2022 Kia Rio Review

Automotive journalists tend to favor performance cars and big SUVs. So it’s interesting when a small car gets named to the Editors’ Choice List as the 2022 Rio did at Car and Driver. While they may prefer sports cars, this award suggests that the Rio has all of the bases covered in the best way.

In another example, the 2022 Kia Rio is ranked tops among subcompact sedans. It takes the perfect blend of value, capability and style to be called number one in its class by Motor Trend. The journalists note the car’s level of refinement and its well-built nature.

This model year has not yet been ranked by the U.S. News and World Report. However, the car is praised for its upscale cabin and its class-superlative gas mileage.

Until you test drive, you can’t know for sure how the Rio will fit you. However, U.S. News editors report that it has a solid amount of space for passengers. Looking at the numbers, the driver and front seat passenger have 42.1 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of head room.

As many reviewers have also noted, the trunk and cargo hold are good sizes for the class. In the sedan, the trunk has 14 cubic feet. In the Kia Rio 5 door for sale, the hatchback has 17.4 cu.ft. of open space. The folding rear seat lets you claim up to 32.8 cubic feet.

When choosing the Rio, your body style choice will affect which trim levels are available. For instance, the sedan is the only style offered as the Rio LX. If you want either style, you will need to step up to the S trim level.

Rio exterior color options include Aurora Black Pearl and Silky Silver as well as Clear White. Adding color contrast, the front grille wears silver and black accents.

Standard and available exterior equipment can assist with safety. The side mirrors have a power-defrost function. A tire pressure monitoring system lets you know if a tire is too low.

With the tech package, the car gains automatic high beams that raise and lower light during night travel. This package also upgrades the headlights to full LEDs.

The cabin is marked by a clean look. Textured materials add to the feeling of refinement.

Drivers will like the straightforward controls and the ergonomic cockpit.

The Rio LX sedan packs efficient air conditioning, power windows, and dash technologies. The adjustable front seat and adjustable steering wheel help the driver find the best driving angle. Keeping everyone organized, the doors have deep pockets, and the front seat has a sizable console.

On the Kio Rio S sedan and the Kia Rio S 5-door, there are more car features. Keyless entry, additional charging ports, and other dash tech makes life easier. Comfort is enhanced by second-row headrests and a front-row center console armrest. In the Kia Rio Hatchback S, the seat can split-fold. This provides more combinations of seating and cargo space.

The 2022 Kia Rio and Kia Rio 5 Door Hatch share the same engine type. Both weigh under 2770 pounds, and that means that either car can make more out of every horse under the hood.

The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 138 horsepower which keeps this small car moving quickly.

This front-wheel drive car displays excellent fuel efficiency in every setting. It earns 33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway. That’s a combined rate of 36 miles per gallon. These EPA estimates sound like hybrid technology is on board, but it’s just the smart four-cylinder Kia engine doing the work. Ready for fun? Value your trade.

Handing and Ride Quality

A continuously variable transmission can match shifts to acceleration and deceleration with greater precision than a traditional automatic. The well-weighted steering helps eliminate understeer at slow speeds and oversteer on the highway.

Reviewers at Motor Trend tested the car against its rivals. It was called quicker or ‘zippier’ than competitors. They called the handling ‘poised’. U.S. News also praised its maneuverability.

It’s rare that a small car is recognized for a sophisticated driving experience, but that’s just what Car and Driver editors have said. There are three aspects that contribute to this handling: the solid structure of the build, the suspension tuning, and the steering’s precision

Technology

Every Kia Rio and Rio 5 Door has an 8-inch touch screen with Bluetooth. Infotainment system features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In models with the Kia UVO telematics system, you can add Wi-Fi for your smart devices. The S models offer SiriusXM radio and standard cruise control. Automatic air conditioning and push button start are popular upgrades.

Safety

A rearview camera and many other driver aids are standard on the Kia Rio. Parents will appreciate three LATCH-equipped seats where they can secure infant carriers and toddler boosters. An available rear occupant alert can warn caregivers to check the second row.

In addition, Rio buyers are eligible for a driver assistance package. This adds the forward collision warning with its automatic emergency brake function and its pedestrian watch features. It also includes the lane departure warning with its lane keeping assist capability. The driver attention alert can signal when the driver’s attention or reflexes seem unusually slow.

Kia Rio Value

In the U.S. News review of the 2022 model, they note that the Rio is a respectable value. The car’s redeeming qualities help it earn its average starting price. The standard features, as noted by Motor Trend, have a strong per dollar value.

Kia Rio prices start at $16,150 MSRP for the LX sedan. S sedans are priced at $16,790. Kia 5 door Rio prices start at $17,090 for the S edition.

Owners can expect low operating costs due to the remarkable fuel efficiency and the class-leading warranty coverage. In normal use, the powertrain warranty can run as long as ten years. That’s double the norm. In addition, the Limited warranty can remain in effect for up to five years. That’s extra years of peace of mind.

You can from our dealership. It’s easy to get pre-approved and go shopping. Take a test drive and discover if the Rio is right for your needs.