Sporty styling of the hatchback
Quality of the cabin
Good infotainment system
Affordable pricing
Mundane exterior color selection
Limited optional driver-assist and collision avoidance systems
Lacking a telescoping steering wheel
There are no major changes for 2020.See the 2020 Kia Rio models for sale near you
The Rio is all about affordability. If all you need or all your budget will allow is the LX, you will wind up with a decent ride. But for about $1,000 more, the S is the better buy plus opens the door to the Tech package.Find a Kia Rio for sale
The 2020 Kia Rio Sedan is offered in LX and S trim, while the 5-door hatchback comes only in S grade.
The LX ($15,750) includes a 6-speed automatic transmission, 15-in steel wheels, auto headlight control, dual manual outboard mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, a trip computer, a 12-volt power outlet, cloth seats, a 6-way manually adjusted driver's seat, a rear bench seat, air conditioning, power door locks, six airbags, hill-start assist and a 4-speaker audio system with a 5-in display, Bluetooth, satellite radio capability and USB/auxiliary input jacks.
The S ($16,390, sedan), ($16,690, 5-door) builds on the LX features with power/heated outboard mirrors, power windows, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a center console with a sliding armrest, two additional tweeter speakers, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, 7-in touchscreen audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and remote keyless entry.
Optional on the S trim is the Tech package that adds forward-collision avoidance, LED headlights, a 3.5-in LCD meter cluster display, a tire pressure monitor and UVO3 eServices
| Hatchback | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio 5-Door S IVT | $16,790 / $16,295 | 4 Cylinder | 120 | 33 / 41 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Sedan | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio LX IVT | $15,850 / $15,382 | 4 Cylinder | 120 | 33 / 41 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Rio S IVT | $16,490 / $16,002 | 4 Cylinder | 120 | 33 / 41 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
In crash testing performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Kia Rio sedan attained the highest score of Good in every test save for the passenger-side small-overlap front crash test, which earned an Acceptable grade. The IIHS named the Kia Rio as a Top Safety Pick+.
| Basic | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 10 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
2020 Chevrolet Sonic -- Available as a sedan or a hatchback in most grades, the Sonic stands apart from others in the segment thanks to its standard advanced infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every Sonic comes with built-in 4G LTE and an available Wi-Fi hot spot.
2020 Nissan Versa -- The Nissan Versa is all-new for 2020 with a new look, a nicer interior and upgraded technology. The Versa has a lower base price than the Rio and it can get more expensive and better-appointed in the higher trims.
2020 Toyota Yaris -- Offered as a sedan or hatchback, the Yaris has a little less get-up-and-go than the Rio, but an array of driver-assist technologies like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning and mitigation, and automatic high breams are available.
Used Mazda3 -- A 2014-2017 Mazda3 will give you more interior room, better performance and a lot more luxury features, plus the option of a manual transmission.
What they lack in size, subcompacts make up for in maneuverability and efficiency.