2016 Kia Rio: First Look

Competes with: Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, Toyota Yaris

Looks like: Rio gets a dose of style with a restyled, more dramatic looking face

Drivetrain: 138-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder; six-speed manual and six-speed automatic

Hits dealerships: Early this year

More 2015 Chicago Auto Show News

Kia’s on a styling tear lately, with eye-catching updates to its Sedona minivan and Sorento three-row crossover. Now it’s the Rio’s turn. The 2016 subcompact sedan and hatchback debuted this morning at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show with a fresh new face and lightly revised interior.

Exterior

The new Rio has a more sophisticated look with a restyled, narrow grille that brings it in line with the Soul and Optima, more angular headlights and additional satin-finish trim. In back, there’s redesigned taillights pushed farther to the corners for a more dynamic look. Two new colors, Urban Blue and Digital Yellow, join the color palette for 2016.

Interior

Kia says the Rio should be quieter thanks to additional high-density foam inside. Other interior highlights include more satin-finish trim on the control panel and a new shiny black center stack surround.

Sedan and hatchback models will again be available in LX, EX and the top-line SX trim; the new EX Designer Package offers interior upgrades like black cloth seats with gray leatherette trim, along with gray padded door panel inserts and gray stitching on the steering wheel, center console armrest and shifter. The Eco Package, which returns for 2016, now includes the updated UVO multimedia system and a backup camera.

Under the Hood

Rio powertrains carry over for 2016. The 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder pairs with a standard six-speed manual transmission on the sedan. A six-speed auto is standard on the hatchback; Kia no longer offers a manual for the hatchback.

Manufacturer images