Her and His Reviews
March 2012
2012 Kia Rio EX 5-Door
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| MSRP: $16,500 base price, $18,345 | MSRP: $16,500 base price, $18,345 |
| Performance | |
| This 5 door Rio has an engine size of 1.6 liter with an optional six speed automatic transmission with active Eco system and 138 horsepower. | 1.6 liter four with a 6 speed automatic with active Eco system. Peppy around the city and decent get up and go on the highway, but hills proved to be a chore for the Rio. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 30 city/40 highway | 30 city, 40 highway with estimated annual fuel costs of $1,682 based on 15,000 miles of driving at $3.70 a gallon. Are EPA's gas price measurements all over the map or what?! $3.00 a gallon, $3.70 a gallon, etc. |
| The Car | |
| Redesigned this year, the Rio is a top pick for economy and value. The design and the amenities equal a very good value and KIA has done its homework out-rivaling many models in this class. Kia has partnered with Microsoft to offer UVO, a system that integrates Bluetooth, entertainment functions and a rear camera display. Convenient 60/40 easy shift seats. Trunk space is adequate. This year's Rio has increased space and larger, easier to handle knobs on dashboard, a double-win for drivers. | Here's a car that once was a ho-hum, okay subcompact, and now, thanks to Kia's judicious work, is a far better product--well built, solid, beautiful styling, and lots of terrific equipment. There were a few problems: The seat material was easily stained, and the stitching in the surface designs had an odd look in certain lighting. There also was that hesitation and stumbling with engine performance every once in a while. Audio performance was spotty, too, with some fading in and out with the Ipod plugged in. |
| Safety | |
| Six airbags are equipped in the car, ;]'[';; electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, hill-start assist control and vehicle stability control. | Traction control, stability control AND vehicle stability management head up a long list of the usual safety features found these days on cars. |
| Technology | |
| Loaded with value. Remote keyless entry, 3 month subscription to Satellite for your personalized fave tunes or talkies, Bluetooth wireless, USB and auxiliary jacks, and tilted telescopic steering wheel for customized, improved driving. Rear camera display. | Standard equipment includes air, power windows and power door locks, remote keyless entry, satellite radio, USB and Auxiliary jacks, trip computer, Bluetooth wireless technology, tilt and telescopic mounted audio controls, metal finish interior trim, anti lock brakes, etc. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| Redesigned this year puts this model in the front of the pack. Excellent lines, design language and grill. Nice use of chrome and touch points. | Very cool fastback/hatch styling, though it's a bit derivative. The design of the headlights and parking lights up front are a special treat--very aggressive and roguish looking. |
| Warranty | |
| 10 year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, 5 year, 60,000 mile general warranty. | 10 year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, five year, 60,000 mile general warranty. |
