Looking for a subcompact sedan or hatchback that doesn't feel like a penalty box? The 2017 Kia Rio might be the car for you. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
Transcript
TRAVIS LANGNESS: I'm editor Travis Langness, and this is an Edmunds Expert Rundown of the 2017 Kia Rio. [MUSIC PLAYING] If you're looking for a subcompact sedan that won't break the bank and doesn't feel like a penalty box, you're looking in the right place. The 2017 Kia Rio is a roomy, four-door subcompact that comes as a sedan or as a hatchback. It gets lots of standard equipment relative to its price. And while it may feel a little bit basic, it doesn't feel like a disappointment when you drive it. The ride quality is a bit stiff, especially on the SX model with the sporty suspension. But you get responsive handling as a trade-off, so it might be worth it in the long run. The Rio also has good standard warranty coverage, and relatively quick acceleration for the segment. Both are pluses if you're on a budget. The Rio's interior isn't exactly plush, but it does have some nice soft-touch materials on the upper trim levels, and the fit and finish is high quality. [MUSIC PLAYING] The seats up front are a bit flat, without much bolstering, but they're comfortable enough for daily commutes and the occasional road trip. And the cabin controls are laid out in a straightforward manner that's pretty easy to learn. [MUSIC PLAYING] We also like the Kia Rio's optional 7-inch touchscreen with Kia UVO technology. It's got crisp graphics and easy-to-use controls. For the 2017 Kia Rio, the bottom line is that it's got a lot of value, lots of standard and available features, and for a class that's got some pretty humdrum vehicles, it's a likeable option. We also recommend checking out the Honda Fit and the Ford Fiesta. For more reviews and Edmunds Expert Rundowns, click the link to subscribe.
Budget-conscious consumers shopping in the crowded subcompact market segment would do well to add the 2017 Kia Rio to their must-drive list. With a low price point, attractive styling, roomy interior and decent performance, the Rio offers solid value per dollar. And like many of its class rivals, Kia's entry-level model has expanded in both size and available features, proving that you don't necessarily have to sacrifice comfort in the name of economy.
Having undergone a significant exterior and interior refresh last year — which gave it restyled front and rear ends, new options and a standard six-speed automatic transmission in the hatchback version — the Rio is largely unchanged for 2017. The SX trim level has been dropped for the sedan, and Digital Yellow is now off the list of color choices.
Under the hood, the only powerplant remains a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. In the LX sedan it comes mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic as an option. All other models include the automatic as standard equipment.
Fuel economy for the Rio equipped with the manual gearbox is EPA rated at 31 mpg combined (27 city/36 highway). Choosing the automatic transmission drops the rating just a bit to 30 mpg (still 27 city/36 highway).
On the road, the SX trim level displays responsive handling courtesy of a sport-oriented suspension, while the EX excels at a more comfortable ride, so buyers might want to arrange some test-drives before making a decision. Acceleration is a strong suit, thanks to one of the peppiest engines in the class, although high revs tend to amp up the noise level.
The Rio's interior, while not exactly plush in standard trim, is nicely designed, logically laid out and constructed of good-quality materials. There's plenty of room for both front- and rear-seat occupants, and cargo space, already fairly generous, can be expanded by folding the 60/40-split rear seatbacks. Optional packages and accessories allow buyers to add an impressive array of comfort and convenience features, including such luxuries as heated leather seats, navigation and a premium infotainment system.
The Rio is available as either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, with the sedan offered in LX and EX trim levels and the hatchback in LX, EX and SX trims. The base LX models come with all the necessary equipment to keep you comfortable on the road, although drivers will need to make do with roll-up windows and rather basic amenities. The EX and SX trims provide considerably more features and are definitely worth a look for those seeking a bit more comfort and technology. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the 2017 Kia Rio that best meets your needs.
2017 Kia Rio Overview
The 2017 Kia Rio is offered in the following submodels: Hatchback, Sedan. Available styles include LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A), LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M), and LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A). Rio models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 Rio comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual. The 2017 Rio comes with a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 10 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2017 Kia Rio a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Kia Rio and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Rio featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
2017 Kia Rio inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Kia Rio for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 55 new and 135 used and CPO 2017 Rios listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 8998 and mileage as low as 9. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Kia Rio. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 3200 on a new, used, or CPO 2017 Rio available from one of 2631 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Is the 2017 Kia Rio safe? The 2017 Kia Rio earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 4.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
MPG
2017 kia rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A), 6-speed shiftable automatic, regular unleaded 30 combined MPG 27 city MPG/36 highway MPG
2017 kia rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M), 6-speed manual, regular unleaded 31 combined MPG 27 city MPG/36 highway MPG
2017 kia rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A), 6-speed shiftable automatic, regular unleaded 30 combined MPG 27 city MPG/36 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2017 Kia Rio?
Available Kia Rio 2017 Submodel Types: Sedan, Hatchback, Wagon
Available Kia Rio 2017 Trims: LX, EX, S, Base, Rio5 LX, Rio5 SX, SX, Cinco
Exterior Colors: Clear White, Bright Silver, Aurora Black, Signal Red, Silky Silver, Deep Sea Blue, Digital Yellow, Urban Blue, Currant Red, Phantom Gray, Silverstone Beige, Black, Polar Blue Metallic, Sapphire Blue Metallic, Silver, Sunset Orange, Tropical Red, Tropical Red Metallic, Chestnut, Electronic Blue, Ice Wine, Midnight Black, Sapphire Blue, Smoke Blue, Sunset Orange Metallic, Willow Green
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Beige cloth, Black Cloth cloth, Gray cloth, Black premium cloth, Beige premium cloth, Black leather
Popular Features: Rear Bench Seats, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, USB Inputs, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Stability Control, Trip Computer, Bluetooth, Back-up camera, Alarm, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Post-collision safety system, Pre-collision safety system, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Leather Seats
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
