Kia Rio 2005–2009 car dimensions: 3990 mm long, 1695 mm wide and 1470 mm high. Braked towing is 907 kg.
The cabin offers cloth seats and a basic AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Sirius satellite radio standard across trims, plus a USB port on LX and SX. Manual air conditioning is standard on LX and SX models. Cruise control is not offered. No touchscreen or advanced driver aids such as parking sensors, reversing camera, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning or lane keep assist are available. Controls are simple and logical with good material quality for the class.
The hatchback provides 447 liters of cargo space with rear seats up. Folding the standard 60/40 split rear seats increases it to 1405 liters for good versatility in a small car.
Towing capacity reaches 907 kg braked. Payload is 544 kg based on GVWR and curb weight. No heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension is offered, limiting it to light work or occasional trailer use.
Cloth front bucket seats come standard with height adjustment and a fold-down armrest on the driver's side. Air conditioning is standard on LX and SX grades. The cabin delivers 92.2 cubic feet of passenger volume with good front head and leg room. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat is standard on the hatchback for added cargo flexibility up to 49.6 cubic feet.
EPA fuel economy 27 city/33 highway mpg with 5-speed manual
EPA fuel economy 26 city/35 highway mpg with 4-speed automatic
Engine oil and filter every 7,500 miles or 12 months
NHTSA ratings: frontal driver 4 stars, passenger 5 stars. side driver 4 stars, rear 3 stars. rollover 4 stars
Standard dual front advanced airbags, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and TPMS
ABS optional on LX and SX grades
The 1.6-liter engine runs on regular unleaded fuel and returns solid economy for daily driving. Manual transmission models deliver 27 city and 33 highway mpg. Automatic versions achieve 26 city and 35 highway mpg for a combined 30 mpg.
Follow the normal maintenance schedule with engine oil and filter changes every 7,500 miles or 12 months. Tire rotations occur at the same interval. Timing belt replacement is due at higher mileage points per the schedule.
Safety equipment includes dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags as standard. TPMS, LATCH anchors, pretensioners, and side-impact door beams are also standard. ABS is optional on higher grades. NHTSA scores show 4 stars for frontal driver and rollover with 5 stars for frontal passenger.
The long powertrain warranty helps with long-term ownership costs. Regular fluid checks and following the severe schedule if needed keep the car reliable for everyday use.
Length 3990 mm, Width 1695 mm, Height 1470 mm, Wheelbase 2500 mm (Rio 2005–2009)
Sources: manufacturer data, 2009 Kia Rio / Rio5 Canadian brochure -.