Strengths

Low base price; outstanding fuel efficiency; spacious interior; assured ride; maneuverability; long warranty.

 

Changes

For 2010, the Kia Rio and Rio5 receive an exterior facelift, with updates to the front fascia, grille and headlights, as well as some interior enhancements, which include a revised center stack with new controls, a slightly different instrument cluster and an upgraded stereo system with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. The Rio is now available only in LX and SX trims.

 

Value

The 2010 Kia Rio is one of the lowest-priced cars for sale in the U.S., and it is also one of the more fuel-efficient with a EPA highway rating of up to 36 mpg. It stands out for its nicely tuned suspension, which offers a less choppy ride than many other small cars and for its generous interior space; according to Kia, the Rio sedan's 92.2 cubic feet of passenger volume is larger than either the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.

The Rio is also especially attractive for its warranty coverage-Kia offers a 5-year / 60,000-mile limited warranty, ten years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain and five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.

 

Overview

All 2010 Kia Rio models are powered by a 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, matched with either a standard 5-speed manual or available 4-speed automatic transmission, and all are front-wheel drive. With the 5-speed manual, the Rio returns 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway in the EPA cycle.

The fun-to-drive aspects are emphasized in the Rio's economical design. The engine has continuously variable valve timing for responsiveness, while the power steering is engine-speed-sensitive. The suspension is tuned for a smooth ride and crisp control, with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar in front, combined with a semi-independent setup in back.

The Rio has more interior space than most cars its size and also has a generous 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the sedan, 15.8 cubic feet in the hatchback Rio5. When the Rio5's 60/40 split-folding back seat is in the forward-flat position, cargo space is expanded to nearly 50 cubic feet. Inside, all models have an 8-way adjustable driver's seat with fold-down armrest, a versatile center-stack storage tray and rear mesh seatback pockets.

A full set of side airbags-front seat-mounted side air bags and full-length side-curtain bags-are both standard; however, electronic stability control is not available and anti-lock brakes are a $400 option.

The Rio is available in two different trims-the LX, which includes many popular features, and the sportier SX, which adds a sporty appearance and feel along with some extra conveniences. All models come with a rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets, as well as Sirius satellite radio and a digital input jack. LX models feature air conditioning, tilt steering, a CD sound system, plus adjustable rear headrests and split-folding rear seats. SX models add a dash of style with red-stitched gray sport seats and door trim, metal accents for the dash and doors and a leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.