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2016 Kia Rio

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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 LX 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $14,165
2016 LX 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $15,495
2016 EX 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $17,755
2016 EX 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $17,905
2016 SX 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $20,755
2016 SX 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $20,905

Overview

Subcompact sedans don’t get much respect, compared to their compact and midsize cousins. Neither do mini-sized hatchbacks, except for the thrift-minded. More substantial than Rios of the past, Kia’s entry-level model still ranks as bargain-priced. In addition to refreshing the entry-level Rio inside and out for 2016, Kia has upgraded its available UVO eServices technology.

What's New for 2016

For 2016, new front and rear fascias provide a wider look and what Kia calls a “sporty attitude.” A revised grille insert contains the geometric pattern seen on other Kia models. New foglamp surrounds have horizontal satin-finish bezels, while rear reflectors have been redesigned and repositioned to far corners. Greater use of high-density foam in A- and B-pillars promises to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.

Kia Rio

Choosing Your Kia Rio

All Kia Rios are front-wheel drive. Each trim level is offered as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. Except for the lack of a separate trunk, the hatchback differs little from the sedan; but with its back seat folded down, cargo space in the hatchback expands to nearly 50 cubic feet. An available two-tone Designer Package for EX features unique black cloth with leatherette trim and gray stitching.

Kia’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is rated 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. Sedans have a standard six-speed manual transmission (automatic optional for $1,230), but hatchbacks all get the six-speed automatic. There’s no longer a manual gearbox for the Rio five-door. Expect to get about 27 mpg in city driving and 37 or 38 mpg on the highway (31 mpg combined). Automatic is only slightly less thrifty than manual shift, and the Eco package boosts the city estimate by only 1 mpg.

Three trim levels again are offered: LX, EX, and top SX for each body style.

Kia Rio

LX

Price-leading sedan and hatchback come with all-disc brakes, air conditioning, electric power steering, six-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat, SiriusXM satellite radio, USB, auxiliary audio jack, steering-wheel audio controls, electronic stability control, and Hill-start Assist. An available LX Power Package adds power windows/locks and keyless entry.

Kia Rio

EX

Sedan adds $2,360 to the MSRP of an LX with automatic (hatchback, $2,410). Both body styles have standard automatic transmission, power windows with driver’s one-touch up/down, cruise control, remote keyless entry with trunk release, and tilt/telescope steering column. Appearance and Designer packages are available, and the optional $600 Eco Package now includes updated UVO eServices telematics with an integrated backup camera display.

Kia Rio

SX

Sportiest version adds $3,000 to the price. Extras include a sport-tuned suspension with 17-inch alloy wheels, aimed toward a firmer ride. SX versions have 11-inch ventilated front brake discs, steering column-mounted paddle shifters, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also standard: a rear backup camera, Supervision meter cluster, navigation system with improved graphics and interface, SiriusXM Traffic, pushbutton start, leather seating surfaces with front-seat heaters, and power sunroof.

CarsDirect Tip

Taking the middle ground, an EX promises the best value proposition in this category, though even the LX is fairly well equipped for a subcompact. SX isn't as sporty as Kia suggests, though the added backup camera and navigation could be worth the extra cost.

Get your price on a Kia Rio »

Read our review on the Kia Rio »

Kia Rio
author image
Contributing Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

With the 2016 Rio sedan and five-door, Kia has built a legitimate subcompact contender than drives as well as most and looks better than even more.

Pricing and Equipment

Available as a sedan or five-door hatchback, all 2016 Kia Rios employ a 138-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Sedans are fitted with a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic, while hatchbacks are only offered with a six-speed automatic.

Kia offers the Rio in three trim levels:

  • The base LX model offers some nice extras like Bluetooth connectivity and Sirius XM radio, but is essentially an entirely affordable no-frills transportation option. The LX Sedan starts at $14,165. An LX 5-Door with a standard automatic transmission starts at $15,495.
  • The EX trim ups the ante inside and out. A touch of chrome on the grille, 15-inch alloy wheels and some projector beam fog lights dress up the exterior. Power windows, remote keyless entry, a bevy of soft touch surfaces, leather wrapped steering wheel, and upgraded upholstery make for a much more livable interior space. The LX Sedan starts at $17,755, while an LX 5-Door with a standard automatic transmission starts at $17,905.
  • The sporty SX trim brings an enthusiast slant to the subcompact Rio. A sport-tuned suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels enhance driving performance. Push-button start, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, and a 7-inch Uvo touchscreen infotainment system with navigation treat the driver to extras normally unavailable on a vehicle at this price point. The SX Sedan starts at $20,755, and the SX 5-Door with a standard automatic transmission starts at $20,905.

Prices do not include an $895 destination charge.

Performance Pros

Kia Rio

Have you ever heard the expression, “it is more exciting to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow?” With 138-horsepower on tap in a subcompact package the Rio is a bit more fun to drive than you would expect, especially when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.

  • We find straight-line acceleration tepid at best, but handling is good -- especially in the top trim SX -- and the Rio remains composed even when pushed to the limits of the economy-oriented powertrain.
  • Gas mileage is excellent at 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined.

Performance Cons

Enthusiasts will appreciate the tighter suspension of the SX, but most will find the ride too harsh for daily driving.

Interior Pros

Kia Rio

The small interior is well-designed and stylish. Although the base trim LX may seem sparse by today’s standards, we like the inclusion of tech features like Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio that make it a far cry from the bare-bones econoboxes of even a few years ago.

Upper trim levels are quite satisfying with abundant soft-touch surfaces and nice contrasting designs when appropriate. The Rio doesn’t pretend to be a higher priced mid-size sedan, but rather makes the most of what it is: an affordable subcompact.

Interior Cons

Although completely usable, rear seat adult passengers will feel cramped in short amounts of time.

Most Pleasant Surprise

Kia Rio

The Rio's cohesive styling, both in sedan and 5-door hatchback form, is visually pleasing from the curb and the driver’s seat. Kia has done an excellent job designing a subcompact that makes an impression without looking goofy in the process.

Least Pleasant Surprise

The Rio 5-Door SX is in many ways the very definition of a “hot-hatchback.” Unfortunately, Kia has decided to limit the choice of transmissions for all 5-door units to a 6-speed automatic. Not allowing even an optional 6-speed manual in the sportiest trim seems to us like a missed opportunity for the brand.

Bottom Line

The subcompact market is a crowded place. With the 2016 Rio Sedan and 5-Door, Kia has built a legitimate contender than drives as well as most and looks better than even more. There are subcompacts that get better miles per gallon and others that offer better driving performance, but we think few do it all as well as the Rio for its price.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.6L I-4 / 138 HP / 123 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
27 / 37 / 32 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.6L I-4 / 138 HP / 123 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
27 / 37 / 32 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
11.4 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$43
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
13.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
88 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
172.0 "
Exterior Width
67.7 "
Exterior Height
57.3 "
Front Headroom
40.0 "
Rear Headroom
37.6 "
Front Legroom
43.8 "
Rear Legroom
31.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
53.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
52.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,729 Lbs.
Wheel Base
101 "
Turning Radius
17.3 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Machined Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored With Black Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Uvo Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Used 2016 Kia Rio for Sale

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