beebs

2019 Kia Rio5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Kia Rio5 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

Pros

  • Good cargo dimensions
  • Sporty handling makes it fun to drive
  • Lots of useful connectivity features

Cons

  • Single trim only for 2019
  • Exterior noise is intrusive at highway speeds

Mileage (EPA estimate)

28 city, 37 highway, 32 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

All Kia Rio5 years

What is new for the 2019 Kia Rio5?

  • The EX and LX trims have been discontinued for 2019.
  • Rio5 trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors as standard equipment this year.
  • The S trim now comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.

2019 Kia Rio5 trims

Curious how Kia Rio5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 130-hp, 119-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • View our Kia Rio5 S inventory

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Kia Rio5

1. Balanced performance 

Practicality doesn’t mean boring. The hero feature of the 2019 Kia Rio5 is its fuel-sipping credentials. Taking you beyond your regular routes, more miles in the tank means weekend plans full of fun day trips, romantic getaways, and unexpected adventures. Powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2019 Rio5 delivers an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.

This setup minimizes the need for frequent stops and maximizes your time on the open road. 

2. Spacious cargo bay 

Thanks to its easy-access hatchback, the 2019 Rio5 simplifies everyday hauling tasks, from transporting a crated pet to helping a neighbor with their white goods collection. The 17.4 cu-ft cargo space expands to 32.8 cu-ft when the split-fold rear row is down, while the flat load floor makes life easier. A relatively wide loading area, along with that spacious hatchback door opening, brings some welcome ease into the loading and unloading process, making this a convenient choice for trips that require some heft.  

3. Available technology package 

Lock in a 2019 Rio5 with the available Technology package and you’ll secure some useful features that boost everyday driving convenience. With Kia eServices (formerly UVO eServices) integrated into the infotainment system, this option offers available driver monitoring — a real plus point for families and sharers — and a parking reminder for setting meter and location reminders, all conveniently accessible from your compatible smartphone.

 If you frequently drive in low-light conditions, perhaps for an early or late work shift, you’ll also appreciate the package’s impactful LED headlights and positioning lights. 

4. Convenient connectivity 

An intuitive infotainment system is essential if you want to enjoy your school run drop-offs, client appointment schedule, and end-of-day grocery run. The 2019 Rio5 S, its sole trim, has a prominent seven-inch touchscreen display for easy management of audio, apps, and in-car controls. Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto, and Bluetooth® connectivity are standard, offering seamless integration to your compatible smartphone for hands-free calling, navigation, and your crew’s favorite songs or stories. 

5. Driver comfort 

If your regular commute is longer than you’d like, it's good to know the 2019 Rio5 prioritizes driver comfort and convenience. Features such as the rearview camera monitor and cruise control functionality boost your awareness and physical ease during parking garage maneuvers and long-distance highway drives. The 2019 Rio5’s sliding armrest and height-adjustable driver seating offer you comfort personalization, while the close-reach front-row cup holders and deep-fill door cubbies keep your drinks and snacks within reach too. 

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2019 Kia Rio5 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Kia Rio5 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Rio5 14th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia Rio5

Kia Rio5 features and specs

S 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Cloth Seats

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.6L

Horsepower

130

Torque (ft-lbs)

119

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

11.9

Wheelbase

101.6"

Overall length

160"

Width

67.9"

Height

57.1"

Leg room

F 42.1"/R 33.5"

Head room

F 38.9"/R 38"

Front tires

P185/65TR15

Rear tires

P185/65TR15

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Kia Rio5 FAQ

Research other vehicles



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.