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Kia Rio5 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Kia Rio5 ranks 12 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 35 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Rio5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Rio5 offers one of the best safety packages in its class, as well as an outstanding warranty and good cargo capacity. But it also has very few standard cabin amenities, and there are other hatchbacks with better passenger room.   

The 2009 Kia Rio5 is not the sportiest car of the affordable small car class. It's also not very roomy and doesn't have the most tricked-out features. But for the cost conscious car shopper -- and let's face it, who isn't being frugal these days -- the Rio5 is a great practical choice for its generous cargo capacity, long powertrain warranty and six standard airbags at a low price. To reviewers, these qualifications make it worth your consideration. As Car and Driver writes, "Like finding a dollar bill in your bag of Fritos, it won't change your life but it's a pleasant surprise."

However, there are other hatchbacks for bargain hunters that still want high quality. The 2009 Nissan Versa's base trim is one of the cheapest cars in the United States. Even though its sub-$10,000 price tag comes sans stereo, power windows and doors, the Versa's nice cabin materials make it worth consideration. Another frugal choice is the Suzuki SX4, the most affordable car to offer a standard Garmin GPS navigation system. 

• "Frugal-minded buyers should be impressed by the 2009 Kia Rio5, which yields a nice balance between fuel economy and performance." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "What make Rio a standout in this class is that it's a surprisingly well-built low-price car with a strong warranty. It also delivers a lot for the money, notably standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags." -- Consumer Guide
• "As Kia's smallest car, the 2009 Rio boasts the brand's smallest price, making it one of the least expensive new cars you can buy in the United States. It also delivers respectable fuel economy, looks sharp in SX trim and is backed by Kia's stellar warranty. Two body styles, the sedan and the Rio5 four-door hatchback, are available to provide more of a choice to potential buyers. It all stacks up to make the Rio a pretty decent daily driver." -- Edmunds
• "It's attractive, reasonably roomy, and surprisingly fun. Consider the suspicions well founded." -- Automobile Magazine
• "The Kia Rio is an enjoyable car that's easy to live with. We found the Rio5 SX the most enjoyable, with its combination of hatchback versatility and sporty/luxury touches. All Rios come with a comprehensive set of passive safety features; even the base model boasts six airbags." -- New Car Test Drive

Rio5 Performance - 7.6 (Good)

The Kia Rio5 did well enough on its test drives, reviewers say. Although it's neither the most powerful nor the most agile of its class, most report it should keep up with other subcompacts. As Consumer Guide reports: "These smallest Kias are best suited to undemanding, low-speed work. That's not unexpected in the subcompact class." Auto writers especially like the Rio5's manual transmission, and strongly suggest splurging for the optional anti-lock brakes and power-assisted steering. Read More

Rio5 Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

Reviewers are on a high for the Rio5's sporty design. Kelley Blue Book says, "Although designed in South Korea, the Rio's European-influenced appearance imparts a sporty and youthful character into an entry-level automobile." Read More

Rio5 Interior - 7.3 (Good)

The 2009 Kia Rio5's cabin has many good qualities, but power windows, mirrors and locks are extra-cost options. The Rio5 also has decent cargo room for such a small car, but its rear row is too tight for extended trips. Still, 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

Rio5 Safety - 8.4 (Very Good)

The 2009 Kia Rio5 is one of the best equipped compacts for safety, featuring six standard air bags and anti-lock brakes. But its safety scores from the federal government and insurance industry are only moderate. Read More

Rio5 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Kia Rio5 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 Rio5's limited basic warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles. Kia also supports the Rio5 with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More