2009 Kia Rio
- 2008 Kia Rio
- Used Kia Rio
Based on analysis of 40 Rio reviews and test drives.
Kia Rio - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Kia Rio ranks 25 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Rio, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Rio is a competent affordable small car with plenty of safety features and an appealing powertrain warranty, but it doesn't have the amenities, utility or comfort that others in its class provide.
With a wounded economy and the memory of $4 gas still fresh in consumers' minds, many affordable small car makers are offering more standard features and utility options in their budget cars to lure in a spending shy public. However, the 2009 Kia Rio is not one of those cars. It doesn't have as many stowage options as many of the class leaders, nor does it have the customization or entertainment options that lure younger drivers.
What the Rio does offer is one of the lowest MSRPs for the class as well as one of the longest powertrain warranties offered for any car. If you feel more confident with a longer warranty, you'll want to look at a Hyundai Accent as well. Although the Accent's styling is not as sporty as the Rio, it has the same warranty terms, and a roomier rear seat.
The 2009 Rio is also a top pick in the subcompact category for the 2009 U.S. News Best Cars for the Money, where winners were chosen based on their overall ranking and IntelliChoice data on the expected total cost of ownership.
For those shoppers too distracted by the Kia Rio's absent entertainment features to appreciate the bloated safety package, the Suzuki SX4 might be more your speed. Although the SX4 is not one of the top-five affordable small cars, its standard interior features are just as numerous and impressive as its safety features. It's also the first car for less than $16,000 to offer a standard navigation system, thanks to a partnership with Garmin GPS.
Changes to the 2009 Kia Rio are minimal. The sedan still comes in three trims -- the barren base trim, plus the preferred LX and SX.
- Newsday explains that the Rio "offers proof that an under-$15,000 car can be reasonably comfortable and handle safely enough at real-world American highway speeds, yet still deliver 30 miles or more on a gallon of gas." -- Newsday
- "If you're seeking a fuel-efficient small car that is affordable, stylish, roomy and well equipped, the 2009 Kia Rio makes a great choice." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "More for less. That might not be Kia's official slogan, but they really should consider it, because it's what all of its cars deliver on. The Rio might not be new, but as with any Kia it's a compelling buy in its respective segment." -- Automobile.com
- "True, if a rock-bottom price for basic transportation with a great warranty is your primary concern, the base Kia Rio is hard to beat. But if you're looking for a nicely equipped fuel sipper, we think there are better choices. The redesigned Honda Fit, in particular, is a better all-around car, thanks to its versatile interior and sporty driving characteristics." -- Edmunds
Rio Performance - 7.0 (Good)
Budget car shoppers should definitely take the 2009 Kia Rio for a test drive. "The auto strolls through the gears at an unhurried pace, making its shifts smooth enough for most people buying into the subcompact class," Automobile.com writes. "The Rio's suspension setup is tuned to be quite soft, for a nice, comfortable ride." Read More
Rio Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The Rio's stylish design is one of its strongest attributes, especially in the context of its class. Kelley Blue Book says the Rio's "European-influenced appearance imparts a sporty and youthful character into an entry-level automobile." Read More
Rio Interior - 7.3 (Good)
Very few standard convenient features and tuna-can dimensions ensure that you won't want to stay inside the 2009 Kia Rio for too long. But on the plus side, reviewers report the dashboard controls work well and are easy to see. The Orlando Sentinel says "seats are cloth and the dashboard is vinyl and plastic, but it's all done so nicely that you never feel as if you're riding in a bargain-basement car." Read More
Rio Safety - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The federal government and insurance industry give the Kia Rio moderate safety scores. Still, auto writers are pleased with the car's standard safety equipment. Read More
Rio Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Kia Rio reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Rio's basic warranty is good for the first five years or 60,000 miles, and its 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the longest offered in the class. Read More
