[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-value-text”]Best suited for undemanding, low-speed running, the smallest Kias include plenty of features for their low-budget price. In addition, Rio a surprisingly well-built car that, with Kia’s strong new-car warranty, delivers a lot for the money-most notably, standard side-impact and curtain airbags. The base sedan offered no options, so if you want air conditioning or an automatic transmission, look for an LX or SX model. Rios do not hold their value well, depreciating a bit faster than Hyundai’s Accent, so prices on the used-car market tend to be relatively low.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-overview-text” title=”Overview”]
Kia redesigned and enlarged its entry-level compact line for 2006, giving it more room, more power, and more safety features. Rio continued in front-wheel-drive sedan and hatchback form; the hatchback was called Rio5. Both body styles gained 3.5 inches in wheelbase, and 1.6 inches of rear legroom.
Track width (distance between wheels) also grew. In fact, Kia claimed the 2006 Rio was bigger in every dimension, except for overall length. Trunk space in the sedan increased by 30 percent. Unlike the prior generation, Kia sought to differentiate its Rio from the closely-related Hyundai Accent.
Billed as “sporty and youthful,” Rio styling was said to be European-influenced. Kia’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine gained 6 horsepower, now rated at 110. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with four-speed automatic optional. Kia claimed a 20-percent increase in fuel economy and range.
Sedans came in base and LX trim, with 14-inch wheels; the Rio5 hatchback only in SX guise with 15-inch alloys. Newly standard were side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were optional on all but the base sedan. LX sedans added air conditioning, a CD player, split folding rear seat, and a tilt steering wheel. The Rio5 SX included foglamps, a rear spoiler and wiper/washer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An optional Power Package included power windows, locks, and mirrors.
Kia is owned by Hyundai, and both South Korean automakers offered warranty coverage of 5-year/60,000-mile basic, plus 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain, and 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance. In addition to Hyundai’s Accent, the Rio competed against such subcompacts as the Chevrolet Aveo/Cobalt, Honda Fit/Civic, and Toyota Corolla/Yaris.
2007 Rio
Minor interior trim changes marked the 2007 model year for Kia’s smallest car. A new SX sedan joined the lineup, with 15-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, a rear spoiler, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. SX models could now get 16-inch alloy wheels.
2008 Rio
The 2008 Kia Rio and Rio5 were largely unchanged, but the Rio5 became available in LX trim.
2009 Rio
A digital audio player input jack was newly standard, as was satellite radio.
2010 Rio
The 2010 Kia Rio received slightly freshened styling.
2011 Rio
The 2011 Kia Rio sees few changes, though a 4-speed automatic becomes standard on LX and SX versions of the sedan and Rio5, meaning only the Base sedan is available with a manual transmission.
Kia’s manual transmission shifts easily and the Rio has light clutch action. The smooth automatic kicks down quickly to summon whatever power is available. Around-town acceleration is adequate with either transmission, but highway passing power is lacking. A test manual-shift sedan accelerated to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, but an automatic-transmission Hyundai Accent took 11.1 seconds to make that run.
Fuel economy is a plus, as expected. Test manual-gearbox LX sedans have averaged 27.2 to 28.4 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. A Rio5 with automatic averaged 23 mpg in a test that was heavy on urban commuting.
Solidly built, Rios provide a generally comfortable ride, with a firm suspension that’s sufficiently compliant to smother smaller bumps. Still, some jouncing occurs on wavy pavement, along with thumping over moderate bumps and occasional jolts on larger disturbances.
Urban-friendly size is abetted by quick, accurate steering. The Rio5 feels almost sporty, with adequate grip in quick turns, helped by standard 15-inch or optional 16-inch tires. All models suffer moderate body lean in corners, and sedans tend to noseplow. Gusty crosswinds affect straightline stability, too. Available ABS furnished good stopping control and brake-pedal feel. One test LX without ABS suffered early rear-wheel lockup in rapid braking on wet roads.
Rio’s engine is noisy at higher rpm, under acceleration, and cruises more quietly with automatic than manual shift. Wind noise is moderate, but plenty of tire thrum occurs over coarse pavement, with some thumping over bumps.
Gauges are clear. Audio and climate controls are angled toward the driver, high-mounted and easy to reach, with large knobs and buttons. Most cabin surfaces are hard plastic, but they don’t look cheap. In fact, Rios equal some costlier cars for materials and assembly quality.
Front-seat occupants get good head and legroom on firm, comfortable seats, though larger drivers might prefer wider cushions. The driver’s seat is adjustable for height and rake, and has a fold-down right-side armrest. A tilt steering wheel has been standard on all but base sedan models. Hatchbacks suffer poor visibility to rear corners. Backseat space is quite good for a small car, with adequate head and toe room. Legroom is tight only if the front seat is far back, and the seat is nicely countered. Seatback angle is adjustable in the Rio5 hatchback-a rarity in this class. Entry/exit is fairly easy.
Cargo space is meager in sedans, ample in hatchbacks. All but the base sedan have a split folding rear seatback. In sedans, the seatback doesn’t lie flat and sits above floor level, and the opening is cramped. The release is awkwardly placed toward the center of seats. Rio’s pass-through isn’t full-size, and trunk lid hinges dip into the load area. The hatchback’s seat bottom can flip forward, allowing the seatback to lie nearly flat, and its releases are handy. Interior storage includes five small bins, but no console box, and only a small glovebox.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_content_box icon=”icon-road” heading=”Ratings” el_class=”ratings-box”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″]Model Tested: Kia Rio5 SX with ABS, auto.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″ el_class=”review-slideshow-caption”]Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-performance-ratings” title=”Performance”][mk_skill_meter title=”Acceleration – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Fuel Economy – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Ride Quality – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Steering/Handling – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Quietness – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Accommodations” el_class=”used-accomodations-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Controls/Materials – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Front – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Rear – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Cargo Room – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Other” el_class=”used-other-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Value – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-ratings-total”]
Coolant leak
Description: There was a campaign to replace radiator caps that did not open at the correct pressure and caused cooling system leaks and there should be a decal on the strut tower if this was performed. (2006)
Audio system
Description: The CD player may not play, accept CDs or eject CDs requiring resetting by removing the power/memory fuse for five minutes or more. (2006)
Seat
Description: The left rear seatback may get stuck down because the stop button in the belt goes beyond the belt guide and the retractor will not release. (2006-07)
Starter
Description: The 2.0L or 2.4L engine may be hard to start, or may not start at all, due to throttle stuck shut from deposits. (2006-09)
None
Description: Engine may run rough when first started when cold requiring reprogramming the powertrain control module. (2006-07)
Software problems
Description: Poor shift quality on vehicles with the 2.4L engine requires updating software for engine control module. (2009-10)
Fueling problems
Description: Stumble on acceleration and other drivability problems due to fuel tanks rust causing clogged fuel injectors. (2006-09)
2006-2008 Rio
Description: Front passenger seat occupant sensor mat can crack and cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to malfunction. Malfunctioning or disabled OCS could lead to airbags deploying with a child in the front seat.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”hidden-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_accordions style=”fancy-style” action_style=”accordion-action” open_toggle=”0″ container_bg_color=”#fff”][vc_accordion_tab title=”Equipment Lists”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Click on year to see equipment lists for all models offered for that model year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2006″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]
2006 Kia Rio
Pricing Effective: 07/14/2006
Model Pricing
Retail Price
Dealer Price
Destination
Base 4-door sedan, manual
$ 10,770
$ 10,350
$ 580
LX 4-door sedan, manual
12,695
12,045
580
LX 4-door sedan, automatic
13,545
12,855
580
Rio5 SX 4-door hatchback, manual
13,750
13,045
580
Rio5 SX 4-door hatchback, automatic
14,595
13,850
580
Price Note:
Standard Equipment
Base : 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, emergency inside trunklid release, power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, cupholders, tachometer, visor mirrors, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic-off headlights, 175/70R14 tires
LX adds: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, center console, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, 185/65R14 tires, wheel covers
SX adds: leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, fog lights, rear spoiler, 205/45R16 tires, alloy wheels
Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Value Pkg.
LX
$600
$535
Heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, steering wheel radio controls, upgraded sound system. Std. SX.
SX adds: leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, wireless cell-phone link, fog lights, rear spoiler, 205/45R16 tires, alloy wheels
Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Value Pkg.
LX
$750
$665
Heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, steering wheel radio controls, upgraded sound system, wireless cell-phone link. Std. SX.
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Floormats
95
75
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Rear spoiler
Base, LX sedan
300
250
Alloy wheels
LX
300
260
Includes 195/55R15 tires.
[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordions][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”visible-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Equipment Lists”]Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Pricing”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-pricing-text” title=”Pricing”]Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]
