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2015 Kia Rio review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Kia Rio highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Great standard features
  • Comes in sedan or hatchback
  • Strong four-cylinder engine

Cons

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

Mileage (EPA estimate)

27 city, 37 highway, 31 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

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Fun and well-equipped

The 2015 Kia Rio comes in sedan or hatchback layouts, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Power comes from a solid little 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 2015 model year Rio 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 2015 Kia Rio?

  • Front Seat Heaters features are now available as options on select trims.

5 reasons to buy the 2015 Kia Rio

1. Great four-cylinder engine 

Check out the 2015 Rio, and you'll get a standard 1.6L four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. The LX trim has a standard six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. Meanwhile, on EX and SX trim levels, you'll find that the automatic is standard.  

2. Many standard features 

You can take a test drive in the 2015 Rio LX, and you might be surprised by the excellent standard features. It has 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.  

3. Hatchback practicality 

The 2015 Rio is available in two four-door layouts, including a sedan and a practical hatchback. There is a solid 15 cu-ft of space behind the hatchback's rear seats. That expands to an even more practical 49.8 cu-ft of space with the rear seats folded. That makes everything from the grocery run to a long weekend even easier.  

4. Optional packages 

Search our lots for the Convenience package, available on the 2015 Rio EX, and you'll get a host of upgrades. You'll find 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. Or, check out the Eco package, which has a handy automatic stop-start system for the engine. 

5. Top-spec SX 

The top trim 2015 Rio SX already includes the Convenience package items, but there is a lot more to it than just that. 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. So, a fun little 2015 Rio SX might make a great addition to your driveway or garage.  

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.4 out of 5

8 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
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready

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

2015 Kia Rio FAQ

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