2011 KIA Rio Review

Kia Rio

2011 Kia Rio is a subcompact vehicle that delivers respectable fuel economy and is offered in hatchback and sedan body styles. The Kia Rio falls in to the less expensive category. As a four-door hatchback or entry level sedan, the Rio is clearly short on features. The base model doesn’t come with power steering, power accessories, antilock brakes and air conditioning.

The wagon is offered in SX and LX trim levels only. The LX model gets power steering, split folding 60-40 rear seatbacks, antilock brakes and air conditioning.

The high end trim SX trim level of 2011 Kia Rio is equipped with 16 in alloy wheels, two additional speakers, fog lamps, Bluetooth, rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering column with audio controls, heated car mirror with incorporated turn signals, upgraded cloth upholstery, power windows, cruise control and remote keyless entry.

The 2011 Kia Rio is equipped with standard safety features which include fully side curtain airbags and side impact airbags.

If you can’t afford the Honda Civic or Kia Forte, and don’t mind driving a car that offers the bare minimum, the Kia Rio will suit your needs. In a class crowed with cars that offer a fair price, numerous standard features and good performance, the Kia Rio has difficulty competing. Kia offers another car, the Kia Forte, which makes up for the Rio’s meager list of standard features and small trunk. Details: 2011 Kia Rio

Rio5 hatchback models come in LX and SX trims. A manual transmission comes with the Base Rio, and an automatic transmission is standard on the $15,095 Rio5.

For 2011, the Kia Rio gains optional Bluetooth Connectivity.
Considering the Rio's low price, the driving experience is surprisingly good, with a peppy feel in most respects. The Rio handles reasonably well, brakes seem strong, and there's enough gumption from the powertrain and 110-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine for most driving, aside from high-speed passes.

The 2011 Rio offers a well-designed interior, but it doesn't step outside its small-car roots or offer any packaging magic. While the base-model Rio strictly offers reliable transportation on a tight budget, the 2011 Kia Rio and Rio5 come well-equipped in their upper trims. The Rio SX model gets a sportier suspension, alloy wheels, fog lamps, and a spoiler, plus sport seats, leather trim, and Sirius Satellite Radio.