The Kia Rio Sedan is a simple subcompact sedan with a sleek design and surprisingly roomy backseat for a small sedan. It comes with peace of mind too — Kia is so confident in the durability of its cars that it offers an industry-leading extended powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. For 2017, Kia has dropped the SX model from the sedan lineup, leaving you with two trim levels to choose from.
Rio LX
Both trims come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. It may not be the most powerful engine out there, but it does have remarkably quick acceleration compared to others in its class. The LX comes with a six-speed manual transmission, although you have the option of an automatic transmission.
The entry-level LX features 15-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, variable intermittent wipers, heated power mirrors, and locking fuel-filler door. Solar control glass on the windshield and front passenger windows help keep the interior cooler in summer, and heated rear glass with a timer defrost ice and melt snow in winter.
Expect simplicity in the interior — materials are understated, and gauges and controls are uncomplicated. The interior features air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, tilt-only steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio buttons, glove box illumination, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Onboard technology includes a trip computer, satellite radio, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, and a four-speaker sound system.
Standard safety features on both models include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and tire pressure monitoring system.
Want to take things up a notch? An available Power Package adds keyless entry and power windows and door locks, automatic transmission, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Rio EX
There are only four color choices on the LX, but you get eight on the EX. You also get automatic transmission, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, chrome grille surround, premium cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, map lights, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, a soft-touch dash, padded armrests on the front doors, a sliding center console armrest with storage, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system.
Choosing the optional Eco Package means you lose a few of the above features in favor of the fuel-saving automatic engine stop-start system, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and Kia’s UVO 7-inch digital touch-screen infotainment system. Fuel economy is average on the Rio Sedan, and the Eco Package gets you a little extra mileage — 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Prefer a snazzier interior? The EX’s Designer Package features attractive seating with two-tone black cloth teamed with gray leather inserts and gray accent stitching.
The Rio is a conservative sedan, but it offers enough basic features, a good quality interior, and excellent value at an unbeatable price. It’s built to last, too, so you can keep driving your Rio long after you’ve paid the final installment.
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.