2012 Kia Rio SX Sedan (941)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2012 Kia Rio SX Sedan. Although I had only tested the Rio 5 in past years I was pleasantly surprised that it was larger than I had expected. My recall of those earlier models was that they were small, and then I drove cars like the Smart and learned what small is. This model year Rio is not small. It accommodated 4 adults, all their luggage, and had room to spare. I was really happy with the size of the trunk and it still had good rear seat legroom. Ok, so I didn’t sit back there but no one was complaining. There was still the back seat driving, but leg room was not the complaint.

Only a mother could love most of this group of competitors when it comes to looks, but the Kia Rio is not one of those, in my opinion.

General Information:

It is assembled in Korea . Classification is Compact. Cars from Kia: Forte, Forte Koup, Optima, Optima Hybrid, Rio, Rio5, Sedona, Sorento, Soul and Sportage.

Handling & Performance:

It is a good size for ease of handling but it is a little limited in power which makes passing other traffic more difficult than I like. But then, 40 mpg is hard to beat on that same highway.

Styling:

Styling is pretty simple with traditional sedan lines. Nice.

Fit and Finish:

Good.

Cost:

This segment of the market is rich in value and the 18 competitors that are all well priced, gives them a high value to cost ratio.

Conveniences and comfort:

Everything I need in a compact sedan is delivered in this Rio. In fact I could lose the built in Nav in favor for a portable one for about $100 to $200 and as to the sun / moon roof I must tell you it is a feature that is passé. Of all the vehicles I drive I can honestly say I almost never open the power moon roof. And in this case the moon roof and the Navigation will add $2,200.

Consumer Recommendation:

This Kia Rio is a great small or young family sedan that serves as a commuter with great fuel economy. The competition is fierce and that is good for you and me. With so much for the money it is hard to imagine anyone not being able to afford convenient and reliable transportation.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, so I’m guessing style will be the main determining factor on which car you would buy. However, some are super small like the Smart and the Scion iQ and don’t really belong in this category, but they are listed as such. They are not only two seaters they have a very limited cargo area. Most others in this group including the Fiat, the Mitsubishi I, the Honda Fit may have a back seat but then the cargo area is almost non-existent.

Recognized Competition:

Kia Rio $17,000, Chevrolet Sonic $14,000, Scion xD $15,000, Scion xB $16,000, Toyota Yaris $14,000, Suzuki SX4 Sport $14,000, Hyundai Veloster $17,000, Fiat 500 $16,000, Toyota Prius c $19,000, Ford Fiesta $13,000, Honda Fit $15,000, Mazda 2 $16,000, Hyundai Accent $15,000, Nissan Versa $11,000, Smart fortwo $12,000, Scion iQ $15,000, Mitsubishi i $29,000, Chevrolet Aveo $12,000.

Good News:

Roomy compact with great mileage for today’s world and even more in tomorrows, good size trunk that held luggage for 4 adults, important control features.

Bad News:

A little light on the horsepower as it strained to pass other traffic.

Standard Equipment:

1.6 liter 138 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed auto transmission, electric power steering, front, side and side curtain airbags, LATCH system, traction control, stability control, stability management, hill assist control, air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, audio with CD/MP3, SIRIUS satellite radio, video display with rear camera, SSB and Aux input jacks, 60/40 split folding rear seat, cruise control, Bluetooth wireless technology, tilt / telescopic steering wheel, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls, leather wrapped shift knob, auto headlights, fog lights, power heated mirrors.

Gas Stats:

$4.13/ Gal avg. October 3, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

30 City and 40 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $17,500.