For a small and inexpensive car, the 2018 Kia Rio has a lot of pluses and very few negatives. It is most refreshing to find a car so well equipped at this price point. It is what we are coming to expect from Kia, a car company that has built a reputation for dependable transportation with decent overall design and execution. Not to mention that Kia’s vehicles have an industry leading warranty that backs all of this up.
We took a 2018 Kia Rio EX 5-Door Hatchback with its 1.6-liter GDI powerplant out to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley with its twisty mountain roads, long flat interstates as well as the suburban grid of neighborhood streets. The Rio did well with two adults situations. Performing with adequate power, handling, and a ride that was not at all jarring, as one would think with a small car.
Look and Feel
The exterior design of the Kia Rio is very unassuming, with clean lines and a well-proportioned body. There is nothing flashy or garish (Kia’s new performance sedan the Stinger, is a bit more abrupt in its design – as were some of the previous Kia models, one was almost a hodgepodge of design.) While some think the Rio’s exterior is run-of-the-mill, to me the Rio is aesthetically pleasing, both inside and out.
The interior has an efficient and clean layout. Guages centered behind the steering wheel, a 7″ screen center for audio and backup camera display, controls for the HVAC are large and within easy reach, a familiar gearshift in the console and a hand-operated emergency brake. The switchgear clustered on the steering wheel and stalks may seem cluttered. On the other hand, you do not have to reach for anything, including cruise control.
Powertrain
The 1591 cc 1.6-liter double overhead cam Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine may not seem to be much, but with its dual continuously variable valve timing it produces 130 horsepower at 6300 rpm. You are not going to win at the drag strip with this little front driver! Mated to a 6-speed automatic with Sportmatic® it did produce the published 37 miles per gallon on the highway. The Sport Mode button is more than just for show, it did subtly downshift for more power.
Handling
This is not a sports hatch, nor does it pretend to be one. The handling was predictable and kept the four wheels on the road going around the interstate’s cloverleaf onramps as well as on the twisty back roads. I did not feel any wheelspin or torque steer with heavy acceleration. There was not an annoying ride by being shaken or jostled riding over expansion joints or rough road surfaces. The suspension provided a solid and flat handling that give the Rio a secure feel.
Details Matter
While indeed this EX is the top of the line model, it has some excellent items on the equipment list like fog lights Rear disc brakes Autonomous Emergency Braking4 Remote keyless entry Leather-wrapped steering wheel front and rear USB jacks, and Auto Light Control. The larger 7″ Touchscreen gives you a good view from the Rear Camera, and the UVO eServices Infotainment System connects to both Android Auto & Apple CarPlay Smartphone Integration. And yes you can subscribe to SIRIUSXM® as well as AM/FM and MP3 through the front USB outlet. Yes, the Rio we drove had was Bluetooth® enabled.
The UVO system links with your compatible smartphone for a hands-free way to stream music. Through the UVO app you are able to check maintenance requirements with Vehicle Diagnostics, and for access to 911 Connect or Enhanced Roadside Assist — all with no subscription fees for 10 years.
The downloadable UVO eSERVICES APP takes advantage of additional features like Parking Minder and can access the GPS in a compatible smartphone and other apps. Not all apps work through the touch screen.
Other assets you will find included in the Rio EX include a multi-adjustable driver’s seat, ours had Red Leather accents. A 60/40 split folding rear seats that make the trunk even bigger, and still carry a rear passenger. Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors. Remote keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering column leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, Steering wheel mounted controls (Bluetooth/Audio/Cruise,) gauge cluster w/ LCD display. Outside, fog lights multi-reflector headlights, and heated outside mirrors.
Saftey items that you don’t often find like autonomous emergency braking (AEB,) forward collision warning system (FCWS,) as well as front and side airbags.
Space both for passengers and cargo. This is a small car on the outside but did not feel so small on the inside. Neither of us was cramped sitting in the front seats, and the rear seats have adequate room, not spacious, both head and leg room. Cargo area expanded considerably with the rear seat partially or fully put down.
Bargain
At the time of this writing (May 2018) the car had a sticker of just over $20K including an $895 delivery fee. Kia is offering a $1000 discount the purchase price of the Rio or Zero Percent financing for 60 months with their finance company.
If you have participated in one of Kia’s customer experience events or signed up for information from the brand at a recent auto show, there may be additional discounts available to you. Always check your membership in the Warehouse Clubs, Automobile Associations, Insurance Company, Credit Union or professional association you may belong to see if they have a buying service or provide automotive discounts to their members.
Warranty
Kia has provided a 10 Year/100,000 Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty 5 Year/60,000 Mile Limited Basic Warranty 5 Year/60,000 Mile Roadside Assistance for a long time to demonstrate how good their vehicles are. This is one of the longest warranties on new cars sold in the marketplace.
Negatives
Yes, we found a few things we did not like in our day driving and riding in the 2018 Kia Rio EX 5-Door Hatchback Launch Edition. The very first audio experience you have with this car is the tinny sound when one opens the door from the door handle, while when you close the door, there is a solid thunk sound, which is good. While passenger comfort in the right front seat was fine for an hour-long drive, once moving over to the left driver’s seat, I found that I did not get enough thigh support and was always moving to find a more comfortable driving position. The clutter of the switchgear on the steering wheel. I am not a big fan of Kia’s Muffin center steering wheel, and the switches seemed to dominate both the wheel and the right (windshield wiper control) and the left (turn-signal) stalk. Though I know you would easily get used to them, and it is a plus not having to reach far to control just about everything on the vehicle.
Overall
We give the 2018 Kia Rio 5-door hatchback thumbs up for the value it provides. The only real drawback that I found was the tinny sound upon opening the doors, and it could use a little more thigh support for the driver seat.
Try one out for yourself
For more information download the 2018 Kia Rio Guidebook, or stop into a nearby Kia dealership for a test drive this model and others within the Kia lineup.
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