MSRP: $12,915 - $14,715
Invoice: $12,250 - $13,965
MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.2
Performance:7.4
Exterior:7.8
Interior:6.9
Safety:8.5
Reliability:7.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Six standard air bags (more than most competitors offer)
  • Good fuel economy for its class
  • Industry leading warranty
  • Strong safety scores
  • Bare-bones standard features compared to others in class
  • Optional features quickly inflate price

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Kia Rio5 - What the Auto Press Says

The Rio5 has a great safety package, decent fuel economy and an outstanding warranty. However, several necessary features are offered only as options.

The 2008 Kia Rio5 walks a fine line. Although its powertrain is not especially strong, it still performs capably; and though its standard features are extremely basic, they're outfitted in quality materials. Considering it also has six standard air bags and a lengthy warranty, reviews describe the Rio5 as a pleasing overall package. Reviewers also rate the Rio5's safety and quality attributes high compared to other hatchbacks. According to Car and Driver, "Like finding a dollar bill in your bag of Fritos, it won't change your life but it's a pleasant surprise."

The Kia Rio5 comes in two trims, the LX and the SX, and is the hatchback counterpart to the Kia Rio sedan. Both cars are built on the same platform as Hyundai's Accent. For 2008 the Rio5 is little changed from the previous year, though Kia has added a new trim. If you're shopping for an affordable small car with a hatch design, consider Scion's xB.

  • "I've just finished a very enjoyable week with a Rio5 SX. It had some key options that really did enhance convenience, safety, and the driving experience, and added merely a $1200 premium. For the 'bang for the buck' factor, the Rio5 is hard to beat." -- The Auto Channel
  • "This smallest of Kias offers hatchback utility plus a bit of fun at rock-bottom prices." -- Car and Driver
  • "The new Rio…is an unexpected treat, like finding a pair of Ferragamo loafers on the clearance rack at the off-price store." -- New York Times
  • "An ingenious little buggy." -- U.S. News
  • "It's attractive, reasonably roomy, and surprisingly fun. Consider the suspicions well founded." -- Automobile Magazine

Rio5 Performance - 7.4 (Good)

Experts say the Kia Rio5's performance is sufficient for its size. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman reports, "The four-cylinder engine is tiny -- but the Rio5 squeezes the most out of every single one of its 110 horsepower." Car and Driver adds, "the Rio5 surprised us by finishing third in a seven-car econocar comparison test, posting the best stopping distance and ranking second in our handling tests." Read More

Rio5 Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

The handsome five-door Rio5 gets a good score for its exterior. According to the Los Angeles Times, "it does have a fetching joie de vivre." Read More

Rio5 Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)

Reviewers say the 2008 Kia Rio5's interior is a compromise. Although its five seats are comfortable, they're squeezed into tight quarters, and though features are scarce, those present are quality. Read More

Rio5 Safety - 8.5 (Very Good)

The 2008 Kia Rio5 does very well in federal government crash tests, and provides an expansive list of standard safety equipment. Read More

Rio5 Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2008 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 is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/17/09