2018 Kia Rio5 review

1. Passenger-pleasing cabin 

Making comfort and convenience a priority, the 2018 Kia Rio5 hatchback has thoughtful features that make everyday journeys feel easy. All your travel essentials are close to hand yet stowed securely, with door cubbies across both rows that accommodate drinks bottles, a deep center console, a glove box for valuables, front-row cup holders, and more. The available seven-inch infotainment screen’s stand-up style ensures easy eye-line visibility, while the remote keyless entry function (S, EX) means no more fumbling around for keys in the wind, rain, or snow.  

2. Great cargo cubes 

From antique fair finds to airport pick-ups and bulk buy shopping, the 2018 Rio5 hatchback has the versatile dimensions you need for such tasks. This Rio5 offers up to 17.4 cu-ft of fixed cargo space, enough to hold family-sized suitcases or large grocery orders with ease. Transporting bulkier items and white goods is easy with the 2018 Rio5 too. The flat-load floor ensures secure travel, while the 60/40 split-folding rear seats fold down, boosting your cargo space to 32.8 cu-ft. 

3. Useful tech options 

For busy days behind the wheel, perhaps visiting client offices or making multiple errand stops, the 2018 Rio5 S and EX trim models offer some upgraded tech features you’ll appreciate. In parking garages, the rearview camera automatically displays on the infotainment screen when in reverse, with helpful grid lines for any tight parking maneuvers. The Rio5 EX trim also enhances connectivity with standard Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ integration for easy access to your online calendar and navigation apps. 

4. Responsive ride 

This is more than a sensible hatchback for everyday driving; the 2018 Rio5 is also designed for driving enjoyment. Choose how you want to express your driving style with a six-speed manual transmission as standard or the option of a six-speed Sportmatic^® automatic transmission on higher trims. In challenging conditions, the Rio5 is a champ, keeping you firmly planted via its traction control and vehicle stability systems, sensing and then enhancing your connection to surfaces lashed with rain or snow. 

5. Fuel-sipping engine 

To enjoy every opportunity or adventure that comes your way, it makes sense to find a fuel-sipping vehicle that can take you beyond your daily commute. If you want to say yes to weekends away and last-minute invitations across town, the 2018 Rio5 has a 130-hp, 1.6L four-cylinder engine paired to front-wheel drive, capable of an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.

This makes the Rio5 a very practical vehicle if you drive a lot of miles in a week.