I have the 2012 Kia Rio5. Had it now for 16 months now and still love it. I think it handles great and drives awesome. I have done many road trips 1200 miles plus and never felt like I wanted to pull over because of being uncomfortable. I'm 6'4" 210lbs and I fit with room to spare. I can stretch both legs out all the way straight when cruise control is on.
I agree that this top line model for 21K is a bit too much for the money especially for subcompact car. I bought the 2015 Rio LX+ guise with the 6-speed manual transmission. The package included power windows, heated front seats and side mirror, USB connectivity, voice command, air, etc. and all came out at 17K and change. The 6-speed manual is not available on this model tested here which is a shame! I strongly disagree that the engine is noisy and underpowered at all. I feel it's quite smooth, refined and peppy for the size of the motor. Acceleration is quite brisk, passing and merging at highway speeds is a breeze especially if you downshift. At 120k/hr. in 6th gear (at about 3K RPM) the engine just purrs silently and if you don't watch it you'll be doing way above speed limits without knowing it.... but that's where the cruise control comes handy. These guys seems to be comparing the room to a Honda Accord or Cruise but those cars are about 1-2 class above subcompact level. This little car has lots of room compared to its direct competition. Style and features are amazing for the price if careful with options. This car is amazing and is the best car for my needs as an economical, gas efficient runabout car. I love driving the car...aand hardly use my SUV anymore especially now that winter is almost over. I'm having fun with this car and with its excellent warranty... I'm sure I will be driving it for a long time!
Thank you for sharing you inputs about your Rio. I am considering the 2015 Rio Hatchback for my first car. I am happy to hear the engine noise is lesser and more pull power compared to what the video mentioned.
Same here, been driving a 2015 lx plus manual for 6 years, fun basic stylish and frugal, around 6 to 7 liters for a 100km, reliable but rust on the hatch(lots of spots) but the car is reliable and solid, fun to drive and cost me nothing now....wanna buy something new but want to keep this litle bugger around since resale is so low....but keeping it for another year makes me smile....it is a fun car, sporty when you push it and comfortable when driving it conservatively...i like it a lot! It handle snow like a champ with blizzack tires!
its actually called the Nisaan Versa, u see ... The Versa 1.6 features black trim (instead of body-colored) for the exterior mirror housings, license plate trim, and front grille; 14-inch steel wheels; black interior; four radio speakers with pre-wiring for a radio-but no radio itself. Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and keyless entry are offered as part of a value package.
Pic up is quick on the highway. I zip right up the steep mountains hills without any lag. One thing they left out is that it has Hill Stop Assist which is great living in San Francisco like I do. For the price tag and best warranty in it class and beyond, I highly recommend this car. I also have a review on mine,
The RIO has 138 hp... compare that to the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Yaris... you get better mileage and more power with the RIO and on top of that a 5 year comprehensive warranty compared to the others being limited to powertrain for same time frame in Canada. Rio all the way.
I came here because saw listing for 13 Rio LX for $4800 76 K miles. I’m going to go look at it in a little while. Is it solid reliable car getting a lot of mileage out of them before any major repairs?
I bought mine for 16k with 90k km and its good I'd give it a 9/10 also because its dirt cheap on gas and its comfortable to be in. Negatives about the car is the noises it makes and the media system is pretty bad but easily replaceable :) Good video
I don’t agree with almost anything the dude with the tight pants had to say. My 2017 Rio with a manual transmission has great acceleration. Rio’s are usually praised for its strong acceleration in reviews, for this class. I paid $12,700 new for mine. I love the direct injection, dual overhead cam engine. The transmission is absolutely perfect when shifting gears. I am getting 37 mpg in mixed driving. With its 10 year/ 100,000 mile warranty, it can’t be beat.
Slightly under powered? It has a lot of Zip. Get the 6 speed manual. I drove new left over 2017, it is really quick. The steering was very precise and had decent feedback. I feel like we drove a different car. I even managed 44 mpg on the freeway at 60 mph. Most people, it seems, like that lifted feel at the driver's seat. I want the base model for the transmission and a under 11 grand price. Can live without keyless entry and power windows and locks. It drives more like a Mazda 3 than a Nissan Versa. Sweet car. 21 grand, go up a few classes, get your self a higher end car discounted. Go base with this.
Alex -- that old Ford Windstar comparison -- that's going a little back. And Ford's currently not making minivans. (Note: With the Flex and Explorer, why does Ford need one?)
Dave/Alex- something doesn't sit right. My 90 Civic DX hatch routinely gets 35mpg in city- 43/44 mpg highway with modest throttle body injection, 1.5L. naturally aspirated...all stock. Not picking on Kia here, but shouldn't 35mpg city be a minimum with this class of vehicle....especially having current GDI technology? Some of the next-gen Civics after mine were reported to get almost 50mpg highway....makes me wonder if airbags and current day safety stuff are adding weight. thx
all the pro youtubers come out. nice video. tho I think the sound might have some issues or maybe its my earphones. anyway wish it had been the hatchback. since that's what im looking into. my Camaro is killing my wallet in everyday driving. no complaints on the highway. nearly matched my kia forte on the highway. deff looking into a rio. people always forget to mention the warranty.
camaro is geared well for hwy ive gotten 36mpg in a ss on the hwy long gears volester is nice but its the same engine and trans as the kia at 16k so yea kia is a good choice the volester handles amazing tho lol
@Everyman Driver I noticed one concern that this video had neglected to show. Now, I may just be nit picky myself, but I STRONGLY felt that the Rio's rear view window was extremely shortened. Ontop of that, the review mirror is slanted & has the seats up high. I fear it's a scary shoulder check seen as you can barely see out of the rear view window.
Looks good on the exterior, but I think for the same price I would go with a subaru impreza which has slightly more power and identical gas mileage, plus the advantage of AWD.
I wasn't saying that buying new cars was wrong. New cars are perfectly fine, for those who can afford it. My point was that a college student should focus on his debt in the first place, then worry about new cars, TV's, etc. It's a terrible advice to suggest that students should enter the car payment game when they already are piling up their education debt. Anyway, clearly this isn't a popular view. People seemingly love investing in depreciating assets and paying a lifetime of interests...
Amen to that. My 89 mighty max 2.0 only has 90hp. I'm happy whenever I drive my step-grandparents '06 Sentra, that's got a lot of power compared to my car. I want to save up for a Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel though and even that isn't much of a fast car, but still a hell of a fun drive compared to the sentra and my car.
hello guys,thank you for the info,impressive car no doubt.great engine,enough space for our family.The most impressive part is the steering weel and the panorama roof.On the other hand the price 40,000 US dollars is also impressive,but could be lower,if y wish.
@6:15 Comparable to Accord ?? Comparable to Cruze?? Cruze has one of the least legroom in its class and accord has one of the highest in its class !! Dint get your comparison here.
Bought a Kia Rio Aug 5 last year, car drives well but the automobile fuel efficiency is completely out of reach -- through research i found out that the official rating for fuel consumption is carried out in Korea and most supposely in close door in some manufacturing complex with gradually no real estimate, very disappointed. Overall, car runs well and service is made every 8,000 kms or any 4 months whichever comes first. But if you considering a Rio and at the same time wanting a fuel efficient car, please don't buy a Kia! This car consumes on avg 8.5l / l00kms in Canadian streets which is above other brands in my experience compared to more fuel efficiency Dodge Journey and Honda Accord.
I personally as a college student could never dream of affording this car. Only students with rich parents can buy this for little Susie. I would not recommend a Kia for anyone yet alone this ride because it's a Kia for one and also compact cars are dangerous in my opinion. 2006 525i
A good college car? I have to strongly disagree with this statement. It is a known fact that college students have massive debt, the average is 25,000$. It is NOT a good idea to slap an extra 20,000$ for a brand new Kia when you already have so much debt and little revenue. This kind of statement has it all backwards. First you study, then get a used car, then pay off your student loan, then look for that new car when you're a few years into your job. Common sense and priorities, people!
I have one and yeah it isn't very satisfying to own but it does a good job at getting you from point a to b without breaking down and it definitely isn't the worst car I've ever owned
Why would I buy this car, when I can buy a Honda Civic EX for just a little more money, or a Toyota Corolla? More space and better drive trains in both of them. Maybe the interior is better. Both of these also come with a spare.
I have the 2012 Kia Rio5. Had it now for 16 months now and still love it. I think it handles great and drives awesome. I have done many road trips 1200 miles plus and never felt like I wanted to pull over because of being uncomfortable. I'm 6'4" 210lbs and I fit with room to spare. I can stretch both legs out all the way straight when cruise control is on.
How’s it looking so far? Any major problems? Mileage?
My 2013 Kia rio Hatchback is currently at 90k miles. Good gas saver, slow take off, but it has been reliable.
@KonaKoo, so glad you liked the review - Dave
@noduleman - I would suspect it'll be in the rotation very soon. Thank you for the suggestion - Dave
I agree that this top line model for 21K is a bit too much for the money especially for subcompact car. I bought the 2015 Rio LX+ guise with the 6-speed manual transmission. The package included power windows, heated front seats and side mirror, USB connectivity, voice command, air, etc. and all came out at 17K and change. The 6-speed manual is not available on this model tested here which is a shame! I strongly disagree that the engine is noisy and underpowered at all. I feel it's quite smooth, refined and peppy for the size of the motor. Acceleration is quite brisk, passing and merging at highway speeds is a breeze especially if you downshift. At 120k/hr. in 6th gear (at about 3K RPM) the engine just purrs silently and if you don't watch it you'll be doing way above speed limits without knowing it.... but that's where the cruise control comes handy. These guys seems to be comparing the room to a Honda Accord or Cruise but those cars are about 1-2 class above subcompact level. This little car has lots of room compared to its direct competition. Style and features are amazing for the price if careful with options. This car is amazing and is the best car for my needs as an economical, gas efficient runabout car. I love driving the car...aand hardly use my SUV anymore especially now that winter is almost over. I'm having fun with this car and with its excellent warranty... I'm sure I will be driving it for a long time!
Thank you for sharing you inputs about your Rio. I am considering the 2015 Rio Hatchback for my first car. I am happy to hear the engine noise is lesser and more pull power compared to what the video mentioned.
Same here, been driving a 2015 lx plus manual for 6 years, fun basic stylish and frugal, around 6 to 7 liters for a 100km, reliable but rust on the hatch(lots of spots) but the car is reliable and solid, fun to drive and cost me nothing now....wanna buy something new but want to keep this litle bugger around since resale is so low....but keeping it for another year makes me smile....it is a fun car, sporty when you push it and comfortable when driving it conservatively...i like it a lot! It handle snow like a champ with blizzack tires!
its actually called the Nisaan Versa, u see ... The Versa 1.6 features black trim (instead of body-colored) for the exterior mirror housings, license plate trim, and front grille; 14-inch steel wheels; black interior; four radio speakers with pre-wiring for a radio-but no radio itself. Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and keyless entry are offered as part of a value package.
Pic up is quick on the highway. I zip right up the steep mountains hills without any lag. One thing they left out is that it has Hill Stop Assist which is great living in San Francisco like I do. For the price tag and best warranty in it class and beyond, I highly recommend this car. I also have a review on mine,
The RIO has 138 hp... compare that to the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Yaris... you get better mileage and more power with the RIO and on top of that a 5 year comprehensive warranty compared to the others being limited to powertrain for same time frame in Canada. Rio all the way.
I came here because saw listing for 13 Rio LX for $4800 76 K miles. I’m going to go look at it in a little while. Is it solid reliable car getting a lot of mileage out of them before any major repairs?
I bought mine for 16k with 90k km and its good I'd give it a 9/10 also because its dirt cheap on gas and its comfortable to be in. Negatives about the car is the noises it makes and the media system is pretty bad but easily replaceable :) Good video
+K Furtado What noises does yours make? I have a '14 rio
Im not quite sure, it comes from the engine I'm guessing because its so small and I hear it from the dash
Does it sound like the sound someone makes when they start to clear phlegm from their throat? Because mine makes that every now and then.
lol thats exactly the sound, it gets annoying
+K Furtado okay I thought it was just me. Great little car though. Very happy with it.
I don’t agree with almost anything the dude with the tight pants had to say. My 2017 Rio with a manual transmission has great acceleration. Rio’s are usually praised for its strong acceleration in reviews, for this class. I paid $12,700 new for mine. I love the direct injection, dual overhead cam engine. The transmission is absolutely perfect when shifting gears. I am getting 37 mpg in mixed driving. With its 10 year/ 100,000 mile warranty, it can’t be beat.
I just bought this exact same car today (except its silver) and love it so far. can agree with the review dead on.
Did you see all the scratches on the lower pain on the door?
Slightly under powered? It has a lot of Zip. Get the 6 speed manual. I drove new left over 2017, it is really quick. The steering was very precise and had decent feedback. I feel like we drove a different car. I even managed 44 mpg on the freeway at 60 mph. Most people, it seems, like that lifted feel at the driver's seat. I want the base model for the transmission and a under 11 grand price. Can live without keyless entry and power windows and locks. It drives more like a Mazda 3 than a Nissan Versa. Sweet car. 21 grand, go up a few classes, get your self a higher end car discounted. Go base with this.
Alex -- that old Ford Windstar comparison -- that's going a little back. And Ford's currently not making minivans. (Note: With the Flex and Explorer, why does Ford need one?)
When you said the seat room in the back was comparable to thw Accord, did you actually mean the Civic?
Thats a lie, have power enought and is very silence
Dave/Alex- something doesn't sit right. My 90 Civic DX hatch routinely gets 35mpg in city- 43/44 mpg highway with modest throttle body injection, 1.5L. naturally aspirated...all stock. Not picking on Kia here, but shouldn't 35mpg city be a minimum with this class of vehicle....especially having current GDI technology? Some of the next-gen Civics after mine were reported to get almost 50mpg highway....makes me wonder if airbags and current day safety stuff are adding weight. thx
I agree. I got 44 mpg out of a new 2017 Rio 6 speed, I think these people dont know how to drive calmly enough. That was at 60 mph on the freeway.
all the pro youtubers come out. nice video. tho I think the sound might have some issues or maybe its my earphones. anyway wish it had been the hatchback. since that's what im looking into. my Camaro is killing my wallet in everyday driving. no complaints on the highway. nearly matched my kia forte on the highway. deff looking into a rio. people always forget to mention the warranty.
camaro is geared well for hwy ive gotten 36mpg in a ss on the hwy long gears volester is nice but its the same engine and trans as the kia at 16k so yea kia is a good choice the volester handles amazing tho lol
I would like to see the kia forte and soul 2014 review. Thanks
.....in Australia they might call it a Kanga-Rio ??
@Everyman Driver I noticed one concern that this video had neglected to show. Now, I may just be nit picky myself, but I STRONGLY felt that the Rio's rear view window was extremely shortened. Ontop of that, the review mirror is slanted & has the seats up high. I fear it's a scary shoulder check seen as you can barely see out of the rear view window.
Looks good on the exterior, but I think for the same price I would go with a subaru impreza which has slightly more power and identical gas mileage, plus the advantage of AWD.
I wasn't saying that buying new cars was wrong. New cars are perfectly fine, for those who can afford it. My point was that a college student should focus on his debt in the first place, then worry about new cars, TV's, etc. It's a terrible advice to suggest that students should enter the car payment game when they already are piling up their education debt. Anyway, clearly this isn't a popular view. People seemingly love investing in depreciating assets and paying a lifetime of interests...
Yes and I would choose the impreza given the reasons I already stated at this price point.
Amen to that. My 89 mighty max 2.0 only has 90hp. I'm happy whenever I drive my step-grandparents '06 Sentra, that's got a lot of power compared to my car. I want to save up for a Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel though and even that isn't much of a fast car, but still a hell of a fun drive compared to the sentra and my car.
Good review as always, I'm just extremely depressed now with watching them and seeing Dave's wedding ring. Lol
hello guys,thank you for the info,impressive car no doubt.great engine,enough space for our family.The most impressive part is the steering weel and the panorama roof.On the other hand the price 40,000 US dollars is also impressive,but could be lower,if y wish.
why the Kia RIO in indonesia is very much diferent with UK
Ilham Syahputra becaise yours is waterws down amd the british one isnt
These 2 are opposites lol. Yet they agree like a charm.
Wow this gets mixed driving of 31 mpg, and my dads 99 corrola gets 30 mpg
best part is flooring the pedal and only going 20mph. it made city driving fun. and going over speed bumps at full speed.
@6:15 Comparable to Accord ?? Comparable to Cruze??
Cruze has one of the least legroom in its class and accord has one of the highest in its class !!
Dint get your comparison here.
Bought a Kia Rio Aug 5 last year, car drives well but the automobile fuel efficiency is completely out of reach -- through research i found out that the official rating for fuel consumption is carried out in Korea and most supposely in close door in some manufacturing complex with gradually no real estimate, very disappointed. Overall, car runs well and service is made every 8,000 kms or any 4 months whichever comes first. But if you considering a Rio and at the same time wanting a fuel efficient car, please don't buy a Kia! This car consumes on avg 8.5l / l00kms in Canadian streets which is above other brands in my experience compared to more fuel efficiency Dodge Journey and Honda Accord.
You do realize your conversion to standard is around 30 to 31 miles per gallon and they advertise 31 MPG AVG
I would buy a base Impreza for 18,000 out the door. More power, AWD, better looking, etc. 21,000 is way too much for this tin can.
I personally as a college student could never dream of affording this car. Only students with rich parents can buy this for little Susie. I would not recommend a Kia for anyone yet alone this ride because it's a Kia for one and also compact cars are dangerous in my opinion. 2006 525i
Nice job
A good college car? I have to strongly disagree with this statement. It is a known fact that college students have massive debt, the average is 25,000$. It is NOT a good idea to slap an extra 20,000$ for a brand new Kia when you already have so much debt and little revenue. This kind of statement has it all backwards. First you study, then get a used car, then pay off your student loan, then look for that new car when you're a few years into your job. Common sense and priorities, people!
My 4 year old just told me "That car sounds like a little motorbike."
Huh... He's right.
Yeah go dave
underpowered? is this guy kidding? this vehicle has power more than a Corolla and weighs a hundred kilo or less than a corolla
Lost me on the price tag.
Its a fuckin good car for its price.
10 minute videos are too long. 6-7 minutes is what it should be.
i rented this car. a few fun points.
The Hatchback Rio was better..
I have a sedan and hatch and there well my sedan is a lil crazy on gas mileage than my hatchback
Cars nice but toyota or Honda will last way longer
CR rates this as the least satisfying new car based on buyer's reviews, even worse than the Fiat 500 and Smart car, go figure!
General Zod
Does yours have direct injection?
I have one and yeah it isn't very satisfying to own but it does a good job at getting you from point a to b without breaking down and it definitely isn't the worst car I've ever owned
Bull shit let the torque do it work.
Why would I buy this car, when I can buy a Honda Civic EX for just a little more money, or a Toyota Corolla? More space and better drive trains in both of them. Maybe the interior is better. Both of these also come with a spare.
I'm sry to say my 2013 accord has way more rear leg and head room..
sorry i gotta disagree with you guys. this car is not worth the metal it was welded on.
md
i would never recommend anyone buying this car .