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Kia offers a great selection of affordable cars. Also, with their many desirable features at a low price, these vehicles offer excellent value. There is one Kia model in particular, though, that’s especially affordable. The cheapest new Kia car in the lineup is the 2023 Kia Rio subcompact sedan. What’s more, the Rio is an overlooked hidden gem.

2023 Kia Rio is the cheapest new Kia car

Front angle view of blue 2023 Kia Rio subcompact sedan, the cheapest new Kia car
2023 Kia Rio | Kia

With a starting price of $16,550 MSRP, the 2023 Kia Rio subcompact sedan is the cheapest new Kia car available in the United States. It’s also one of the most affordable models for all automakers. After the Rio, the next most affordable new models in the Kia lineup are the 2023 Rio 5-Door (Hatchback), which starts at $17,490 MSRP, and the 2023 Forte compact sedan ($19,490 MSRP).

Here are the 10 cheapest new Kia cars:

  1. 2023 Kia Rio: $16,550 MSRP
  2. 2023 Kia Rio 5-Door: $17,490 MSRP
  3. 2023 Kia Forte: $19,490 MSRP
  4. 2023 Kia Soul: $19,790 MSRP
  5. 2023 Kia Seltos: $22,840 MSRP
  6. 2023 Kia K5: $25,090 MSRP
  7. 2023 Kia Sportage: $25,990 MSRP
  8. 2023 Kia Niro: $26,490 MSRP
  9. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid: $27,290 MSRP
  10. 2023 Kia Sorento: $29,990 MSRP

While the 2023 Rio is the cheapest new Kia car, there are many other affordable Kia models. In an age when inflation is making cars more expensive, it’s rare for an automaker to offer so many new vehicles that cost less than $30,000.

2023 Rio is one of the best subcompact cars

There are a couple of reasons why the 2023 Kia Rio is overlooked. For one, sedans and hatchbacks are not as popular as they used to be, as automotive consumers increasingly favor larger crossovers and SUVs. Also, Kia’s more buzzy and popular vehicles, such as the Telluride midsize SUV and the Sportage compact crossover SUV, often overshadow the Rio.

However, the Rio’s overlooked nature contributes to its affordability. Lower demand translates to a lower price. Also, being the cheapest new Kia car is not the only calling card. It’s one of the highest-rated subcompact cars by automotive experts. For example, Car and Driver ranks the Rio as the best subcompact car — ahead of the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage.

Highlights of the Kia Rio

Infotainment system touchscreen in 2023 Kia Rio subcompact sedan, the most affordable new Kia car
2023 Kia Rio | Kia

There are multiple factors that help make the 2023 Rio one of the best subcompact cars. For one, it has surprisingly good driving dynamics, with its confident handling, agility, responsive steering, and a well-tuned suspension. While the 1.6-liter inline-four engine won’t blow anyone away, it’s sufficient for such a small car. Also, the Rio gets great fuel economy, with an estimated gas mileage of up to 32 city/41 highway mpg.

Plus, the Rio offers tremendous value with its many standard and available features. Examples include LED headlights, a trip computer, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, an 8.0-inch infotainment system touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and an automatic temperature control system. Furthermore, the Rio offers many safety-enhancing driving assistance features, such as lane-keeping assist, high beam assist, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.

If you’re searching for the most affordable Kia vehicle, then take a look at the 2023 Kia Rio subcompact sedan. It’s the cheapest new Kia car — and an overlooked hidden gem.

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Staff Writer, Producer - SUVs

Mark Putzer

With seven years of experience writing in the automotive industry prior to joining MotorBiscuit in 2021, Mark’s work can be found on dealership websites across North America. A Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison sent Mark into the wilderness for environmental studies. Here, he discovered a passion for driving off-road trucks and SUVs off the beaten path.

During his extensive international travels, Mark developed an affinity for foreign cars and international automotive markets. Inspired by the industry-wide push toward environmentally-friendly EVs and hybrids, Mark covers topics about recent advances in the automotive industry, in addition to everything from off-road concepts to emerging EV technology.