2010 Kia Rio Review by Cars.com Staff

2010 Kia Rio

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2010 Kia Rio

Kelley Blue Book Retail $11,550  


Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National September 25, 2009

Vehicle Overview

The Rio sedan is Kia's entry in the competitive small-car segment. Trim levels include a bare-bones Base model, an LX and a sporty SX. The Rio competes with the Chevrolet Aveo and Toyota Yaris.

Kia's Rio5 hatchback is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.

New for 2010

Rio gets a minor facelift with a revised grille and front and rear bumpers, and the LX and SX also get turn-signal indicators integrated into the side mirrors. Inside, there is an optional voice-activated Bluetooth capability and a second front power outlet (replacing the cigarette lighter). All models now have a tire pressure monitoring system and red-orange interior lighting, and those with automatic transmission add an EcoMinder indicator that glows green to denote efficient driving.

Exterior

The Rio features a black mesh grille and swept-back headlights.

  • Available 14-, 15- or 16-inch wheels
  • Standard auto-off headlamps
  • Optional heated power mirrors
  • Optional rear spoiler
  • Optional fog lamps

Interior

The interior design is fairly conservative, though it's well-put-together. SX models include chrome dashboard accents, unique sport seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with red stitching.

  • Optional air conditioning
  • Optional 60/40-split bench
  • Optional power windows and locks
  • Optional keyless entry
  • Optional steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
  • Opitonal USB interface for MP3 players
  • Optional floormats

Under the Hood

The Rio Base is only available with a five-speed manual transmission.

  • 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 107 pounds-feet of torque
  • Available four-speed automatic transmission
  • Optional power steering

Safety

Safety features include:

  • Standard side-impact airbags
  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Standard child-safety locks
  • Optional antilock brakes with rear discs (LX and SX)

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