STRENGTHS:
Low base price; outstanding fuel efficiency; spacious interior; assured ride; maneuverability; long warranty.
VALUE:
The 2010 Kia Rio is one of the lowest-priced cars for sale in the U.S., and it is also one of the more fuel-efficient with a EPA highway rating of up to 36 mpg. It stands out for its nicely tuned suspension, which offers a less choppy ride than many other small cars and for its generous interior space; according to Kia, the Rio sedan's 92.2 cubic feet of passenger volume is larger than either the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. The Rio is also especially attractive for its warranty coverage-Kia offers a 5-year / 60,000-mile limited warranty, ten years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain and five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.
WHAT'S NEW:
For 2010, the Kia Rio and Rio5 receive an exterior facelift, with updates to the front fascia, grille and headlights, as well as some interior enhancements, which include a revised center stack with new controls, a slightly different instrument cluster and an upgraded stereo system with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. The Rio is now available only in LX and SX trims.