Model Tested: 2018 Kia Rio EX 5DR

Engine: 1.6-liter I-4, 130 horsepower, 119 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive
EPA Rating: 28-mpg city/37-mpg highway/32-mpg combined
Base Price: $18,700
As Tested: $19,725
Performance:
Peppy engine
Great fuel economy for a non-hybrid
Our best was 39.3-mpg highway
Pleasant ride for a small, short wheelbase car

Sport mode button makes notable acceleration improvement
Available 6-speed manual transmission
Nimble city commuter/errand runner
Comfort:
Super stretch-out front legroom
Big adults fit in backseat if fronts are up a ways
Otherwise, front seatback hit knees
Good shoe room under front seats
Low floor hump
Excellent headroom
Pretty minimalist rear seat—no door bins, just bottle notches

One seatback storage pouch
Excellent, thick, leather wrapped, contoured steering wheel
Very good auxiliary controls on steering wheel
Tilt/telescope steering column
Soft headrests
Comfy seats
Driver seat height pump
No rear seat center armrest
Utility:
High-opening hatchback, but tall lift-over (10-inches)
Split, folding rear seats have some slope

Wide cargo area
Single dim light in cargo area
Medium size front door bins with bottle notches
Modest size glovebox; no lock
Small, but deep center console bin
Large infotainment screen
Medium size, plastic sunvisors
One seatback storage pouch
Sunglasses holder
WOW Factors:
Handsome styling, sharp alloy wheels
Solid door shut
Outstanding warranty
Hybrid-like fuel economy
Whines:
Thin, cheap carpet on cargo deck

Inexpensive, flocked headliner
Dim cargo lamp
Bare bones rear seat
Bottom Line:
The 2018 Kia Rio EX 5-door hatchback is a small car that’s big on value and interior space. It’s available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. The styling and standard content exceed expectations of cars priced this low. The Kia Rio is a perfect city car or first car plus it has Kia’s excellent warranty.
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