Guide Note

Introduced in 2001, the Rio is the compact car from Korean automaker Kia. At the 2007 International Geneva Motor Show, Kia introduced a hybrid version of the Rio.

Fast Facts

1. Class: Compact economy car
2. Models: Base, LX, SX
3. Engine: 1.6L Inline four-cylinder DOHC Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)¹
4. Transmission: 5-speed manual overdrive, Electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic overdrive¹
5. Base Fuel efficiency (mpg): 27 city/32 highway²
6. LX Fuel efficiency (mpg): 25-27 city/32-35 highway²
7. SX Fuel efficiency (mpg): 25-27 city/32-35 highway²
8. Horsepower @ rpm: 110 @ 6,000¹
9. Torque (lb-ft@rpm): 107 @ 4,500¹
10. Base MSRP: $11,540¹

"Although the first Rio was cheap in pretty much every sense of the word, the current Kia Rio is vastly improved, with numerous unexpected safety and convenience features, including standard seat-mounted side and headliner-mounted side curtain airbags."—Edmunds³

"For a low-buck sedan, it's substantially more refined than you'd expect. Budget shoppers should at least take one for a test drive."—Car and Driver⁴

"Decent base transportation with better styling and more power than predecessor."—MSN Autos⁵