2012 Kia Rio5 SX: Great improvments in past decade

Written by Steven Macoy
Thursday, 29 November 2012 12:05

2012 Kia Rio5 SXJust before we read the Nov. 2 Washington Post article about Hyundai’s and Kia’s suspect fuel-economy claims, our 2013 Kia Rio test car’s dashboard readout rolled up to 40 mpg during a 22-mile highway run. In our experience, these readouts are credible. However, “The latest models of the Hyundai Elantra, Accent, and Veloster, as well as the Kia Rio, will no longer be able to claim 40 miles per gallon on the highway,” the Post reported.

Whom do you believe, the EPA or the fuel-economy readout in front of you? We’ll leave that one for owners to answer. As it happens, Kia and Hyundai are not contesting the EPA’s findings and will reimburse customers for the extra fuel they may have used.

To characterize the current incarnation of the Rio as a dramatic improvement over the 2001 model we drove 12 years ago would be a laughable understatement. The debut Rio was small, noisy and seriously underpowered. Moreover, it was uncompetitive with Japanese stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra in the fuel-economy department. The new Rio runs with the big dogs … well, the little big dogs.

The fuel-economy readout on our Signal Red 2013 Rio5 SX, a sporty hatchback, usually registered 34 to 37 mpg in mixed driving. The car is also smoother and quieter than first- and second-generation Rios. Front legroom was satisfactory for tall drivers, head room was good all around, and cargo room was ample. Tall passengers can sit in back, but not with either front seat in the rear-most position.

The SX is the most well-appointed version of the Rio. The base LX starts at $13,800; it’s a true economy car with hand-cranked windows. Step up to the EX and you’ll pay $16,700. Our SX had a base price of $17,900 and came with no options. Kia also offers a similarly priced Rio sedan.

“No optional equipment” means a 4-cylinder, 138-horsepower engine — the only one offered throughout the Rio line — and six-speed manual transmission. Otherwise, the car was very well appointed, with air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry and start, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless technology, cruise control, navigation system, rear camera, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and more.

The Rio rides pleasantly, and with the stick shift, it was quick off the line. (A six-speed automatic is also available.) The steering is very light and a little vague; the car handled competently but didn’t give drivers much encouragement to put it through its paces. The similar Hyundai Accent has accumulated average to above-average reliability records in Consumer Reports magazine owner surveys. The Rio received at least four-star ratings (out of a possible five) in all government safety tests.

In the past, Kia buyers were attracted by the cars’ high levels of standard features and low prices. Today’s Kia Rio adds an important new element: It’s pleasant, just short of invigorating, to drive.

Steven Macoy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor who lives in Bethel, Conn.

Price: $18,650

Engine: 1.6-liter Four, 138 horsepower, 123 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Drive: Front-wheel

Weight: 2,483 lb.

Suspension: MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear

Wheels: 17x6.5-in. alloy (optional)

Tires: 205/45R17 all-season

Seating capacity: 5

Luggage capacity: 15 cu. ft.

Maximum cargo capacity: 49.8 cu. ft.

Fuel capacity: 11.4 gallons

Fuel economy: 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway

Fuel type: Regular

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