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2010 Kia Rio Photo

2010 Kia Rio - Styling Review

MSRP: $11,695 - $16,095 See Local Classifieds
 
Shopping for a 2010 Kia Rio? MSRP: $11,695 - $16,095

SEE LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

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

Although the Kia Rio was last completely redesigned for 2006, for 2010 it receives a light restyle that consists of new bumpers, a slightly revised grille and headlamps, plus new bodyside moldings. The Kia Rio no longer looks fresh, but with simple, pert proportions and no of-the-moment styling cues, the design still plays well.

Two body styles of the 2010 Kia Rio are offered: a four-door sedan (Rio) and a five-door hatchback (Rio5). 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.

The simple and straightforward design approach carries over inside. The Rio has a "higher quality feel both inside and out," says Kelley Blue Book, compared to previous models. Cars.com takes note of the "chrome dashboard accents" of the Rio SX, while according to Edmunds, the cabin of the 2010 Kia Rio, especially in beige, has an "airy feel that is unusual for a car in this price range."

Conclusion

The styling of the 2010 Kia Rio doesn’t look particularly fresh or trend-setting, but it’s among the better-looking subcompacts.

Specs: Select a Trim

4dr (5) MSRP Invoice MPG City MPG Hwy
4dr Sedan Man Specs $11,695 $11,470 28 34
4dr Sedan Man LX Specs $13,795 $13,330 28 34
4dr Sedan Auto LX Specs $14,695 $14,200 27 36
4dr Sedan Man SX Specs $14,895 $13,990 28 34
4dr Sedan Auto SX Specs $15,795 $14,830 27 36
5dr (4) MSRP Invoice MPG City MPG Hwy
5dr HB Man Rio5 LX Specs $13,895 $13,430 28 34
5dr HB Auto Rio5 LX Specs $14,795 $14,290 27 36
5dr HB Man Rio5 SX Specs $15,195 $14,270 28 34
5dr HB Auto Rio5 SX Specs $16,095 $15,110 27 36

Other Choices

More Info

Why should I also consider these? X

With an even sportier driving feel, better crash-test scores, and good fuel economy—plus the best folding rear seat in the segment—the Honda Fit is the forerunner.

The Toyota Yaris, especially as a hatchback, is a stylish conveyance and now comes with standard electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.

Then there’s the Hyundai Accent, which is closely related to the Rio four-door; the Accent also comes as a two-door hatchback, like the Yaris.

The Chevrolet Aveo is another rival, but it fails to hit the mark in so many ways and doesn’t offer an especially strong seat of features or a lower price than the rest.

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