The Kia Rio has been the least expensive and smallest car offered by this Korean brand for more than a decade. The Rio is now in its third generation, and the car launched for 2012 takes the littlest Kia to a new level of design and includes far more features than some of the earlier, grimmer models did. Offered as both a hatchback and a sedan, the Rio is now competitive with some of the best subcompacts--even as those cars get more stylish, offer more standard and optional features, and drive with a refinement that may have startled econobox buyers of previous eras.
Competitors in this class include the Hyundai Accent (which shares some of the same underpinnings as the Kia Rio, but no styling inside or out), the Chevrolet Sonic (new in 2012 as well), and the Ford Fiesta--which is being updated for the 2014 model year. Shoppers wanting a sportier option may also consider the fun-to-drive but quite basic Mazda2.
For more on the current model, including pricing with options, see our full review of the 2013 Kia Rio.
With an entirely new car rolled out in 2012, there are very few changes to the Rio for 2013--though a long-delayed engine start-stop option is priced at $400. The system smartly shuts off the engine at stoplights to save fuel, restarting it as soon as the driver starts to lift off the brake pedal. The impact is about 1 mile per gallon more for the Rio's city fuel economy rating, but at the price Kia has chosen, we're not convinced the option will find many takers.
Among other features, the new Rio now offers steering-wheel audio controls, standard satellite radio compatibility, and a USB port. The EX models add air conditioning, cruise control, tilt/telescopic steering, power accessories, and Bluetooth. Finally, the top-of-the-line SX models get heated mirrors, fog lamps, LED exterior lighting, and other upgrades. An optional navigation system or UVO connectivity interface can also be specified.
One black mark on the otherwise cheerful Rio's record is that it was one of several vehicles for which Kia (and also Hyundai) were found to have overstated fuel economy numbers. Kia self-certified that the Rio automatic achieved 33 mpg combined (30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway), with the manual higher at 34 mpg combined.
But after complaints from buyers, the EPA tested several vehicles and found that the actual numbers should have been 31 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway) for the six-speed automatic, or 32 mpg combined (29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway) for the six-speed manual. Perhaps more embarrassing yet, the 2013 Kia Rio Eco model was busted down from 34 mpg to 32 mpg combined, with its magic 40-mpg highway number falling to 36 mpg as well.
Kia will reimburse owners of all the affected cars for the extra gasoline costs reflected by the more accurate lower ratings. (The company attributed it all to test-cycle errors on its part, and apologized profusely and repeatedly.) Owners can register with Kia to receive reimbursement for the gas consumed above and beyond expected levels; more details are found at KiaMPGInfo.com.
The 2012 model was the third generation of Kia Rio. While its price was considerably higher than the 2011 car it replaced, the latest Kia Rio is not only sportier and more stylish inside and out, but also much more engaging to drive. Crisp details, lots of body sculpting, and a European-inspired interior bring the nicely proportioned Rio—especially in sedan form—into full competition with rival models. A smooth 1.6-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder engine makes 138 hp and is paired with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions, and EPA figures land at 30 mpg city, 40 highway. Its safety ratings have improved, and it offers many more technology features--both standard and optional--than before.
In 2007, the second-generation Rio shared its running gear and underpinnings with the Hyundai Accent (Hyundai owns Kia, though the two brands operate fairly separately in the U.S. market). The revised Rio had had one of the better interiors in its class—even though it wasn't that exciting in design—as well as much better ride quality. It caught up with competitors on several levels and remained one of the better-equipped subcompacts in the class for several years. A smooth new 110-hp, 1.6-liter four gave it more gusto, while transmissions remained a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Unfortunately, despite its standard side airbags (hardly ubiquitous at the time), its crash-test ratings were some of the lowest in the class. A Rio5 five-door hatchback model was introduced for 2008, although only in the somewhat more expensive LX trim.
Way back in 2001, the first-generation Rio became the third Kia model to be offered in the U.S. after the Sportage small crossover and the Sephia sedan (later succeeded by the Spectra, and most recently the Forte). That first Rio used a 96-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (upgraded to 104 hp for 2003), along with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. At a price below $9,000, we found it well-built but coarse and unrefined, with substandard interior materials. In 2002, a Rio Cinco five-door hatchback (or, arguably, a wagon) joined the lineup, offering low-priced cargo volume and versatility.
