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Basic Specs
| Base Price | $13,600 |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 2410 |
| City (MPG) | 30 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 40 |
| Horsepower | 138@6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 123@4850 |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 |
| Length (in.) | 159.3 |
| Width (in.) | 67.7 |
| Height (in.) | 57.3 |
The Kia Rio 5-door is a subcompact hatchback that belies its low pricetag with attractive styling and a well-designed interior. Although its platform dates back to 2005, the Rio boasts a thoroughly modern powertrain that achieves an impressive 40 mpg on the highway.
The Rio 5-door and its sedan sibling feature a clean and elegant look highlighted by Kia's "Tiger Nose" corporate grille. Inside, the airy cabin features switchgear and materials that wouldn't be out of place in a car priced on the other side of the $20,000 mark.
All Rios are powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection four-cylinder that puts out a class-leading 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. The motor is available with start/stop technology that helps reduce urban fuel consumption.
Both six-speed manual (base model only) and six-speed automatic transmissions can be had; mileage checks in at a class-leading 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with either gearbox.
Trim Level Breakdown
The Kia Rio 5-Door can be had in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX.
The LX trim includes body-color door handles and side mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, while the Rio5 also comes with a standard rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics.
Moving up to the EX trim brings additional standard conveniences, including power door locks with keyless entry and a standard rear wiper.
For consumers looking for even higher levels of sporty refinement, the SX trim offers standard 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, dual chrome tip exhaust, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators and, unique for the Rio5, projector headlamps.
Inside, the Rio is more complex than the outgoing model and offers more upscale options, including navigation and Kia’s Microsoft-developed UVO Bluetooth and infotainment system.
Standard on the LX trim is a driver's seat height adjuster, while moving to the EX trim includes standard power windows with automatic up/down on the driver's window, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones, telescoping steering column, 60/40 split folding rear seats and leatherette door trim.
The SX trim, intended to offer a sporty feel, adds metal pedals, metal grain, a Supervision meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, cruise control, UVO powered by Microsoft in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display, and chrome-coated accents throughout.
Rio5 also has available upgrade packages, such as the Convenience Package and Eco Package for the EX, while the SX level offers an available Premium Package. The Convenience Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic light control, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators, trip computer, cruise control and the UVO powered by Microsoft in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display.
The Eco Package appeals to the environmentally friendly consumer with ISG technology and an Active Eco System for optimal fuel-efficient driving. Upgrading the SX trim with the luxurious Premium Package includes a navigation system (replaces the UVO system), push-button start with Smart Key, leather seat trim, heated front seats and a moonroof to give an open, airy feeling.
All of Kia's offerings include a 10-year / 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year / 60,000 mile limited basic warranty, 5-year / 100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty and a 5-year / 60,000 mile 24-hour roadside assistance.
Key Competitors
Rivals to the Rio 5-Door include the Ford Fiesta Hatchback and Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback in addition to the Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent Hatchback.
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- General
- Body Style: Hatchback
- Size: Sub-Compact
- Market Segment: Economy
- Weight: 2410 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 159.3 in.
- Width: 67.7 in.
- Height: 57.3 in.
- Wheelbase: 101.2 in.
- Ground Clearance: 5.5 in.
- Front Track: 59.9 in.
- Rear Track: 59.9 in.
- Weight Distribution: 60/40
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 5
- Passenger Volume: 88.6 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume: 15.0 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 43.8 in.
- Head Room: 40.0 in.
- Shoulder Room: 53.1 in.
- Hip Room: 52.1 in.
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: TBD
- Head Room: TBD
- Shoulder Room: TBD
- Hip Room: TBD
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 1.6L I4
- Power: 138 hp @ 6300 rpm
- Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
- Highway Fuel Economy: 40 mpg
- City Fuel Economy: 30 mpg
- Forced Induction: None
- Direct Injection: Yes
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- Chassis
- Layout: Front Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Strut-Type
- Rear Suspension: Torsion-Beam
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- Wheels
- Front: 15" Steel
- Front Tires: 185/65R15
- Rear: 15" Steel
- Rear Tires: 185/65R15
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: TBD
- Payload: N/A
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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