2009 Kia Rio5

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The Kia Rio5's performance isn't stellar, but it is sufficient. The five-door's engine is not bursting with power, but it can keep the pace with other subcompacts, especially when matched with the sportier manual transmission. The Rio5's handles best when equipped with the optional anti-lock brakes and power-assisted steering.

• "Frugal-minded buyers should be impressed by the Rio5, which yields a good balance between fuel economy and performance. If you like a subcompact that's more fun to drive than some cars in its league, maneuvering with a smooth, certain spirit, the Rio5 is worth a closer look." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "It must be a dog on the road, right? That's the most interesting surprise the Rio5 delivers. The four-cylinder engine is tiny -- but the Rio5 squeezes the most out of every single one of its 110 horsepower." -- U.S. News
• "Rios are solidly built and are generally comfortable subcompacts. Still, there is some jouncing on wavy pavement, thumping on smaller bumps, and occasional jolts on larger disturbances." -- Consumer Guide
• "Maneuvers eagerly through urban or rural environments, and its body rolls less than anticipated." -- Cars.com

Acceleration and Power

Reviewers agree that the Rio5 has pleasing power from its four cylinder engine, but that's most evident with the five-speed manual with overdrive. The LX and SX trims' four-speed automatic transmission is viewed as adequate at best. But the vehicle's fuel economy is far from average. According to the EPA, the Rio should achieve 27/33 mpg city/highway with a manual transmission and 26/35 mpg city/highway using the automatic.

• "Although the engine gets seriously buzzy when accelerating, it quiets nicely as speed levels off." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "You would not put this car in any urban derbies against subcompact tuners, but its torque-y, 110-hp inline four ... does move the car briskly around town." -- Los Angeles Times
• "Acceleration suffers a little when you choose the automatic transmission. A Rio5 SX automatic we tested took 11.5 seconds to run to 60 mph." -- Edmunds
• "The automatic hunts endlessly for gears while heading uphill and produces an unpleasant grinding sound at highway speeds." -- Car and Driver

Handling and Braking

The Kia Rio5 is pleasant on the highway if you opt for the anti-lock brakes and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

• "The fixed steering ratio is relatively high, which makes the car lively at the wheel and easier to park." -- Los Angeles Times
• "Ride comfort and easy maneuverability head the list of Rio5 merits. Even when the pavement gets troublesome, Kia's suspension absorbs considerable roughness." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "All Rios have moderate cornering lean. SX models have adequate grip, but base and LX models tend to noseplow. Gusty crosswinds affect straightline stability. Available ABS furnishes good stopping control and pedal feel. But a test LX without ABS suffered early rear-wheel lockup in rapid braking on wet roads." -- Consumer Guide