2018 Kia Rio EX

2018 Kia Rio EX

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Kia Rio EX. I hadn’t reviewed a Kia since 2016 and always trumpet this company as price competitive and a reliable product. I haven’t heard anyone bad mouth the product including readers, consumer or any journalist colleague. On the contrary, at auto journalist gathering the talk is how good the product is.

Consumers have apparently experienced what I have and that is seen in the huge growing number of Kia products on our highways. It’s always nice to be validated in predicting based on my exposure to all manufacturers. In the case of Kia / Hyundai, I’ve had the opportunity of visiting their manufacturing facilities and meeting all levels of labor and management. I was encouraged by meeting those people and learning their policies to be noble.

Kia, in this class, is so well priced I can’t imagine anyone being without transportation in cities like Los Angeles. That is not true is places like New York City where parking is virtually an impossible obstacle to owning a car. Thus, it makes total sense to ride public transportation as they do.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Pesqueria, Mexico; Parts- US/Canadian 2%,Mexico43%, Korea55%; Engine and transmission- Mexico; Classification is- Compact; Cars from Kia- Cadenza, Forte, Forte5, K900, Niro,Optima, Rio, Rio 5-door, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Soul, Sportage and Stinger.

Handling & Performance:

Well, it is light weight at about 2700 pounds and thus is a little light on its feet which you feel in high winds on the open highway. But it is a solid city-friendly and commuter compact sedan that handles well around town and to and from work, etc.

Its small 4-cylinder engine serves it well on city streets but a little light weight on those highway road trips. You will think twice about traveling slow behind a slow truck and then wanting to pass. But if you are moving with traffic it is not a problem passing other traffic.

On-the-whole the Rio is an unexpectedly comfortable ride, even on longer trips. One must keep the pros and cons in perspective when you look at its functionality in light on the cost to buy and operate as well.

Styling:

Simple clean lines. Well-appointed and nice look and feel inside.

Fit and Finish:

Good.

Cost:

Exceptional value.

Conveniences and comfort:

UVO eServices is a subscription-free OEM infotainment and telematics service offered in America on select vehicles. UVO is short for your voice and activates media such as the HD radio, CD player and built-in digital jukebox. It also can interface with your Bluetooth-enabled phone.

Good high-tech features for the money and competitive in class.

Consumer Recommendations:

This is a great young family car and especially when budget is important. This is a great value.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Great value, good fuel economy, great company, good features listing.

Bad News:

N/A

Standard Equipment:

1.6 liter gas injection 4-cylinder 130 hp engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, 15” alloy wheels, 6 airbags, Latch child safety system, ABS braking system, traction and stability control systems, stability management, hill start assist, tire pressure monitor, air conditioning, power windows, heated mirrors and locks, AM/FM/MP3 with 7” touchscreen and rear camera, UVO eServices and Infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Sirius XM, USB and AUX input jacks, Bluetooth, cloth seating, 60/40 split folding rear seats, remote keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, steering wheel controls for audio, cruise and Bluetooth, automatic emergency brake, forward collision warning system and fog lights.

Gas Stats:

$3.79 Gal avg. October 23, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

28 City and 37Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $18,400.