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2010 Kia Rio Photo

2010 Kia Rio - Styling Review

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

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