2008 Kia Rio Features Review

The 2008 Kia Rio has some features that aren’t found in many subcompacts, but in general, it’s a leaner list of standard and optional features than might be found on the competition, such as Honda’s Fit.

The base Kia Rio’s "standard equipment includes an eight-way manually adjustable driver's seat, variable intermittent wipers and a rear-window defroster," notes Car and Driver. The SX comes equipped with "Fog/driving lights," which is not an option on the LX, according to Cars.com.

The LX adds popular features, including "wider tires, air-conditioning, power steering, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player with an auxiliary audio jack," says Edmunds. Additionally, "those who prefer the five-door hatchback body style now have a cheaper way in, as the hatch previously only came in the top-dog SX trim level." Edmunds complains "cruise control isn't available."

Extra features in the Rio Kia LX and the Rio Kia SX include "air conditioning, a CD stereo with four speakers, a tilt steering column and a 60/40-split folding rear seat," according to Cars.com, which adds that in the 2008 Kia Rio, there is now "an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players in the LX and SX. The cupholder design has also been revised, and there's a new center gauge cluster and redesigned shift knobs for both the automatic and manual transmissions." ConsumerGuide reports such comfort and convenience features in the base model as "cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, center console, tachometer, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic-off headlights."

The 2008 Kia Rio SX models include "15-inch alloy wheels, sport seats with red trim, fog lights and a rear spoiler," according to Kelley Blue Book, and those "willing to spend a bit more cash can equip this little entry-level econobox with such upscale features as power windows, AM/FM/CD stereo and heated outside mirrors." Edmunds notes that the SX versions also "metallic interior accents, drilled metal pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a black-with-red-accents cabin theme."

Both the 2008 Kia Rio LX and SX have options for remote keyless entry and illuminated entry, power locks, and heated mirrors. Options for the Rio Kia SX include "the Power package (which adds full power features, keyless entry and tweeter speakers) and 16-inch alloy wheels," notes Edmunds. Off the list entirely are such features as fold-flat rear seats in the five-door model; satellite radio; a CD changer; and Bluetooth.