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    Categories: New Launch

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door Review

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

Making its global debut alongside the previously introduced Rio 5-Door (Paris, 2014), these two modern and dynamic subcompacts are the entry points into KMA’s ever-expanding lineup of award-winning cars and CUVs.

Refreshed inside and out for the 2016 model year, the pair offer sporty European design cues and generous interior accommodations while providing fuel efficiency. Both Sedan and 5-Door are expected to go on sale in the first quarter.

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

“The Rio signifies everything the Kia brand has evolved into since coming to the U.S. market more than 20 years ago,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning. “And like the brand, the Rio has grown up as it enters the 2016 model year. Its sophisticated design has been refreshed and both models continue to offer a long list of standard features, making the Sedan and 5-Door standouts in an otherwise pedestrian subcompact segment.”

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

Most visible of the Rio’s updates are the new-for-2016 front and rear fascias. Designed to add visual width and stronger presence, the revised grille insert incorporates the now-familiar geometric pattern found on other Kia vehicles such as Optima and Soul. New fog light surrounds include strong horizontal satin-finish bezels that house projector lenses. The lights have been repositioned inward for a more aggressive appearance. Likewise, the lower front valance integrates strong horizontal planes that echo a similar treatment at the rear. The rear reflectors have been redesigned and repositioned to the far corners of the car, and the Rio’s color palette has been enhanced with two new colors: Urban Blue and Digital Yellow.

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

Inside, the enhancements continue with the increased use of high-density foam in the A- and B-pillars for reduced NVH, new technology features, premium touch points and available two-tone Designer Package (EX only). Subtle changes include satin-finish bezels around the air vents, and a new piano black center console surround wraps the audio system and ancillary controls. The EX Designer Package includes unique black cloth with gray leatherette trim with gray stitching. Gray padded door panel inserts, unique gray stitching on steering wheel, center console armrest and shifter boot all contribute to a sporty, premium-feeling interior.

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

Both models continue to be offered in three trim levels: LX, EX and the top-line SX. Standard equipment on LX includes rear disc brakes, air conditioning, electric power steering, six-way manual adjustable driver’s seat, SiriusXM®2 satellite radio, USB and auxiliary audio jacks, steering wheel mounted audio controls, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). The popular LX Power Package continues to be available with power windows and door locks, along with keyless entry. The stand-alone option of a six-speed automatic transmission (standard on Rio 5-Door) also includes Active eco system and Bluetooth® wireless technology.

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

Stepping up to the EX adds appealing standard features such as power windows with driver’s one-touch auto-up/down control, cruise control with steering-wheel mounted controls, remote keyless entry with trunk release and a tilt/telescope steering column. A new option package available on EX is Designer, while the continuing Eco Package now includes Kia’s updated UVO eServices Telematics system with integrated backup camera display.

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

The range-topping SX adds a dash of sportiness to Kia’s entry-level Sedan and 5-Door models. Standard amenities build upon the EX and include a sport tuned suspension highlighted by 17-inch alloy wheels and 11-inch ventilated front disc brakes, steering column-mounted paddle shifters and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Rear backup camera display, Supervision meter cluster, an upgraded navigation7 system with new interface and improved graphics with Sirius® XM Traffic, pushbutton start, leather seating surfaces with front seat heaters and a power sunroof are all standard.

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Rio 5-Door © Kia Motors

The 2016 Rio continues to be powered by an efficient 1.6-liter normally aspirated inline-four cylinder engine routing 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm to the front wheels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the sedan while a six-speed automatic is standard on the 5-Door. The six-speed manual is no longer offered in the Rio 5-Door.

Specifications



LXEXSX
Engine
Type
1.6L in-line 4 cylinder, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), aluminum block and head
1.6L in-line 4 cylinder, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), aluminum block and head
1.6L in-line 4 cylinder, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), aluminum block and head
Displacement (cc)
1,591 cc
1,591 cc
1,591 cc
Bore x stroke (mm)
77 x 85.44
77 x 85.44
77 x 85.44
Compression ratio
11.0:1
11.0:1
11.0:1
Horsepower (SAE net)
138 hp @ 6,300 rpm
138 hp @ 6,300 rpm
138 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque (SAE net)
123 lb.-ft. @ 4,850 rpm
123 lb.-ft. @ 4,850 rpm
123 lb.-ft. @ 4,850 rpm
Valve System
16 valve DOHC with Mechanical Lash Adjuster
16 valve DOHC with Mechanical Lash Adjuster
16 valve DOHC with Mechanical Lash Adjuster
Injection system
Natually Aspirated
Natually Aspirated
Natually Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct Fuel Injection
Direct Fuel Injection
Direct Fuel Injection
Rec. Fuel
Unleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 or higher)
Unleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 or higher)
Unleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 or higher)
Cooling System
Liquid
Liquid
Liquid
Emission Control System
WCC + UCC
WCC + UCC
WCC + UCC
Drivetrain
Transmission Gear Ratios: 6-speed automatic transmission
-
-
-
First
4.400
4.400
4.400
Second
2.726
2.726
2.726
Third
1.834
1.834
1.834
Fourth
1.392
1.392
1.392
Fifth
1.000
1.000
1.000
Sixth
0.774
0.774
0.774
Reverse
3.440
3.440
3.440
Final drive ratio
3.065
3.065
3.065
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (in.)
101.2 in.
101.2 in.
101.2 in.
Length (in.)
159.4 in.
159.4 in.
159.4 in.
Width (in.)
67.7 in.
67.7 in.
67.7 in.
Height (in.)
57.3 in.
57.3 in.
57.3 in.
Track (in.), (front/rear)
59.8 in. / 60.0 in.
59.8 in. / 60.0 in.
59.8 in. / 60.0 in.
Overhang (in.), (front/rear)
31.9 in. / 26.4 in.
31.9 in. / 26.4 in.
31.9 in. / 26.4 in.
Minimum ground clearance (in.)
5.5 in.
5.5 in.
5.5 in.
Approach angle / Departure angle (degree)
12.6
12.6
12.6
Interior Dimensions
Head room, front/rear (in.)
40.0 in. / 37.6 in.
40.0 in. / 37.6 in.
40.0 in. / 37.6 in.
Leg room, front/rear (in.)
43.8 in. / 31.1 in.
43.8 in. / 31.1 in.
43.8 in. / 31.1 in.
Shoulder room, front/rear (in.)
53.1 in. / 52.1 in.
53.1 in. / 52.1 in.
53.1 in. / 52.1 in.
Hip room, front/rear (in.)
52.1 in. / 51.2 in.
52.1 in. / 51.2 in.
52.1 in. / 51.2 in.
Passenger volume (cu. ft.)
88.4 (cu. ft.)
88.4 (cu. ft.)
88.4 (cu. ft.)
Cargo volume (rear seat up without luggage under tray) (cu. ft.)
15.0 (cu. ft.)
15.0 (cu. ft.)
15.0 (cu. ft.)
Cargo volume (rear seat up with luggage under tray) (cu. ft.)
12.3 (cu. ft.)
12.3 (cu. ft.)
12.3 (cu. ft.)
Cargo volume (rear seat folded without luggage under tray) (cu. ft.)
49.8 (cu. ft.)
49.8 (cu. ft.)
49.8 (cu. ft.)
Cargo volume (rear seat folded with luggage under tray) (cu. ft.)
47.1 (cu. ft.)
47.1 (cu. ft.)
47.1 (cu. ft.)
Chassis/Suspension
Body type
Steel unibody
Steel unibody
Steel unibody
Front suspension
MacPherson strut with gas shock absorber
MacPherson strut with gas shock absorber
MacPherson strut with gas shock absorber
Rear suspension
Coupled torsion beam axle with gas shock absorber
Coupled torsion beam axle with gas shock absorber
Coupled torsion beam axle with gas shock absorber
Steering
Type / Power Source
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
Steering ratio
15.5:1
15.5:1
15.5:1
Turns, lock-to-lock
2.82
2.82
2.82
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft.)
33.5 / 34.5
33.5 / 34.5
33.5 / 34.5
Sway Bar (mm)
20
20
22
Brakes
Type
Ventilated disc / Solid disc
Ventilated disc / Solid disc
Ventilated disc / Solid disc
Size (in.) front/rear
10.1 in. / 10.3 in.
10.1 in. / 10.3 in.
11.0 in. / 10.3 in.
Wheels/Tires
Wheel size (in.)
15 x 5.5
15 x 5.5
17 x 6.5
Type
185/65R15
185/65R15
205/45R17
Curb Weights
Automatic transmission
2,573 lbs.
2,656 lbs.
2,729 lbs.
Estimated Fuel Economy
Automatic transmission, city/highway/combined (mpg)
27/37/31
27/37/31
27/37/31
Automatic transmission with ISG (Eco Package), city/highway/combined (mpg)
27/38/31
27/38/31
27/38/31
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)
11.4
11.4
11.4

Features & Options

MechanicalLXEXSX
1.6L 4 Cylinder aluminum block
S
S
S
Gasoline Direct Inject (GDI)
S
S
S
6-speed Automatic Transmission
S
S
S
Active Eco System
O
S
S
Sport-tuned suspension
--
--
S
Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters
--
--
S
ExteriorLXEXSX
15" steel wheels with full wheel covers
S
S
--
15" tires with alloy wheels
--
S (Except ECO Pkg)
--
17" tires with alloy wheels
--
--
S
Multi-reflector headlights
S
S
--
Projection headlights
--
--
S
Front fog lights
--
S (Except ECO Pkg)
S
LED taillights
--
--
S
Power tilt/slide sunroof
--
--
S
Chrome front grille surround
--
S
S
Body-color exterior door handles
S
S
S
Body-color power heated outside mirrors
S
S
S
Outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators
--
--
S
Power folding outside mirrors
--
--
S
Front variable intermittent windshield wipers
S
S
S
Rear window wiper and washer
S
S
S
Rear-window defroster
S
S
S
Rear spoiler
S
S
S
Locking fuel-filler door
S
S
S
Dual exhaust tips
--
--
S
"Eco" badge
--
O
--
InteriorLXEXSX
Tilt steering column
S
--
--
Tilt and telescopic steering column
--
S
S
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob
--
S (Except ECO Pkg)
S
UVO2 Infotainment System (includes Rear Camera Display)
--
O
S
AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system
S
S
S
SIRIUS® Satellite Radio
S
S
S
Four speakers
S
S
S
Tweeter speakers
--
S
S
USB/auxiliary input jacks
S
S
S
Supervision meter cluster
--
--
S
Trip computer
S
S
S
Tachometer
S
S
S
Shift indicator (A/T)
S
S
S
Dual 12V power outlets (front)
S
S
S
Dome light with delay out
S
S
S
Glove box illumination
S
S
S
Assist grips (x3)
S
S
S
Coat hook (x1)
S
S
S
Day/night interior rear view mirror
S
S
S
Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
--
S (Except ECO Pkg)
S
Dual map lights
--
S (Except ECO Pkg)
S
Metal pedals
--
--
S
Cargo cover
S
S
S
Cargo area light
S
S
S
Cargo under floor tray and net
--
S
S
Seating & TrimLXEXSX
Woven cloth seat trim
S
--
--
Knit cloth seat trim
--
S
--
Leather seat trim
--
--
S
6-way adjustable driver’s seat
S
S
S
Heated front seats
--
--
S
60/40 split-folding rear seat
S
S
S
Rear-seat adjustable headrests
S
S
S
Rear seat heater ducts (under front seats)
S
S
S
Metal-paint interior trim
--
S
S
Soft-touch dash pad
--
S (Except ECO Pkg)
S
Front door padded armrest
--
S
S
Center console with sliding armrest and storage area
--
S
S
Dual front cup holders
S
S
S
Front and rear door map pockets with bottle holder
S
S
S
Comfort, Convenience & TechnologyLXEXSX
Air conditioning
S
S
S
Power windows with driver's one-touch auto up and down
O
S
S
Power door locks with two-turn entry system
O
S
S
Remote keyless entry with trunk release
O
S
S
Push button start with Smart Key
--
--
S
Auto-on/off headlights
--
O
S
Steering-wheel-mounted audio control buttons
S
S
S
Bluetooth® wireless technology with steering-wheel-mounted controls
O
S
S
Cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls
--
S
S
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (A/T)
--
--
S
Active eco indicator (A/T)
S
S
S
Rear-camera display
--
O
S
Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and rear-camera display
--
--
S
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
S
S
S
Tire Mobility Kit (TMK)
S
S
S
ISG (Idle Stop & Go System)
--
O
--
Safety & SecurityLXEXSX
Rear child-safety door locks
S
S
S
Dual front advanced airbags
S
S
S
Dual front seat-mounted side airbags
S
S
S
Full-length side curtain airbags
S
S
S
Front and rear 3-point seat belts
S
S
S
Front seat-belt pretensioners with force limiters
S
S
S
Height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors
S
S
S
Anti-lock Brakes System (ABS)
S
S
S
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
S
S
S
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
S
S
S
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
S
S
S
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
S
S
S
Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
S
S
S
Side-impact door beams
S
S
S
Front and rear crumple zones
S
S
S
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
S
S
S

Pricing

ModelDescriptionMsrp
Rio 5-door LX1.6L GDI I4 - 6 A/T $15,495.00
Rio 5-door EX1.6L GDI I4 - 6 A/T $17,905.00
Rio 5-door SX1.6L GDI I4 - 6 A/T $20,905.00
Steve Allen: