Model Tested: 2018 Kia Rio EX 5DR
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/12840_2018_Rio_Rio_5_Door_EX_EX-370x248.jpg)
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
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/12834_2018_Rio_EX-370x245.jpg)
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
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/12814_2018_Rio_EX-370x278.jpg)
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
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/12816_2018_Rio_EX-370x350.jpg)
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
![](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/12819_2018_Rio_EX-370x247.jpg)
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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