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2014 Kia Rio review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Kia Rio highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Impressive standard features
  • Sedan or hatchback options
  • Peppy four-cylinder engine

Cons

  • Ride quality isn't amazing
  • Some road noise
  • Predates latest smartphone integration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

27 city, 37 highway, 31 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Well-equipped subcompact

Your next car should have all the features you are expecting. Look at some modern subcompacts like the Kia Rio, and you might be surprised at how many features and options are available. Power comes from a peppy 1.6L four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower; a six-speed manual is standard, while a six-speed automatic is optional. Trim levels for the 2014 Rio model include the LX, EX, and SX. Start with the well-equipped LX, opt for interior upgrades in the EX, or check out the sporty SX.

All Kia Rio years

What is new for the 2014 Kia Rio?

  • Smart Key and Navigation System features are now available as options on select trims.

5 reasons to buy the 2014 Kia Rio

1. Well-equipped base model 

Take a look at the 2014 Rio LX, and you'll find a pretty impressive base model. You'll find standard features like heated power mirrors, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. So, even if you go with the base model, it will still have some great comfort and convenience features.  

2. Strong engine 

All 2014 Rio models are powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. You'll find a standard six-speed manual transmission on the LX, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. However, it is standard on the higher trim EX and SX trim levels.  

3. Great EX trim 

The EX trim may fit your needs better than the base LX. It adds upgraded cloth upholstery, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a sliding front armrest, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system. So, for some extra comfort and convenience, check out the 2014 Rio EX. 

4. Additional upgrades 

The EX is also a sweet spot in the Kia Rio lineup because it has some great available packages. Search our lots for the Convenience package, and you'll get alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, upgraded interior trim, power-folding mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, map lights, a rearview camera, and a small touchscreen interface. Beyond that, check out the Eco package, which has a handy automatic stop-start system for the engine that helps get an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined city/highway.

5. Sporty SX trim 

If you are looking for a bit more sport, check out the SX trim of the 2014 Rio. It starts in a great spot from a features standpoint, it already includes the Convenience and Eco package items. However, you'll also get upgraded 17-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, LED running lights and taillights, dual exhaust tips, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.8 out of 5

4 customer reviews
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Kia Rio an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Rio 10th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia Rio

Kia Rio features and specs

EX 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.6L

Horsepower

138

Torque (ft-lbs)

123

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

11.4

Wheelbase

101.2"

Overall length

171.9"

Width

67.7"

Height

57.3"

Leg room

F 43.8"/R 31.1"

Head room

F 40"/R 37.6"

Front tires

P185/65TR15

Rear tires

P185/65TR15

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2014 Kia Rio FAQ

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