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2009 Kia Rio Features Review

July 13, 2009

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

those willing to spend a bit more cash can equip this little entry-level econobox with upscale features
Kelley Blue Book

the sporty SX versions add foglights
Edmunds

standard equipment includes variable intermittent wipers and a rear-window defroster
Cars.com

The 2009 Kia Rio offers some features that aren't found on other subcompacts, but it's bested by competitors in its class.

On the base 2009 Kia Rio, "standard equipment includes an eight-way manually adjustable driver's seat, variable intermittent wipers and a rear-window defroster," notes Car and Driver. Additionally, Edmunds states that "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." 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 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.

Extra features in the Kia Rio LX and the Kia Rio 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. They add that in the 2009 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."

Both the 2009 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. New for 2009 are standard USB ports on LX and SX models, as well as available Sirius Satellite Radio.

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Rio offers some of the same features you'll find in competitors like the Honda Fit—but Kia hasn't quite caught up all the way.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:those willing to spend a bit more cash can equip this little entry-level econobox with upscale featuresKelley Blue Bookthe sporty SX versions add foglightsEdmundsstandard equipment includes variable intermittent wipers and a rear-window defrosterCars.com The 2009 Kia Rio offers some features that aren't found on other subcompacts, but it's bested by competitors in its class. On the base 2009 Kia Rio, "standard equipment includes an eight-way manually adjustable driver's seat, variable intermittent wipers and a rear-window defroster," notes Car and Driver. Additionally, Edmunds states that "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." 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 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. Extra features in the Kia Rio LX and the Kia Rio 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. They add that in the 2009 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." Both the 2009 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. New for 2009 are standard USB ports on LX and SX models, as well as available Sirius Satellite Radio. ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Rio offers some of the same features you'll find in competitors like the Honda Fit—but Kia hasn't quite caught up all the way. 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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