For years, the Kia Rio EX was a staple in Canada’s subcompact car segment—a reliable, affordable, and well-equipped hatchback that appealed to first-time drivers, city dwellers, and anyone looking to stretch their dollar. However, Kia discontinued the Rio in Canada after the 2023 model year, leaving a gap in the market for budget-friendly hatchbacks with modern features. Now, in 2026, speculation is swirling around the possibility of a Rio comeback.
Limited Time Automotive Amazon DealsCould we see a 2026 Kia Rio EX? What would it look like? And, more importantly, is there still a market for it in Canada? In this article, we dive into a speculative yet informed review of what a 2026 Rio EX could offer Canadian drivers, and whether it deserves a second chance.
Before imagining the return of the Rio EX, it’s important to understand why it disappeared in the first place. The subcompact car market has been shrinking in North America due to a consumer shift toward crossovers and SUVs. Profit margins on small cars are tight, and manufacturers prefer to focus on more lucrative segments.
Limited Time Automotive Amazon DealsStill, this logic doesn’t always hold up in Canada. Urban centres like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are packed with tight parking spaces and increasingly expensive gas prices. In these cities, small cars are not only practical—they’re desirable. Kia’s decision to phase out the Rio was likely strategic, but it may have left behind a willing and eager customer base.
If Kia were to reintroduce the Rio EX for the 2026 model year, it would need to undergo significant updates to stay competitive. Here’s what a speculative 2026 Kia Rio EX could offer:
The 2026 Rio EX would likely feature Kia’s new “Opposites United” design language—seen on models like the K4 and EV9. Expect sharper lines, a sleeker profile, and LED lighting standard. A sporty front fascia and 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels could help position the EX as a stylish, city-savvy hatch.
Modern subcompacts must punch above their weight when it comes to features, and the Rio EX always did. The 2026 version would likely come with:
The interior design would probably borrow cues from the new Kia K3 and Soul, with soft-touch materials and improved sound insulation.
In 2023, the Rio EX was powered by a 1.6L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower. A revived 2026 model would need to offer more efficient and potentially electrified options to stay relevant.
| Engine Type | Output | Transmission | Fuel Efficiency (L/100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L Gasoline (Updated) | 125 hp | IVT (CVT) | 6.2 combined |
| 1.0L Turbo + 48V Mild Hybrid | 120 hp | 7-Speed DCT | 5.6 combined |
| Fully Electric (Rio EV) | 134 hp | Single-Speed EV | Range: ~350 km |
The potential for a Rio EV or hybrid variant would align well with Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandates and the federal iZEV program. A Rio EV priced under $35,000 could qualify for rebates and dominate the affordable EV space.
Safety has become a non-negotiable expectation, even in budget-friendly vehicles. The previous Rio EX included Forward Collision-Avoidance and Lane Keeping Assist. A 2026 model would likely expand that suite.
| Safety Feature | Standard in EX? |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Yes |
| Lane Keeping & Lane Following Assist | Yes |
| Blind Spot Collision Warning | Likely |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Likely |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Optional |
| Driver Attention Warning | Yes |
If the 2026 Rio EX also included Kia’s Highway Driving Assist, it could rival even mid-tier crossovers in terms of active safety.
Pricing will be key if the Rio is to reclaim its place as Canada’s best-value hatchback. With inflation and added tech, prices will be higher than in 2023—but still below crossovers like the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Kona.
| Trim | Estimated MSRP (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Rio LX (Base) | $21,995 |
| Rio EX | $24,495 |
| Rio EX Hybrid | $26,995 |
| Rio EV (if offered) | $33,995 (before rebates) |
With freight and fees, the EX trim would likely cost around $27,000–$28,000 CAD on the road, making it one of the most affordable well-equipped vehicles in Canada.
Kia Canada currently has no true subcompact offering. The Forte compact sedan is larger and only available as a sedan, while the Soul and Seltos are crossovers. A revived Rio would fill the gap for drivers looking for a small, city-friendly hatchback under $25K.
| Model | Price Range | Size | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio (speculated) | $21K–$28K | Subcompact | Hatchback |
| Forte | $23K–$30K | Compact | Sedan |
| Soul | $25K–$32K | Subcompact SUV | Boxy Hatch |
| Seltos | $27K–$36K | Small SUV | Crossover |
If brought back, the Rio would stand alone as the most affordable hatchback in Kia’s stable, appealing to a younger demographic or budget-conscious families.
Yes—if the price, efficiency, and tech are right. Despite the rise in SUV sales, there’s still strong demand for reliable, efficient small cars in Canada. Cities are dense, gas is expensive, and many Canadians live lifestyles where a small hatchback simply makes more sense than a bulky SUV.
Moreover, with new car prices in Canada averaging over $45,000 CAD in 2025, the return of a sub-$25K option would be a breath of fresh air.
The 2026 Kia Rio EX, if revived with modern updates, could carve out a much-needed niche in the Canadian market. Offering a compelling mix of affordability, features, and efficiency, it would appeal to a wide spectrum of drivers—from urban professionals and students to retirees and small families.
If Kia adds hybrid or electric options and keeps the price competitive, the Rio could once again become Canada’s most practical and affordable vehicle. In an era dominated by crossovers, there’s still room for a well-built, value-driven hatchback. The question isn’t whether the market wants it—the question is whether Kia is bold enough to bring it back.
