2021 Kia Rio5 review

1. Elevated exterior style 

For the 2021 model year, the Rio5 gets some exterior design tweaks that elevate its subtle yet sporty curb appeal. The 2021 Rio5 comes in six classic exterior colorways, four monochromes, and two color-pop shades, Sporty Blue and Currant Red. Upfront the bumper and grille inlay are both refreshed to give the exterior design a more athletic edge, which will make sure your choice of hatchback stands out in the student parking lot or mall garage.  

2. Cargo dimensions 

Practicality rarely makes headlines, but the 2021 Rio5 is worth looking at for its well-designed cargo area. The low-load floor and expansive hatchback opening create a wide-open space for loading and unloading. Traveling together every day? The 2021 Rio5's 17.4 cu-ft of fixed cargo space is enough to accommodate your crew’s daily essentials for school, sports clubs, or work. Flip the second row’s 60/40-split seating down and you can expand your cargo deck to 32.8 cu-ft, enough for a dog crate, furniture pickup, or a fun day of mall shopping.  

3. More miles, more fun 

Beloved by meticulous planners and spontaneous free spirits alike, a fuel-sipping powertrain will help you make the most of every mile in the tank, whether that means more commutes under your belt or an unexpected weekend away. The 2021 Rio5’s powertrain, a 1.6L four-cylinder engine paired with an intelligent CVT delivery system, will keep you moving without frequent stops at the gas station. In the city, this means an EPA-estimated 33 mpg with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg on the highway.

4. Generous Technology package  

Snag yourself a 2021 Rio5 with the optional Technology package and you’ll unlock upgraded features and five additional driver aids. If shift work means you regularly travel in low light or darkness, you’ll appreciate the addition of bright LED headlamps with high beam assist for the comfort of other road users. Lane-keep and lane-follow assist aid your awareness on multi-lane highways, while automatic climate control keeps you cool or cozy as the seasons change.  

5. Easy connections 

Kia knows that staying connected on the go matters. The 2021 Rio5 elevates its offering with bigger and better tech for you and your crew to enjoy as you navigate life on the road together. Effortlessly in your eyeline is an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen that sits in a sensible, stand-up style against the dash. Wireless Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ functionality seamlessly integrate your compatible device without the need for wires, streamlining onboard access to your phone’s apps, messaging, and music features.