By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 25, 2018) Kia’s product offering in the subcompact car segment is the Rio sedan and hatchback. For 2018, Kia introduces the fourth-generation Rio with an entirely new look, a roomier cabin, improved fuel economy and a value proposition that’s tough to beat.

Most people are more than surprised to discover that you can get a new car that starts below $15,000. In fact, Kia has two models at that price point: Rio LX sedan starting at just $13,900 and the Rio five-door hatchback at $14,200. Why buy a used car when you can get a brand new vehicle with a 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty with a 5 year/60,000 limited basic warranty along with 5 year/60,000 nuke roadside assistance?

The base LX is pretty bare bones with crank windows and a manual shifter. But if you’re thinking that price gets you a stripped down entry level car, you still get a dash centered five-inch touchscreen with AM/FM/MP3/SiriusXM audio system, USB/Auxiliary input jack, steering-wheel mounted audio buttons, power door locks, air conditioning, tilt steering column, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and more.

Jump up to the top-of-the-line EX model tested here and you’ll add just about everything 90 percent of people will want in a new car. We think the 2018 Kia Rio is 100 percent adequate.

The Rio competes in a segment defined by vehicles like the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, Nissan Versa and others. We give it high marks for its ease of driving, agile handling, roomy, comfortable cabin, and peppy four-cylinder engine that delivers exceptional fuel economy. In fact, we rank it second only to the Honda Fit, which costs a couple thousand dollars more.

Rio comes in three trim levels: LX, S and EX. All are powered by the same 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower. The base LX trim comes with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. The S and EX are automatic only. Most of our driving was highway and suburban, and we averaged 40.3 miles per gallon, besting the EPA rating of 37-MPG highway. All models are front-wheel drive.

While the engine isn’t enough to deliver exciting or sporty driving, it is strong enough to move along with ease, either in traffic or accelerating to get up to highway speeds.

My Rio five-door hatchback in the top-of the line EX trim was especially roomy, with folding rear seat. It reminded me of both the Hyundai Elantra GT and the Volkswagen Golf in appearance.

Much of what was already right with the previous generation Rio has been left alone with the 2018 version. However, the design structure under the new exterior sheet metal is an all-new platform, resulting in a Rio that’s lower, wider and slightly longer. Kia also says the suspension has been completely reworked, giving the car a better ride. We agree; the ride for this size car is excellent.

Redesigned front seats add more padding and comfort, and our EX model came with a larger 7-inch screen with voice recognition and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment compatibility. Navigation isn’t available on either model or trim level, but more often than not, I use my iPhone for navigation; it’s usually easier to use and more accurate.

Inside there are acres of hard plastic surfaces whose only purpose seems to be in keeping the price down. We would have appreciated padding on the armrests, which are, of course, hard plastic. Thankfully, Kia has retained a mechanical parking brake with a real handle in the center console. Still, the new look feels well made and modern, seats are comfortable and the cabin nicely quiet on the road.

Overall, our Rio EX model was an impressive car with a solid feel, exceptionally easy to drive, contemporary looks inside and out, with a good ride, excellent visibility and a great value coming in at under $20,000. But know that excitement or sporty driving isn’t part of the deal.

The new 2018 Rio sets a high bar for the subcompact class and I would highly recommend the Rio to anyone who wants a well-equipped car at a value price.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $13,900 - $18,700
Price as Tested: $19,725
Powertrain: 1.6L 130hp 4-cylinder with six-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy: 28-MPG City – 37-MPG Highway
Seating: 5

Crash Test Results: The 2018 Kia Rio 5-door hatchback has not been crash by either the NHTSA or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Competes With:
Chevrolet Sonic
Ford Fiesta
Honda Fit
Hyundai Accent
Nissan Versa
Toyota Yaris

Fab Features
Easy to drive with nimble handling
Excellent fuel economy
Roomy, comfortable cabin