Her + His Car Reviews
2018 Kia Rio 5 door EX
There are two sides to everything, right? To keep our car reviews innovative and interesting, we provide an animated, insightful, detailed and sometimes uncouth two points of view on the same car from - Her + His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $22,225 | $22,225 |
| Performance | |
| Kia retooled the suspension of this 4th generation Rio and it was an enjoyable, responsive car to drive. The 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine gets good gas mileage and is a terrific little performer in its class. | Whoa! A shocker! The Rio is an absolute blast to drive, and corners quite aggressively too. Who knew? Way more fun to drive than just about any of its competitors in this market segment. It is powered by a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine, backed by a six speed transmission. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 28 city miles, 37 highway miles with an overall mark of 32... very nice. | Kudos here too. The overall rating is 28 city, 37 highway, and 32 miles per gallon overall. The car uses 3.1 gallons of gasoline per 100 miles, and you save over $1,250 in fuel costs over five years. The annual fuel cost is $1,100, based on 15,000 miles per year. When you consider what a little rocket this car is on the road, isn't it wonderful to know you won't need to use tones of gasoline to have so much fun? |
| The Car | |
| We test drove the 5 door Hatchback in the middle of winter storms and freezing temperatures - responding very well despite hazardous road conditions.
The base price of the re-engineered 2018 is $14,000 so it screams value. Even our model is very value priced and has good looking interior and driving handling. Like the accessability to the back with the 60/40 spilit-folding rear seats. Cloth interior and a quiet cabin. Lather wrapped steering wheel; and Gearshift knob. |
I have to say something about this. Then look at the standard equipment list that is overwhelming. Then consider that this price includes a red accent leather seat and interior trim package! ALL for $20,225! It would be one thing if you got all this and the car was so-so. But not the Rio. It's a really terrific car - with one heck of a lot of value.
This is one car product that has come a long, long way in such a short time. It's all new for 2018, and that's an understatement. Quality had been going up for some time on othe Rio, but with this latest version, it really has skyrocketed, the fit and finish is really top notch, and the interior presentation looks to be several notches above it competitors, and really compares in appreance and finish to upscale intermediate family sedans. And of course, its easy as butter to drive on the road, given its size and its agility. If you are buying this year in this segment, you must make consideration of the Rio a requirement. |
| Safety | |
| For its class, it's jammed packed with the basics plus Remote Keyless entry, Forward Collision Warning System, Automomus Emergency Brake, Fog Lights and Mutli-Reflector Mirrors. Newly added safety tech features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and Hill Start Assist. Tire Pressure Monitoring. Ask your dealer about the 5 Year Roadside Asssistance. | Dual front advanced airbags; front seat mounted side airbags, full length side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, Vehicle Stability Management; Hill-start assist control, tire pressure monitoring system and other related items. |
| Technology | |
| The Rio provides a better than average Navigation system with a 7" Touchscrrn and Rear Camera. The UVO infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple Car Play Smartphone integration and SIRIUS XM - with a 3 month subscription, with 6 speakers. USB and and auxillary input jack.
Bluetooth Wireless Technology keeps both hands on the wheel. Multi Adjustable Seats - cloth seats. Remote Keyless Entry. Tilt and Telescoping Steering Column helps with a customized drive. |
The list of standard equipment on the RioEX 5Door is absolutely astonishing: Air, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, AM/FM/MP3 system with seven inch touchscreen and rear camera; UVO eServices Infotainment system, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay Smartphone integration; Sirius XM with a free three month subscription; Bluetooth; tricoat cloth seat trim; 60/40 split rear folding seats; remote keyless entry; tilt and telescopic steering column; leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob; steering wheel controls; supervision meter cluster with LCD Display; autonomous Emergency Braking system; forward collision warning system; dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors; fog lights and multi reflector headlights, heated outside mirrors and a rear spoiler with rear wiper and washer. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| Kudos to Kia for the redesigned interior - we really like the dash and the gauges. Much of the car is reshaped and looks smarter and sleeker than others in this beginning price point. A rear spoiler was added. Rear wiper and washer. No kidding - very smart interior, bright light helps at night. Moon roof opens things up in this smaller vehicle so driver and passengers can enjoy more natural light. While seating 5, note the rear seats wouldn't hold taller passengers. Good console organization between the front seats. And, the Rio has the best warranty in its class. |
Outside, the Rio clearly takes a whole different approach to styling as its competitors--and we say Hallelujah! We like unique, and the Rio certainly looks more unique than many of its competitors. It's much more rounded and flowing, with little hint of the three box school of design that prevails in this market segment. Quite classy, yet sporty looking. Inside, we were really impressed by how the Rio feels at interior touch points such as the armrest,, controls, and the top of the dash. Nothing was overlooked. Nothing looks cheap. |
| Warranty | |
| 10 year/1000,000 Mile Linited Powertrain Warranty. 5 Year/60,000 Limited Basic Warranty. 5 Year/60,000 Mile Roadside Assistance Program. | 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty; 5 year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty; 5 year 60,000 mile Roadside Assistance package. |
