Kia Rio 3 MHEV (2020)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 133 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,630
£136/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
998cc Hybrid
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1,630/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Kia brand average of 86%.
91% of MOT tests on Kia Rio 3 MHEVs from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 133 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 25,096 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
25,096
Average miles
29,600
Expected for age
The average 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV had 25,096 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 91%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Kia Rio 3 MHEV by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV
The 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV is a city car. Our records list a 998cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 133 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 25,096 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Rio 3 MHEV owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc hybrid engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Our estimate uses around 50 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,630 (£136/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV
At 6 years old, the Kia Rio 3 MHEV offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 6 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Rio 3 MHEV(2020) | 91% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630 |
| Toyota Yaris(2018) | 91% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £1,853+£223 |
| Volvo XC40(2021) | 93% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853+£223 |
| Toyota Yaris Design HEV CVT(2021) | 96% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853+£223 |
| Honda Jazz Ex I-MMD CVT(2021) | 96% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853+£223 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV
Is the 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEVs ended in a pass, from 133 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,630 a year (£136 a month): £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV?
91% of 133 MOT tests on the 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1660th of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (bottom half).
Which year Kia Rio 3 MHEV has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Kia Rio 3 MHEV has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2020 the lowest at 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 Kia Rio 3 MHEV is 25,096 miles, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Kia Models
Explore other Kia cars or similar models in the same category.
Kia Sportage
2016 · 1700cc Diesel
Kia Picanto
2018 · 998cc Petrol
Kia Ceed
2012 · 1591cc Diesel
Toyota Yaris
2018 · 1349cc Hybrid
Volvo XC40
2021 · 1470cc Hybrid
Toyota Yaris Design HEV CVT
2021 · 1490cc Hybrid
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