- Highs: Refined ride and agile handling, charming interior, dapper styling.
- Lows: Tight back seat, small cargo storage, few driver assists.
- Verdict: The Kia Rio is a simplistic and stylish subcompact car.
Overview
The
2020 Kia Rio combines upscale characteristics with an affordable
asking price and is available as either a sedan or a hatchback. The
pint-sized Kia's
fuel-efficient engine is accompanied by amicable driving manners, but
the Rio is by no means speedy or engaging to drive. Its handsome
interior is equally comfortable except for those stuck in the small back
seat for long periods of time. While every model has a user-friendly
infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, even
the fanciest versions lack common driver-assistance technology.
Still, the 2020 Rio raises the bar for quality in its class—it just
doesn't overtake more spacious and feature-laden classmates.
What's New for 2020?
For
2020, Kia gives the Rio more standard features and a new engine and
transmission. Every model now has a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Likewise, the old 130-hp 1.6-liter
four-cylinder is replaced by an all-new 120-hp 1.6-liter four that is
less powerful but much more fuel efficient. It pairs with a continuously
variable automatic transmission (CVT) instead of the outgoing six-speed
automatic. The EPA estimates the new powertrain will earn 33 mpg city
and 41 mpg highway, which are up by 5 and 4 mpg, respectively.
Pricing and Suggestion
- LX sedan: $16,675
- S sedan: $17,315
- S hatchback: $17,615
The several hundred dollars that separate the base Rio LX from
the S model are worth the upcharge. The latter adds a center armrest,
cruise control, rear USB outlet, split-folding rear seat with adjustable
headrests, and keyless entry. The S also has desirable options such as
forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, SiriusXM
satellite radio, LED headlights, and more. Since the hatchback adds more
cargo space and slightly better passenger volume, we'd recommend
picking the five-door Rio.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The
2020 Rio is solely motivated by a four-cylinder engine that mates to a
continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). We haven't driven a
Rio with the new engine and transmission, but it should be more than
adequate for moving the subcompact down the road. However, don't expect
the less powerful setup to make it any quicker. A nicely sorted
suspension gives the Rio a pleasant demeanor on the road, offering a
good mix of comfort and agility along with a substantial feel. The hatchback version we tested
soaked up bumps impressively well for such a small car thanks to its
solid structure and well-tuned suspension. It also does a good job of
controlling body roll in corners, even if it doesn't feel as overtly
sporty as the Honda Fit. The numb steering doesn't communicate as much as we'd prefer, but it is nicely weighted and precise.
Kia Rio GT-Line Interior
All-New 2018 Kia Rio Hatchback
2020 Kia Rio Base Price Slides In under $15,000
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Although
the 2020 Rio has less power than its predecessor, Kia says it's even
more fuel efficient than before. We haven't tested the new powertrain on
our 200-mile real-world fuel-economy route, but the EPA estimates it
will earn 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Simplicity
is the name of the game inside the Rio, and that's not a slight. In
fact, it presents a clean, easy-to-use dashboard with climate and audio
controls. There is plenty of hard plastic, but it's nicely textured, and
the overall interior appearance is mature and sophisticated for a
subcompact. Space in the Kia's front seats is more than adequate, but
rear-seat passengers won't be nearly as happy due to restricted legroom.
The Rio hatchback provides more space than the sedan's trunk, but
neither Kia is a good choice if you plan on hauling lots of cargo. We
were disappointed to find that the folded seats don't make for a flat
load floor in the hatch. Its center console is competitively sized, as
are its door pockets.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The
standard 7.0-inch touchscreen includes SiriusXM satellite radio,
Bluetooth, and USB connectivity as well as Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto capability.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The
Rio sedan was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS), but neither body style has been crash-tested by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While it
doesn't have as much driver-assistance technology
as some rivals, the Rio is available with forward-collision warning and
automated emergency braking. However, base models are not available
with these features.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia has a well-established reputation for impressive warranty coverage, and the Rio nearly matches its corporate cousin–the Hyundai Accent–at the top of the segment.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance