Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

Kia Rio: Compact and Fuel Efficient with Power to Surprise

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Kia continues to live up to their tagline “power to surprise” with the Kia Rio. This super sporty and incredibly affordable vehicle may not boast the hybrid qualities of the Kia Optima or the flexible seating in the Sorento, but it’s a solid car that delivers on performance for anyone looking for a compact vehicle.
Kia Rio

One the most impressive factors about the Kia Rio is it’s gas mileage. Commuters, students, and families in need of a second car will appreciate getting 30 miles per gallon (MPG) city and 40 MPG highway, especially given the fact that gas prices aren’t falling anytime soon.

The car handles like a sports car. It’s zippy and has a great turning radius due to its compact size. It’s also a dream to parallel park in tight spaces.  It has a tight suspension that my two back seat passengers complained about saying, “it’s a little too bumpy.”

The interior of the car is functional but lacks luxury extras one might find in other more expensive Kia models.  The monochromatic dash features basic gauges without shiny chrome trim. Six large buttons surround a somewhat small screen that won’t wow drivers who are used to large high resolution screens in the center console but doesn’t detract from the functionality.
Bluetooth pairing is as easy as can be. Sirius is a nice add-on for anyone who might want satellite radio. Instead of pricey in-car navigation, budget consumers can connect their phone via one of 2 USB ports to use GPS navigation through their mobile device.
Powered USB and two 12 volt outlets- bring your own conversion plugs

The hatch back model of the Kia Rio has adequate trunk space. The split in the back seat allows for extra cargo space but if you’re looking to transport large items, it’s best to ask a friend with a bigger trunk for assistance.

While the Kia Rio might not be the best choice for a primary family car for our family of 4 plus our large Labrador, it would be a perfect choice for a recent college graduate, anyone with a long commute that needs a second car, and urbanites who will appreciate the small size fitting into tight parking spaces.
Back seat of the Kia Rio with booster seats
Geek Factor
  • Bluetooth that takes seconds to pair with your phone
  • Aux input, single USB and two 12 volt outlets
  • Con: The USB connection is in a visible place under the center console. You wouldn’t want to leave a mobile device plugged in all the time because it’s an open invitation to break into your car. The two 12 volt outlets require adapters to charge additional USB devices while driving.
Kid Factor
  • 2 booster seats fit in the back but there may not be enough room for a rear facing convertible car seat.
  • Our two backseat riders reported a bumpy ride due to the sportiness of the car.
Dog Factor
  • Sadly there wasn’t enough room for our 4 year old 90 pound yellow Labrador in this compact car. Compact hatchbacks aren’t exactly pet friendly unless your dog is a front seat rider! 
The sporty, fuel efficient Kia Rio is best for:
  • A recent college grad on a budget
  • Secondary car for a commuter
  • Cool aunt and uncle with no kids
  • Family with 1 child
  • Family who wants to invest in a safe car now for a child who will inherit it in a few years when they reach driving age 
Consider the Kia Rio if you’re looking at the following cars:
  • Mazda 3
  • Prius C
  • Ford Fiesta or Focus
  • Honda Fit or Civic
  • Volkswagen Golf 

I received a Kia Rio for the week as a loan along with a full tank of gas.  All opinions are based on the experience of me, my family, and our dog during the time we had the vehicle and were not influenced by Kia in any way. No compensation was received for this review.

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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    Dear Savvy Mama;
    Glad to see you were so impressed with the fuel economy of your 2012 Kia Rio5. Your lucky the vehicle was simply (loaned) to you rather then having actually purchased it. Unless your Kia Rio was “tweeked”, something is very odd. Most 2012 Kia Rio owners , including myself I might add have reported poor or dismal fuel economy to say the least. My old 2006 Kia Rio6 got better gas mileage then my new one even with the GDI engine and the 6-speed automatic transmission. I average around 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway which is typical of what other owners have reported. Nice car, great price, lousy gas mileage, period!