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2016 Kia Rio review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Kia Rio highlights

Customer rating

Pros

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

Cons

  • Ride quality isn't amazing
  • Handling could be better as well
  • Predates Apple and Android integration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

27 city, 37 highway, 31 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

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Sedan or hatchback fun

Take a look at the 2016 Kia Rio, and you're sure to find something to love. All versions get a strong 1.6L four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower. A six-speed manual is standard, while a six-speed automatic is optional (standard on hatchback models). Trim levels for the 2016 model year Rio include the LX, EX, and SX. New for 2016 is an updated grille and taillights, upgraded interior materials, and additional sound insulation. Kia also added a new "Designer" package (EX only) for 2016, adding a fun two-tone upholstery and gray accent stitching.

All Kia Rio years

What is new for the 2016 Kia Rio?

  • Rio trims have been upgraded with Front Seat Heaters, Leather Seats, Smart Key, Sunroof(s), Navigation System, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.
  • The EX trim now comes with Alloy Wheels and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
  • The SX trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Kia Rio

1. Hatchback practicality 

While the 2016 Rio sedan is great, you should look at the practical hatchback if you need more cargo space. It starts with an impressive 15 cu-ft of space behind the rear seats. That number jumps to 49.8 cu-ft of space with the rear seats folded. There is more room for fun and friends on your next big adventure. 

2. Great four-cylinder engine 

All versions of the 2016 Kia Rio get a standard 1.6L four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. While the LX trim has a standard six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The automatic transmission is standard on EX, SX trim levels, and all Rio hatchbacks.  

3. So many standard features 

A subcompact like the Rio may not seem likely to have a long list of standard features. However, the 2016 Rio LX 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 impress you more than you might think.  

4. Lots of fun packages 

Search our lots for the Convenience package, and you'll get a host of upgrades like 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 great automatic stop-start system, automatic headlights, Kia's seven-inch touchscreen interface, and a rearview camera. New for 2016 is the Designer package, which gets cool two-tone black and gray cloth and leather seating with gray accent stitching throughout the interior. 

5. Cool SX trim 

The top trim Rio SX builds on the mid-level EX but also includes the Eco package's infotainment system, rearview camera, and automatic headlights, but there is even more. You'll also get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, a sport-tuned suspension, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, an upgraded gauge cluster, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a navigation system. So, the fun little 2016 Rio is even more fun with the SX version.  

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.8 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
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • 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

172"

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

2016 Kia Rio FAQ

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