The fourth-generation Kia Rio five-door hatchback is a fun-to-drive sassy little subcompact car. The new 2017 model has grown up – it’s swapped its cutesy look for slicker, sportier styling. It’s slightly longer, wider, and lower with sculpted aerodynamic body lines and a redesigned front with Kia’s distinctive tiger-nose grille. The Kia Rio is available in three trims: LX, EX, and SX.
Rio LX
All three models feature the same mechanical specs: front-wheel drive with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-wheel anti-lock disc braking system. Also standard across all three models is Kia’s Sportmatic six-speed automatic transmission, which gives drivers the option of easily switching to manual if desired.
The interior of the 2017 Rio has undergone significant changes. It’s done away with the cheap-looking plastic dashboard. In its place is a more modern-looking panel that’s angled toward the driver and features a floating touch-screen display in the center.
In terms of safety, the Rio hatchback received a four-star rating for overall crash protection in government tests. All three models come standard with electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and hill-start assist.
The LX trim features black mesh radiator grille, 15-inch steel wheels, tilt steering column, woven cloth upholstery, and four-way speaker audio system.
Rio EX
Moving up to the EX, you’ll find the black mesh grille is now surrounded with chrome. Additional external features include projector beam fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.
The interior features a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, premium cloth trim, center console with sliding arm rest, and a six-speaker audio system with A-Pillar-Mounted tweeters. The EX ups the convenience with steering-wheel-mounted cruise control buttons, power windows with convenient driver’s one-touch auto-up/down, and power door locks with keyless remote.
Extra refinements in the EX include a hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel with matching gearshift knob, LED map lights, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, and soft-touch dash. The cargo under-floor tray with net is a handy feature – hidden beneath the floor, it helps you store items neatly and out of sight.
Fuel efficiency is similar on all three trims at 30 mpg combined, but the EX model features Kia’s eco-friendly Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system, bringing the fuel efficiency rating up to 31 mpg.
Rio SX
Giving the SX a design edge is 17-inch alloy wheels, LED positioning lights that shimmer below the headlights, and LED rear combination lamps. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, and a supervision meter cluster add to the sportiness. If you’re looking for more responsive handling, the SX model with sport-tuned suspension is the one to go for.
Extra features on the SX trim include a rear-view camera, outside power-folding mirrors with turn-signal indicators, power sunroof, projector beam headlights, and auto light control. Seating is more upscale, with leather upholstery and heated front seats, and technology upgrades include a 7-inch touch screen with voice-command navigation, satellite and HD radio, and UVO infotainment system.
As an entry-level car and with a starting price of $15,495 for the LX and up to $20,905 for the SX, the Kia Rio is a nicely designed vehicle at an affordable price.
Photo by Kia
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.