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2009 Kia Rio Review

July 13, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

subtle wedge shape, with sculpted arches at each fender
Cars.com

it looks like something you might actually want to drive
Car and Driver

some cheap plastic trim
Edmunds

Experts at TheCarConnection.com are fans of the styling of the 2009 Kia Rio. It's not amazing, but it's pretty impressive for the price.

The 2009 Kia Rio has two body styles to choose from: the Kia Rio four-door sedan and the five-door. Kelley Blue Book thinks it's "quite the looker," and J.D. Power says the Kia's "European-influenced appearance imparts a sporty and youthful character into an entry-level automobile." Cars.com touts the exterior features that give both Rios a decent amount of pizzazz: a black mesh grille, "swept-back" headlights, bumpers with black inserts, and black body-side moldings. According to Cars.com, the Rio's profile has what Kia calls a "subtle wedge shape, with sculpted arches at each fender."

Compared to earlier models, the Rio has a "higher quality feel both inside and out," says Kelley Blue Book. On the interior of the 2009 Kia Rio, this translates into good fittings and smart design choices. According to Edmunds, the cabin of the 2009 Kia Rio, especially in beige, has an "airy feel that is unusual for a car in this price range." Cars.com notes the "chrome dashboard accents" of the Rio SX.

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Rio offers kicky, amusing styling that is several notches above its price tag.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:subtle wedge shape, with sculpted arches at each fenderCars.comit looks like something you might actually want to driveCar and Driversome cheap plastic trimEdmunds Experts at TheCarConnection.com are fans of the styling of the 2009 Kia Rio. It's not amazing, but it's pretty impressive for the price. The 2009 Kia Rio has two body styles to choose from: the Kia Rio four-door sedan and the five-door. Kelley Blue Book thinks it's "quite the looker," and J.D. Power says the Kia's "European-influenced appearance imparts a sporty and youthful character into an entry-level automobile." Cars.com touts the exterior features that give both Rios a decent amount of pizzazz: a black mesh grille, "swept-back" headlights, bumpers with black inserts, and black body-side moldings. According to Cars.com, the Rio's profile has what Kia calls a "subtle wedge shape, with sculpted arches at each fender." Compared to earlier models, the Rio has a "higher quality feel both inside and out," says Kelley Blue Book. On the interior of the 2009 Kia Rio, this translates into good fittings and smart design choices. According to Edmunds, the cabin of the 2009 Kia Rio, especially in beige, has an "airy feel that is unusual for a car in this price range." Cars.com notes the "chrome dashboard accents" of the Rio SX. ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Rio offers kicky, amusing styling that is several notches above its price tag. 2009 KIA RIO STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "subtle wedge shape, with sculpted arches at each fender" Car and Driver: "it looks like something you might actually want to drive" Edmunds: "some cheap plastic trim" Experts at TheCarConnection.com are fans of the styling of the 2009 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Honda Fit is the leader in this class, thanks to a clever folding rear seat, as well as superior fuel economy and crash performance. The Hyundai Accent four-door is essentially identical to the Kia Rio sedan; the Accent also comes in a hatchback version, as does the Toyota Yaris. The Chevrolet Aveo is sized and shaped like the Kia Rio and Rio5, but has a slightly better interior.

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See the Kia Rio in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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