2015 Kia Rio
Changes for the 2015 Kia Rio:
We know you’re going to be broken-hearted, but Kia no longer offers the Rio 5-Door in Silverstone Beige.
Model Lineup:
The 2015 Kia Rio is sold as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback. Each comes in LX, EX, and SX trim levels, the latter version equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, transmission paddle shifters, bigger front brakes, and larger 17-inch aluminum wheels with more aggressive tires.
Choose the Rio EX over the LX and the car comes with nicer trim and seat fabric, a better stereo, Bluetooth, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a center console with a sliding armrest, and an automatic transmission.
Alternatively, get the Rio SX, and in addition to a more engaging car to drive you’ll enjoy automatic headlights, power folding side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, projector beam headlights, LED running lights, LED taillights, and dual exhaust tips. Inside, the Rio SX includes a touchscreen infotainment system, a reversing camera, Supervision gauges, soft-touch dashboard material, LED lighting, and various trim accent upgrades.
Engines and Transmissions:
Every Rio comes with a 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Before you write that off as underpowered, consider that it is actually one of the more robust engine offerings in the subcompact car class.
A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard for the LX model, with a 6-speed automatic optional, each delivering power to the car’s front wheels. The automatic is standard for the EX and SX models.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
No matter which version of the 2015 Kia Rio you choose, you can expect to get 31 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. Yes, even if you buy the Rio EX and equip it with the Eco Package and the Idle Stop & Go technology.
Safety Ratings:
According to the NHTSA, the 2015 Kia Rio earns an overall rating of 4 stars in crash tests. Last year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Rio a “Marginal” rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection, an “Acceptable” rating for side-impact protection, and a “Good” rating in other tests. Unless Kia has made unannounced structural changes in the hopes of improving these ratings, they’ll carry over for 2015.
Technology Highlights:
Previously, we mentioned Idle Stop & Go, which is a part of the Eco Package on the Rio EX. What this does is automatically stop the car’s engine while it is idling in traffic or at an intersection. What this does is increase the Rio’s city fuel economy rating from 27 mpg to 28 mpg, but it has no impact on this car’s combined fuel economy rating.
Kia also offers its UVO infotainment system for the Rio, optional for the EX and standard for the SX. It includes smartphone pairing and connectivity, Bluetooth music streaming capability, and a reversing camera, and on the SX it can be upgraded with a voice-activated navigation system. The Rio SX is also available with passive keyless entry and push-button engine starting.
Written by Christian Wardlaw
October 10, 2015
