Used 2019 Kia Rio for sale 

The subcompact segment has some stiff competition, the Kia Rio competes with the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, and Nissan Versa Note. Kia offers a well-built cabin and the Rio looks upscale even for a subcompact. The Kia Rio presents itself as a strong contender in the subcompact segment. If you are in for a budget car, Rio should be high on your list.

The Kia Rio Sedan is available in two trim configurations only. It is available in S trim which offers features like 5-inch touchscreen infotainment, cloth upholstery, and a four-speaker audio system as standard. The S trim brings a bigger 7-inch infotainment system as a standard feature. Android Auto and Apple Carplay are available as standard features for the S trim.

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There is an optional Technology package that costs $800 and brings in much-needed safety features like forwarding Collision Warning and Avoidance Assistance and a 3.5-inch cluster display for the driver. Kia Rio with its 5-year basic warranty and 10-year powertrain warranty is a serious contender for both new and used cars.

Which trim should you buy?

Kia Rio Sedan is available in two trims. We would suggest most buyers go for the top-spec S trim for the additional creature comforts that will make your long-term ownership a drama-free affair. We would recommend buyers to add the optional Technology Package which brings in LED headlights and safety features.

Kia Rio is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produces 130 horsepower. The power is channeled to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission also lets you shift gear manually but it is better to leave the shifting duties to the computer.

The four-cylinder motor is better suited for in-town driving but it struggles at highway speed. As the revs increase, so does the coarseness of engine noise. On longer journeys, this engine noise can be uncomfortable. This little motor doesn't like to be worked too hard.

The Rio Sedan is fairly equipped to be a commuter and when compared to the competition it offers similar power specifications. The Chevy Sonic is the only turbocharged subcompact in this comparison and it greatly benefits from its class-leading torque output (148 lb.-ft.).

Acceleration performance of the 2019 KIA Rio sedan

The Rio Sedan with its normally aspirated engine completes the naught to sixty mph run in 8.5 seconds. The quarter-mile is passed in 16.7 seconds. Not many people are going to conquer lap times in this thing but for its nimble size and pretty low curb weight (2714 lbs.), the Rio performs well.

2019 Kia Rio is capable of tackling in-city driving modestly. When it comes to highway driving, you need to plan your overtaking maneuvers well and most of the time you would require a lot of space for executing passing maneuvers, safely. To your dismay, you will also need to floor the gas pedal, a few more times than you would actually like to.

Few cars in this comparison achieve their zero to sixty mph run in the sub-8-second window. Kia Rio and Chevy Sonic achieve this feat in this window. Majority of the position of the car in the sub-9-second window. The Versa is the slowest competitor in this comparison.

Ride and Handling of the 2019 KIA Rio sedan

Kia Rio sedan is not a fancy car and thereby it doesn't have a long list of standard features but for a budget car, the Rio drives surprisingly well. The steering offers an adequate response, it doesn't come off as vague at any time. The driving position is comfortable and all-around visibility is good. Maneuvering the Rio is no task, it is nimble and responds well to your inputs. Ride quality is acceptable for a subcompact and your passengers will be comfortable.

Braking performance of the 2019 KIA Rio sedan

The Kia Rio is equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The brakes are decent and offer a good bite. 2019 Kia Rio decelerates from 70 mph to a standstill within 182 feet. These numbers are good for a subcompact. There is enough stopping power to save you from close situations.

Due to the unavailability of braking data for most cars, we are unable to compare Rio's braking performance with others. According to the data from 2018, Rio's cousin Hyundai Accent pulls off a 173 sixty to zero braking maneuver without any issues.

These small engines may lack power but they offer good fuel economy. 2019 Kia Rio offers a combined fuel economy of 32 miles to the gallon. If we consider the competition, Rio's fuel economy is lower than its counterparts.

Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa sacrifice power in favor of returning better mpg numbers. Both of these sedans do a segment-leading - 34 mpg of combined mpg. Being the only turbo-four in the comparison, the Chevy Sonic doesn't live up as a frugal choice in this class.

The Kia Rio has its share of hard plastics but it doesn't come off as cheap. The interior offers cloth upholstery. Kia has utilized the interior space well and the Rio may be a subcompact but its cabin doesn't feel too small. Like other cars in the segment, the Rio has a low roof. So, you need to duck a bit to get inside the car and this trend will continue for most of the cars in this segment.

Once inside, the seats offer good support. The front legroom and headroom are good and the seats feel comfy and roomy. The rear can be cramped, especially for taller passengers and if you are sitting behind a tall driver then there would be limited leg room. Seating three at the rear would be quite uncomfortable and would be suited for short commutes.

Kia hasn't made compromises to essential elements such as the steering wheel, armrest, and the upper part of the dashboard. Unlike many competitors, Rio's cabin is well built and Kia has taken special care that the cabin feels better than other cars in this class.

Infotainment system inside the 2019 KIA Rio sedan

The base LX trim is offered with a 5-inch touchscreen display and 4 speakers. The S trim gets the 7-inch touchscreen system with Kia's proprietary UVO system and e-services and a 6-speaker setup.

The UVO system has the class-leading performance. Kia's UVO system has a logical layout and the controls fall naturally to the hand. For S trim, Apple Carplay and Android Auto are offered as a standard feature.

Interior Features

The Kia Rio is offered with a substantial list of features that make commuting a relatively hassle-free affair. A few of these features are:

• Manual Air Conditioning
• Interior Air Filtration
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Cruise Control
• 5-inch/7-inch Touch-Screen Display
• 4/6 Speakers
• 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats

Cargo Capacity of the 2019 KIA Rio sedan

The Rio Sedan offers 13.7 cu-ft. of cargo space. The rear space can be increased when the rear seats are folded down. A 60/40 split seat makes it easier to stash longer items while seating a passenger in the back. 2019 Kia Rio has ample space for storing small items. The center console, a decently sized glovebox, and bottle holders at front and rear.

The 2019 Rio is available as either a sedan or a hatchback. The two share a purposeful front end, with their wide front grille and swept-back headlights. From the side, the Rio sedan is conventional, while the hatchback's long roof gives it a sportier flair. Both tail ends are tasteful and simple and look a few bucks above their reasonable prices of entry.

The Kia Rio underwent a generational change last year. The 2019 Kia Rio represents the fourth generation of the vehicle. When it comes to styling, the Rio is a cut above the rest of the subcompacts with its design elements which have been borrowed from its Stinger big brother.

The Rio sports a wide front grille and swept-back headlights which resemble the Stinger. The rear fascia is well done and looks more premium than the competition.

KIA Rio has one of the larger wheelbases in this comparison at 101.6-inch but at a height of 57.1-inch, the Rio is shorter than most of the subcompacts in the comparison. This results in lesser headroom for rear passengers.

The Kia Rio Sedan hasn't been crash-tested by both the safety agencies (NHTSA and IIHS), yet. We will update this section as soon as the safety tests are conducted. Rio can be equipped with optional safety features at minimal expense.

The Kia Rio is offered with safety features like 4-wheel antilock brakes. A rearview camera is a standard feature.

• Brake Assist System
• Traction Control System
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill Assist Control
• 4 Wheel ABS Brakes
• Airbags ( Driver, Passenger, Front Side & Side Curtain)

KIA Rio vs Hyundai Accent

Considering the generous list of equipment it offers at the price point Hyundai Accent offers great value for money. The updated Accent features an engine that has good low-end torque which makes it perform well in city conditions.

It offers one of the best cargo spaces in the segment. The seats could have been more supportive but the cabin is quiet. Accent seamlessly brings comfort, style, and utility together.

KIA Rio vs Chevrolet Sonic

The Chevrolet Sonic is equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that produces 138 horsepower. Chevy Sonic is easier to drive because of its turbocharged engine. This makes Sonic more fun to drive a car in a segment where most cars have normally aspirated engines.

Chevy Sonic can be had with a six-speed manual or automatic at all trim levels. Sonic loses to Rio when it comes to interior quality, Rio uses better plastics. Rio's powertrain is more refined than Sonic. Rio with its better plastics

KIA Rio vs Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa Note is powered by a 109 hp inline-four engine. The pricing for the Versa Note starts at $15,650. The Versa Note is underpowered so be prepared for lackluster acceleration. On the upside, Versa offers excellent mpg numbers. The interior is roomy but lacks the fit and finish which is seen on the Kia Rio. We would recommend you to spend a little more to get something more powerful than the Versa Note.

Kia Rio is powered by a 130 hp inline-four engine. The Rio Sedan is available in two easy to choose trim levels. The prices for the 2019 Kia Rio start at $16,400. Kia Rio is a well-known nameplate in the subcompact segment. It comes with a massive 10-year warranty for the powertrain.

Kia Rio Sedan is only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission which limits us from pushing the vehicle to its edge. The lack of a manual transmission is evident. The space for front passengers is good but the rear seats might feel cramped for three passengers. The 2019 Kia Rio has enough power for city driving but it struggles on the highway.

For a budget car, the Rio checks most of the correct boxes. It has well laid out cabin, a generous cargo space, relatively better handling, and an easy to use infotainment system. Not everyone would be happy to be in a Kia Rio but considering the things on offer, actually a lot on offer for the price. Kia Rio should be high on your list if you are looking for a budget car.

Kia Rio is powered by a 130 hp inline-four engine. The Rio Sedan is available in two easy to choose trim levels. The prices for the 2019 Kia Rio start at $16,400. Kia Rio is a well-known nameplate in the subcompact segment. It comes with a massive 10-year warranty for the powertrain.Kia Rio Sedan is only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission which limits us from pushing the vehicle to its edge. The lack of a manual transmission is evident. The space for front passengers is good but the rear seats might feel cramped for three passengers. The 2020 Kia Rio has enough power for city driving but it struggles on the highway.

For a budget car, the Rio checks most of the correct boxes. It has a well laid out cabin, a generous cargo space, relatively better handling and an easy to use infotainment system. Not everyone would be happy to be in a Kia Rio but considering the things on offer, actually a lot on offer for the price. Kia Rio should be high on your list if you are looking for a budget car.