2020 Kia Rio Review

　　

2020 Kia Rio Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Value reigns supreme in the subcompact class, but that doesn't mean you need to settle for a car with bland character. The 2020 Kia Rio is priced reasonably but also comes with a load of features and a sporty character.

　　The Rio was redesigned two years ago, upgraded with a more sophisticated suspension, better ride quality and classier styling. But its strengths remained. The small cabin feels roomier than it appears (at least for front passengers), thanks to the thoughtful interior design and intuitive control layout. The infotainment software and touchscreen interface rate as some of the best in class, and the Rio's crisp handling and steering make it one of the livelier subcompacts around.

　　For 2020, there's a new four-cylinder engine and new transmission to go with it. The engine lost 10 horsepower, which gives us some pause. The Rio wasn't that quick with its last engine. But Kia says it's more efficient, capable of 41 mpg highway and 36 mpg combined, gains of roughly 10%.

　　The Rio's previous engine felt zippy enough around town but ran out of breath at higher speeds. We'll have to wait and see how the new engine and transmission combination performs. In theory, the new continuously variable automatic transmission should do a better job keeping the engine in the sweet spot of power delivery.

　　Other upgrades for this year include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and a larger 7-inch touchscreen display.

　　As its strengths remain, so, too, do the Rio's weaknesses, namely a lack of space. There's not a whole lot of rear-seat room, and trunk space is average at best. And while front and side airbags come standard, other safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, are only available as options. But if these shortcomings aren't deal-breakers, the 2020 Kia Rio still impresses with its excellent warranty, generous set of features and nice price, even when fully loaded.

　　

Which Rio does zzdcar recommend?

Unless you're on a strict budget, we suggest springing for the top-trim S. It's about $600 more than the base model and comes with desirable features such as a 60/40-split folding rear seat, cruise control and keyless entry. The S can also be upgraded with the optional Technology package, which comes with LED headlights, forward collision warning and assist, and Kia's Uvo telematics system.

　　

2020 Kia Rio models

The 2020 Kia Rio is a subcompact car available either as a sedan or a hatchback (Kia calls it the 5-Door). The sedan comes in two trim levels, LX and S, while the hatchback is only sold in S trim.

　　The LX is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (120 horsepower, 112 lb-ft of torque) and a continuously variable automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Standard features include heated side mirrors, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a six-speaker sound system.

　　The S adds remote keyless entry with a trunk opener, a 60/40-split folding rear seat with adjustable headrests, a center console with a sliding armrest, cruise control, and an additional USB port for rear passengers.

　　An optional Technology package that's only available for the S trim adds LED headlights, forward collision warning and emergency braking, Kia's Uvo eServices communications, an upgraded driver information display, and satellite radio.

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2020 Rio Highlights

Type: HatchbackSedanSedan

　　Trim: LXSLX

　　

Base MSRP	$15,850
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	36 MPG
Cost to Drive	$104/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles