2012 Kia Rio SX: A Competitive Subcompact Sedan

Highlights: The Rio SX is available with Kia’s UVO system, which is voice-activated infotainment system with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen. The Kia Rio is also Hyundai’s version of the Elantra.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $20,745 (Base Model starts at $14,350)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags (front, side and curtain); a turn signal indicator; ABS; traction control; an electronic stability control system; a vehicle stability management system; and Hill Assist Control, which keeps the vehicle from sliding backwards when taking off from an incline.   

Standard Equipment: 15-inch wheels; air condition; a manual driver’s six-way adjustable driver’s seat; tilt steering column; electric power steering; and 60/40 spilt rear seats

Standard Audio: a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 player/Satellite audio system with a 3-month subscription

Bluetooth Compatibility: Available, depending on trim level

iPod Compatibility: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty:   10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder/138-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 30-city/40-hwy

Trim Levels:

LX
EX
SX

What’s New: The third-generation Rio sedan has been redesign for the model year, offering more features and space.

Seat Comfort/Support: Very Good

Pros: The Rio sedan offers a sportier more mature design for the 2012 model year. With the redesign, the vehicle is available with either a manual or an automatic transmission, depending on the trim level. The Rio is available with such features as automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power folding mirror and lighted vanity mirrors.

In the higher trim level Kia SX we reviewed, the vehicle included such features as metal floor pedals, a sliding center armrest; a rear view camera, remote keyless entry, leather seats, a push-button keyless starter, heated front seats and a navigation system. We were able to get all of these features plus Kia’s UVO system all for under $21,000. We can’t get many of these features in most midsize and fullsize sedans. Yes, Kia offers a lot of content and style for the price. The SX trim also offers a sport-tuned suspension, which offers enhanced handling characteristics.

Added to that, Kia offers one of the best warranties in the segment, only matching its sibling, Hyundai.

Cons: It’s too bad that a manual transmission isn’t offered across the board. Currently, a manual transmission is only available in the base LX trim.

The Verdict: The subcompact market has an array of competitive vehicles these days. The redesign Kia Rio, which is similar to its Korean sibling, the Hyundai Elantra has definitely stepped-up it game. The stylish Rio offers everything that is available in the Elantra, with the exception of heated rear seats. In fact, the Rio is priced lower than the Hyundai Elantra and every other comparable vehicle in the compact segment. If we were in the market for a stylish, well-equipped and well-built compact sedan at an affordable price, the Kia Rio would definitely be on our shopping list.                  ``

Competition: Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra; Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra