 5-door hatchback variant with optional safety pack on a 2017 registration: IIHS crash test results for an LHD, 4-door sedan variant with standard equipment, 2018 model year, and its top trim won the Top Safety Pick+ award: IIHS crash test results, 2023 model year:[55] The Rio produced and marketed in Russia and China (as the K2 and KX Cross) is internally referred to by the FB or UC model codes.

The Rio X-Line has an increased ground clearance of 10 mm, modified suspension settings, and unpainted plastic body claddings to mimic crossover styling.

The Rio X-Line was also introduced in China at the 2017 Auto Shanghai as the Kia KX Cross.