Pros: Decent power for a subcompact car; surprisingly pleasant in highway driving; impressive front-seat passenger space for the class
Cons: Disappointing fuel economy for the class; cramped rear-seat space; rear seatbacks don’t fold completely flat in hatchback model
CG Says: Kia Rio no longer offers a sedan is topline SX trim for 2017. However, the Rio 5 four-door hatchback is still available in SX trim. Otherwise, Rio is unchanged. This subcompact is available as a Rio four-door sedan or Rio 5 four-door hatchback. A 138-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder is the sole engine choice. Sedans are available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the Rio 5 hatchback is automatic only. Rio represents itself well in a class that’s filled with great choices. Where some of the competition shines in a particular area and trails in another, the Rio doesn’t really stand out so much as it does a good job at most things. Good power for the class, a comfortable ride, fine practicality, and handsome looks inside and out are some of the qualities of this well-rounded package. Our biggest disappointment is the so-so fuel economy we’ve seen in our testing.
| Class | Subcompact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Nation of Manufacture | South Korea |
| Base Prices | LX hatchback: $15,495 LX sedan: $14,165 EX hatchback: $17,905 EX sedan: $17,755 SX hatchback: $20,905 |
| Base Engine 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 138 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 27 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 36 |
ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
