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2018 Kia Rio Video Review

CARS.COM — Shopping for a subcompact car is about as exciting as shopping for a pair of sneakers. The class consists of the most basic and affordable vehicles on the market. The 2018 Kia Rio, however, adds a little flair to the segment.

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Kia’s smallest car was redesigned, and a few new extras make it look and feel a little less basic than other subcompacts. At first glance, there’s really nothing special about the cabin; the materials look and feel budget-grade, but some nice contrast stitching and interesting upholstery patterns add a little pizzazz.

Another highlight is the user-friendly multimedia system. The 7-inch touchscreen has a slick, tabletlike look. It’s mounted high on the dash for good visibility and is easy to use. It’s powered by the latest version of Kia’s UVO system, which is fast and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Another pleasant surprise from this budget-friendly subcompact comes in the trunk. The Rio is available in sedan and hatchback body styles, and the hatchback has more cargo space than you’d expect from a subcompact, and slightly more than key rivals like the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta hatchbacks.

Watch the video for more.

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News Editor

Hellbent on finding a journalism job after earning an English degree from DePaul University, I stumbled into the automotive industry in 2003 — much to the delight of my Corvette-obsessed dad. After working as an editor at Consumer Guide Automotive for several years, I joined Cars.com in 2011 and am currently an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. I wear a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan. My first car was a 1994 Mercury Tracer, and I currently drive a 2012 Mazda5.

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