Kia Rio IV (YB) (2017 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.6/10

The fourth-generation Kia Rio (code name YB) is a versatile B-segment city car that has distinguished itself with its maturity, cabin space, and 7-year / 150,000 km manufacturer's warranty. Launched in 2017, it received a facelift in summer 2020, introducing mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrains and new driving aids. Although demand for diesel has drastically fallen in this category, Kia offered the 1.4 CRDi (U2) engine at launch, an engine known for its robustness, intended for high-mileage drivers. This engine was removed from the European catalog in late 2019 / early 2020 due to Euro 6d anti-pollution standards. The Rio YB is a rational car, very reliable overall, which compensates for a certain lack of flair with remarkable peace of mind.

✅ Strengths

⚠️ Weaknesses

🎯 Verdict

The Kia Rio IV (YB) is an extremely rational and reassuring used car choice. If you specifically target the 1.4 CRDi diesel, you are choosing a very robust engine, equipped with a reliable timing chain, ideal for covering miles at a lower cost. However, it is imperative to buy it for the right use: road and highway journeys. In urban use, the DPF and EGR valve will inevitably clog up. For mixed or urban use, gasoline engines (especially the 1.2 MPI for the city or the 1.0 T-GDI for versatility) are to be preferred. The 7-year warranty, often still current on models from after 2018, is a major asset.

Common issues

Vanne EGR encrassée ou défectueuse Medium
🔧 70 000 – 130 000 km
💶 150 – 300 € (nettoyage) / 400 – 800 € (remplacement)
Un nettoyage préventif peut prolonger sa durée de vie, éviter les courts trajets.
Usure prématurée de l'embrayage (boîte manuelle) Medium
🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km
💶 900 – 1 600 €
Tester l'embrayage à l'achat, une conduite souple prolonge sa durée.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change £70 – 130
Timing chain £650 – 1 300 (si remplacement nécessaire, rare)
Clutch £750 – 1 400
Complete brakes £280 – 580
Estimated annual budget £500 – 1 000

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.