KIA RIO (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,310 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Total Tests (2024)
3,310
Avg Mileage
21,750 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400
Is the 2021 KIA RIO reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 3 years old, 95% of KIA RIOs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,310 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 21,750 miles.
How does the 2021 KIA RIO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 KIA RIO has 21,750 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2021 KIA RIO cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
KIA RIO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 95% | 233 | 24,400 mi |
| 2021 | 95% | 3,310 | 21,750 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 5,121 | 26,035 mi |
| 2019 | 89% | 7,841 | 32,113 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 9,260 | 40,153 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 13,147 | 49,022 mi |
| 2016 | 85% | 14,178 | 52,518 mi |
| 2015 | 84% | 18,619 | 60,725 mi |
| 2014 | 78% | 19,328 | 70,276 mi |
| 2013 | 76% | 17,756 | 77,717 mi |
| 2012 | 74% | 16,466 | 85,239 mi |
| 2011 | 72% | 12,394 | 82,872 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 11,025 | 87,460 mi |
| 2009 | 71% | 8,764 | 85,404 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 3,800 | 92,973 mi |
| 2007 | 67% | 2,363 | 93,975 mi |
| 2006 | 69% | 1,766 | 94,045 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 1,019 | 84,192 mi |
| 2004 | 64% | 625 | 68,036 mi |
| 2003 | 65% | 300 | 72,062 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 184 | 68,384 mi |
| 2001 | 67% | 42 | 59,195 mi |
Checking a specific KIA RIO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 KIA RIO
The 2021 KIA RIO is a city car with a 998cc petrol engine. 3,310 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 21,750 miles at 3 years old, KIA RIO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 KIA RIO Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 KIA RIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,400 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
KIA RIO Reliability Trend
Newer KIA RIOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 17 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 KIA RIO
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet.
Alternatives to the 2021 KIA RIO
The KIA RIO is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2019) 91% pass rate (-4%) from 124,950 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (-3%) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2019) 88% pass rate (-7%) from 68,639 tests
- AUDI A3 (2019) 92% pass rate (-3%) from 41,215 tests