2019 Kia Rio Hatchback Automatic Review

2019 Kia Rio Hatchback Automatic Review - When you hear somebody say "Kia Rio," certain expectations follow, primary among them a small dimension and also an affordable price. The latest version of the Rio, upgraded for its 4th generation in the USA, hits those marks with a below-$ 15,000 beginning cost as well as neat measurements. What you might not expect to discover is refinement, sophistication, and a charitable assisting of functions. That's where the 2018 Rio supplies on the Kia brand name's tagline, "The Power to Shock."

Equally as when it debuted in the very early 2000s, the subcompact Rio continues to be the smallest Kia you could purchase in the States. It's offered as a sedan or as the four-door hatchback evaluated here, and also it trips on a system shown the Europe-market Hyundai i20 along with the upcoming Kia Stonic and Hyundai Kona subcompact crossovers.

Unlike earlier Rios, however, the most recent ranks among the far better autos to drive in its sector. While its basic chassis configuration of a strut-type front suspension as well as a torsion-beam back axle hasn't already changed, the brand-new Rio's damper tuning brings a newfound composure to the flight top quality, while a stiffer framework helps the Kia absorb impacts like a much more pricey cars and truck. There is not much enthusiasm to be found in the numb guiding, though, and also the Rio isn't fairly as sprightly as rivals such as the Honda Fit. Yet the Kia is considerably extra poised than the tinny as well as buzzy Honda; we would certainly pick it over a Suitable for a lengthy trip.

2019 Kia Rio Hatchback Automatic Review

This even more polished attitude matches perfectly with the Kia's recently upmarket designing. Layout style is not new to the nameplate, as the previous-generation Rio was distinctive sufficient, but the new one makes strides in its maturity. Its outside is perhaps less strong, but it is handsomely proportioned and well detailed, with a classy amount of chrome trim on the top-level Ex Lover. There's something Germanic concerning the new Rio's purposeful, squared-off lines, as well as the thick C-pillar feels like a clear nod to that paragon of hatchback style, the Volkswagen Golf.

The Rio's inside additionally is a no-nonsense, top quality event. Our EX test auto was outfitted with the $500 Launch Edition package that included fancy red accents to the dashboard as well as seats, yet aside from that, the control panel and also dash prioritize function over kind. The tachometer and also speedometer flank a central LCD screen displaying trip-computer info, while a big 7.0-inch touchscreen controls the facility stack. Apple CarPlay and also Android Car are included on the EX design, although they're not on lower trim levels with their 5.0-inch screens. The Ex Lover also is the only Rio that features automated emergency braking, a safety and security function located on simply a select couple of subcompacts.

Aft of the pleasurable front cabin, things worsen. The back seat is tight on legroom as well as headroom; although inhabitable by 2 adults, the Rio's rear can't hold a candle to the rear quarters found in the Fit, which is a master of room efficiency. The Honda also shames the Kia's cargo-hauling ability-- and that of almost all various other subcompact hatchbacks-- with its capacious cargo hold (up to 53 cubic feet of room) and also flat-folding rear seats. The Kia provides the same 17 cubic feet of room aft of the rear seats as the Honda, however folding the Rio's seat broadens that to just 33 dices, and also the 60/40 split seatbacks do not exist flat.

2019 Kia Rio Hatchback Automatic Review

The Rio's 1.6-liter direct-injected inline-four is mostly the like the engine discovered in the previous version. Whatever adjusting updates Kia has actually made to the engine as well as the six-speed automatic transmission are most definitely functioning, though, as the little four-banger thrust the new Rio to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds-- a complete 2nd quicker than the last automatic-transmission Rio hatchback we checked. That's despite the fact that the engine is rated at 8 fewer horsepower and also 4 less lb-ft of torque than before, for total amounts of 130 hp and 119 lb-ft.

Kia also claims greater gas economic situation from this revised engine, as well as the Rio hit a remarkable 39 mpg in our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy test, exceeding its EPA price quote by 2 mpg. Considering just how heavy our best feet are around here, our total standard of 28 mpg with the Rio is in a similar way respectable.

We do desire Kia would make the base Rio's six-speed manual transmission offered in other trim levels. It's used just on the removed LX version, which discards numerous creature conveniences that it is just one of minority new cars still offered with crank windows. The mid-level Rio S inhabits an extra livable room with its sensible load of equipment, consisting of a back-up electronic camera, keyless entrance, cruise control, as well as Bluetooth. And also the S sets you back $17,295, which is a whole lot cheaper than our crammed $20,225 EX-SPOUSE examination cars and truck. (The much less desirable sedan is $300 more affordable compared to the equal hatchback.).

The Rio begins to lose some allure once it participates in that greater rate range, as several significantly larger and more appealing hatchbacks-- such as the Honda Civic (base cost $20,775) and the Mazda 3 ($ 20,220)-- are readily available for comparable cash. Yet, especially in its even more budget-friendly reduced trim degrees, the new Rio provides an eye-catching general package that thrills with its skilled driving characteristics as well as maybe the most refined flight located in the subcompact section. It's time to connect some originalities with the Kia Rio.

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