2009
Kia Rio5

Starts at:
$13,325
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New 2009 Kia Rio5
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 5dr HB Man Rio5 LX
    Starts at
    $13,325
    27 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Auto Rio5 LX
    Starts at
    $14,175
    25 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Man Rio5 SX
    Starts at
    $14,280
    27 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Auto Rio5 SX
    Starts at
    $15,125
    25 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5 2009 Kia Rio5

Notable features

1.6-liter four-cylinder
Manual or automatic
Hatchback body style
Sirius Satellite Radio
New iPod USB connection

The good & the bad

The good

Fuel economy
Safety features for its class
Transmission operation
Maneuverability
Ride comfort on most surfaces

The bad

Backseat space and comfort
Cargo space
Uncertain reliability record
See all specifications

Expert 2009 Kia Rio5 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Rio5 is Kia’s version of a sporty European hatchback. The Rio5 is related to Kia’s Rio sedan, which is listed separately in the Cars.com Research section. The Rio5 comes in moderately equipped LX and sporty SX trim levels. Kia’s Rio5 hatchback competes with other small hatchbacks, including the Chevrolet Aveo5, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.

New for 2009
The Rio5’s radio has been revised and now has Sirius Satellite Radio and MP3 compatibility; both trims get a USB jack for iPods. Some minor revisions were also made to the instrument and radio controls.

Exterior
Created with a European-inspired exterior, the Rio5 features a black mesh grille and swept-back headlights. The wheel well openings have a sculpted design, and its equipped with body-colored mirrors. The Rio5 is 158 inches long and 66.7 inches wide; its longer than the Yaris and Aveo5 but shorter than the Fit.

  • Available 14-, 15- or 16-inch wheels
  • Standard auto-off headlights
  • Optional power heated mirrors
  • Rear spoiler and fog lamps (SX)

Interior
The Rio5 can seat up to five and has a 60/40-split folding rear bench. The Rio5 SX has chrome dashboard accents and red stitching on the steering wheel, gearshift knob and door panels. A USB connector is now standard in both the LX and SX; redesigned gauge clusters for the radio and climate controls are also new.

The hatchback has 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. With the backseat folded, space increases to 49.6 cubic feet. The cargo area beats out the Yaris and Aveo5, but it’s less than the Fit’s.

  • Available cloth or sports-cloth upholstery
  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard Sirius Satellite Radio
  • Optional power windows and locks and keyless entry
  • Optional steering-wheel-mounted controls
  • Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel/shifter and metal-finished pedals (SX)

Under the Hood

  • 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 107 pounds-feet of torque
  • Available five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard speed-sensitive power steering

Safety
Considering its price and its competitors’ offerings, the Rio comes fairly well equipped with safety features.

  • Standard side-impact airbags
  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Standard child-safety locks
  • Optional antilock brakes with rear discs

2009 Kia Rio5 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Rio5 is Kia’s version of a sporty European hatchback. The Rio5 is related to Kia’s Rio sedan, which is listed separately in the Cars.com Research section. The Rio5 comes in moderately equipped LX and sporty SX trim levels. Kia’s Rio5 hatchback competes with other small hatchbacks, including the Chevrolet Aveo5, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.

New for 2009
The Rio5’s radio has been revised and now has Sirius Satellite Radio and MP3 compatibility; both trims get a USB jack for iPods. Some minor revisions were also made to the instrument and radio controls.

Exterior
Created with a European-inspired exterior, the Rio5 features a black mesh grille and swept-back headlights. The wheel well openings have a sculpted design, and its equipped with body-colored mirrors. The Rio5 is 158 inches long and 66.7 inches wide; its longer than the Yaris and Aveo5 but shorter than the Fit.

  • Available 14-, 15- or 16-inch wheels
  • Standard auto-off headlights
  • Optional power heated mirrors
  • Rear spoiler and fog lamps (SX)

Interior
The Rio5 can seat up to five and has a 60/40-split folding rear bench. The Rio5 SX has chrome dashboard accents and red stitching on the steering wheel, gearshift knob and door panels. A USB connector is now standard in both the LX and SX; redesigned gauge clusters for the radio and climate controls are also new.

The hatchback has 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. With the backseat folded, space increases to 49.6 cubic feet. The cargo area beats out the Yaris and Aveo5, but it’s less than the Fit’s.

  • Available cloth or sports-cloth upholstery
  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard Sirius Satellite Radio
  • Optional power windows and locks and keyless entry
  • Optional steering-wheel-mounted controls
  • Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel/shifter and metal-finished pedals (SX)

Under the Hood

  • 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 107 pounds-feet of torque
  • Available five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard speed-sensitive power steering

Safety
Considering its price and its competitors’ offerings, the Rio comes fairly well equipped with safety features.

  • Standard side-impact airbags
  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Standard child-safety locks
  • Optional antilock brakes with rear discs

Safety review

Based on the 2009 Kia Rio5 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
4/5
Side rear passenger
3/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Consumer reviews

89% of drivers recommend this car
4.1 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.6
Interior 3.9
Performance 3.7
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • By Zippy from Asheville, NC
    Owns this car
    January 16, 2024

    My zippy little Rio5

    I've owned this car for 11 years. It now has 135,000. The ONLY thing that ever went wrong was the ignition switch broke once and I couldn't start it. A locksmith fixed it. This car is so reliable! I change the oil every 5k miles, changed the timing belt a few times and changed the transmission fluid. Basic stuff! I don't think the front seat is that comfortable, so I use cushions with it. The paint job didn't hold up so well on the roof and the hood, but then nobody want to steal it! It doesn't have that much power to zip up the street unless you go heavy on the gas pedal (although I still consider it a zippy little car) but I get 31 MPG on average which is GREAT. Typically I can go about 311 miles per fill up, and I live in the mountains, so I couldn't be happier. It was the deciding factor when I bought it. In 2009 it was one of the highest MPG cars available on the market (aside from hybrids). When the gas light goes on, you've got about 30 miles to get some more gas. I've never run out of gas. It has power windows, a USB port which works for power and to play MP3's, and satellite radio. What more do you need?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Grammie in NE PA from Tamaqua, PA
    Owns this car
    May 27, 2022

    Love this car

    Bought this car new. Now has 124,000 miles and have done very little in repairs. Normal wear and tear, oil changes, recommended belt changes. Ultimate reliable car. Live in the North East. I put steel rims and snow tires on it for the winter and it goes like a mini tank. This is my 2nd Kia and am looking for my 3rd to be prepared for retirement. Gas mileage 30 mpg here in the mountains.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By GBAGZ from Port Moody, BC, Canada
    Owns this car
    March 7, 2021

    Extremely reliable

    I've owned my 2008 Rio 5 since new and have modified it extensively, coil springs, computer system, fuel system, 2.5 inch header, stainless steel exhaust system, 18" wheels, stereo system, fuel system and minor body mods for wheel fitment... Amazing car for the money!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mazlegirl from Chesterfield, MO 63017
    Owns this car
    March 27, 2020

    This Car is Okay

    This model has a mechanical problem with the coils--it breaks on almost all of them. Kia has known this for years and hasn't fixed it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By KIA FAN from Monroeville, PA
    Used to own this car
    November 26, 2017

    Decent car for the money.

    The 2009 KIA Rio 5 was a very reliable car. The ride is very rough and doesn't accelerate well enough to get on expressway quickly. Good car for local driving. Not very luxurious. The older it got the more that went wrong with it. You get what you pay for. Was a very inexpensive car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By larrythecat from Stony Brook, NY
    Owns this car
    November 10, 2017

    Good car

    2009 Rio5 has everything I need. Good looks. Reliable. Smooth. Fun to drive. Has all the right creature comforts (power windows, locks, mirrors, Sirius radio, USB ports, nice interior) but not all the extra features I would never use.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By JulioQN from Newark,NJ
    Owns this car
    May 1, 2017

    Gas saver

    is good in gas, not to safe car, very light car, but it has airbags in front and back seats. I does not have too much trunk space, so if you going to the airport, no too much space for luggage,at least for 1 big piece.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
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  • By JulioQN from Newark,NJ
    Owns this car
    May 1, 2017

    Gas saver

    is good in gas, not to safe car, very light car, but it has airbags in front and back seats. I does not have too much trunk space, so if you going to the airport, no too much space for luggage,at least for 1 big piece.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Chowbrow33 from Maple Ridge, BC
    Owns this car
    November 1, 2016

    Great Car

    I bought this Rio5 brand new in 2009. It's loaded with every option that could be in it. A 5 speed trans. It's been everywhere and reliable as can be. I added a hedder and 2.5" exhaust all the way back. It makes 130 hp at the wheels and now it does 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. I get 550 km per tank which equates to almost 40 mpg and I drive it hard. I put Wilwood brakes and Eibach springs on it as I use this car for track days as well. It's really quick and amazes everyone that this little car is a Kia. I would recommend this car for anyone looking for a fun reliable car to drive, very reliable with great gas mileage to boot! A few mods will make it super fun and not break your bank either!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By Yims from Buffalo, NY - 29 year old male
    Owns this car
    March 6, 2015

    Works for me!

    I bought a silver '09 Kia Rio5 for like 8 grand about a year ago (it was all I could afford), and it has been pretty solid. Pretty decent deal before taxes. I live in the city of Buffalo, and this car gets me up and down crowded streets and in and out of tight parking spots quickly and easily. It's also incredible on gas--I average close to 280 miles out of each 10 gallon tank of gas. One time I got like 300+ miles on a single tank. It was wild. The interior is small but definitely comfortable for the driver and upfront passenger. People in the back may feel a bit cramped, though. The dash dials are so impossibly simple and I love it. I don't care for cars that have like a command center spaceship style setup with like a million buttons. I test drove a Ford Fiesta and it was painful just looking at the dash setup. The Kia Rio5 dash setup is perfect, plus it gets Sirius radio which is dope. Baba Booey! I've since had to replace spark plugs and bulbs and such, which I've considered to be standard wear and tear replacement items. For the most part, though, the car has been great--I am pretty sure the previous owner took really good care of it, and I try to do the same. One negative: sometimes the hood sticks--it won't pop--especially in cold weather. I need a second person to push down on the hood while I pull the latch so it pops. It's the only flaw as far as I can find. A mechanic fixed it one time by spraying something on the latch under the hood, but that was only a temporary fix. I'll also add that the car doesn't take potholes and what-not very well. The ride can be loud and bumpy, but heck, what can you really expect? It's not a Cadillac, you know? Nevertheless, it drives just fine. Oh, and if it snows a lot where you live (like it does in Buffalo-- a lot), this car is pretty much useless without snow tires. I suspect that people who complain about this car just got unlucky, maybe. I certainly hope I don't jinx myself by writing this favorable review. So yeah, the car works for me. I dig hatchbacks--this car's look is cool, unique, and I just like it a lot. It's the definitive urban mobile--it fits practically anywhere and is excellent on gas, as I've said. If you're looking for an inexpensive yet reliable ride, you could do much worse than the '09 Kia Rio5. Go Bills!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By TEEJAY from Dayton, OH
    Owns this car
    May 1, 2014

    I don't think so

    I would not recommend this car to a friend... nor an enemy. It is inexpensive to buy but surely expensive to fix. I bought this car in Oct 2009, 3 weeks later the transmission went out and I had to get it replaced. Since Decemeber 2013 I had to get the blower motor replaced $230, 1 Iginition coil replaced $250 (and there are 4 total), entire fuel canister replaced $250 (common problem in Kia's and was told by the dealership to not fill the gas tank pass 3/4th a tank... ???) and today I have to get the starter replaced.. unknown cost.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 2.0
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  • By Twenty-something Commuter from Chicago
    Owns this car
    October 3, 2013

    Great Car

    I bought this car because I was moving to a city where I would have to drive to work every day. I was attracted to it because of the gas mileage and the overall practicality of the car. So far, I have not been disappointed. This car responds well (steering, breaks, gas), has a decent amount of space, and does seem to be pretty good on gas. The gas tank is a little small, so at first I thought I was filling up more often, but then I realized how many miles I was getting. I think the estimated/advertised MPG is a little high, but it is definitely good. People say that this car drives a like a go-cart, and I kind of agree, but it definitely has decent pick-up. I previously owned a RAV4 and dreaded merging onto highways but with the Rio5 I have had no issues at all. I'd recommend this car to anyone based on my experience so far.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Kia dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2009 Kia Rio5?

The 2009 Kia Rio5 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • LX (2 styles)
  • SX (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2009 Kia Rio5?

The 2009 Kia Rio5 offers up to 27 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2009 Kia Rio5 reliable?

The 2009 Kia Rio5 has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2009 Kia Rio5 owners.

Is the 2009 Kia Rio5 a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2009 Kia Rio5. 89.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.6
  • Interior: 3.9
  • Performance: 3.7
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.0
  • Reliability: 4.0
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