What was the last year they made a Kia Rio?

[LucyDella]

The final model year for the Kia Rio was 2023. Kia officially discontinued the Rio sedan and hatchback after the 2023 model year, ending a production run that began in 1999. This decision was driven by shifting consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers, which made the subcompact car segment less viable in key markets like North America.

The Rio's discontinuation aligns with a broader industry trend. In the U.S., subcompact car sales have been in steady decline. For instance, Rio sales accounted for only a small fraction of Kia's total U.S. volume in its final years. The resources previously allocated to the Rio are now being redirected towards the development and production of electric vehicles and more popular SUV models, a strategic pivot reflected in Kia's global business plans.

Throughout its history, the Kia Rio evolved through four distinct generations, improving significantly in quality, design, and technology.

Generation	Model Years	Key Notes
First (DC)	1999–2005	Introduced as a budget-friendly global model.
Second (JB)	2005–2011	Major redesign; offered as sedan and hatchback.
Third (UB)	2011–2017	Adopted Kia's "Tiger Nose" grille; quality uplift.
Fourth (YB)	2017–2023	Final generation; offered in sedan and 5-door hatchback variants.

For the used car market, the 2023 Kia Rio is now the newest and final model available. Its immediate resale value is expected to be relatively stable in the short term due to its status as the last model year. However, long-term values for discontinued models can be more volatile, often depending on parts availability and ongoing demand for efficient, affordable transportation.

Owners of the final Rio models benefit from Kia's industry-leading warranty, which remains fully valid. Prospective buyers seeking a new car in this class must now look to remaining 2023 dealer inventory or consider alternatives like the Kia Forte, Hyundai Accent, or vehicles from other manufacturers that still produce subcompact sedans.

[LaRowan]

As someone who just bought a 2023 Rio sedan a few months ago, I guess I got one of the last ones off the line. My dealer mentioned they were stopping production, which made me move faster on the deal. It’s a bit of a unique feeling now, knowing it’s the end of the road for the model. I mainly wanted a simple, reliable, and fuel-efficient commuter car, and it perfectly fits the bill. I’m not too worried about it being discontinued; Kia is a huge company, and they’ll have to support it with parts for years because of the warranty.

[DelLilah]

Working at a dealership, we saw this coming. The last Rio models, the 2023s, started getting harder to order about a year before the official announcement. The customer demand had really shifted. Everyone walking in was asking about Seltos or Sportages, not small sedans. When we got the final allocation, it was clear. For customers, the main takeaway is that if you want a new Rio, you need to check national dealer inventory for remaining 2023 models—they’re out there, but choices on color and trim are limited. For servicing, nothing changes. We’ll service every Rio on the road for the foreseeable future, and parts supply is contractually guaranteed for a long time.

[DeBryce]

It’s the end of an era for an important car. The Rio started in 1999 as a basic “econobox” and genuinely transformed over 24 years into a well-equipped, sharp-looking small car. The final fourth-generation model (2017-2023) was arguably the best, with available advanced driver aids like forward collision warning. Its departure marks the near extinction of the traditional subcompact sedan in markets like the U.S. It wasn’t killed by being a bad car, but by the market’s overwhelming turn towards taller vehicles. For driving enthusiasts on a budget, the Rio’s lightweight, simple nature and manual transmission option in some markets will be missed.

[DelGia]

I was actually considering a new Rio, so hearing it’s discontinued for 2024 changes my plans. My focus now is on whether to try and find a leftover 2023 model new, or look at a lightly used one. A low-mileage 2022 or 2023 Rio could be a smart buy, as the first owner would have taken the biggest depreciation hit. I need to research if there were any special “final edition” trims for 2023 that might hold value better. Otherwise, I’m comparing it to the next size up, like a Kia Forte, or seeing what certified pre-owned options exist. The Rio’s reputation for good fuel economy is still a major draw for me.