With the popularity of SUVs and crossovers, it’s easy to forget about subcompact vehicles. However, subcompact vehicles have a strong niche in the car market, garnering a decent percentage of car sales. According to Car and Driver, the Kia Rio was Kia’s best-selling car around the world in 2017, and US News ranks it as the number two subcompact vehicle.
The 2018 Kia Rio has been redesigned to keep the vehicle’s popularity up. It is offered in three models — the LX, S, and EX. Here are some of the surprising and exciting features of the 2018 edition.
Engine Performance
The 2018 Kia Rio has a 1.6 L inline-4 engine. The four-cylinders offer 130 horsepower and 119 foot-pounds of torque. It may not sound like much horsepower, but given the size and weight of the Rio, it zips along just fine. This also helps increase fuel efficiency.
The engine is also more silent, and vibration is lower than prior model years. Wind and tire noise are present on the highway but manageable.
The 2018 model comes in a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission, but it’s expected that a majority of purchasers will opt for the automatic transmission.
Updated Interior
The 2018 Rio offers standard upholstery with tricot and woven cloth seats and trim. The trim on the Rio EX is more luxurious, and some reviewers note it feels like it belongs in a more expensive vehicle. The EX also has optional leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The driver’s seat is adjustable and helps add extra room for passengers sitting in the back seats. If you need to transport extra stuff, you’ll like the new wider trunk. The back seats fold down to offer additional storage as well.
Enhanced Technology
The 2017 model had decent technology, and the 2018 Rio has even more features, putting it near the top of the compact class. There is a 7-inch touch-screen display, providing quick access to entertainment, climate control, and navigation.
The new Rio also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These allow you to connect your phone into the Rio’s main unit where you can sync your phone and bring up your playlist, listen to a podcast, check navigation, and more.
Driving Assistance and Safety Features
One of the most important features is the Rio’s safety upgrades. Advanced safety features in the 2018 model are vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist control. It also offers standard autonomous emergency braking. This helps prevent accidents by automatically applying the brakes when the vehicle senses something in its path at an unsafe speed. Standard anti-lock brakes help with hard stops in emergency situations, even in the rain.
If you’re in the market for a new Kia, consider the 2018 Kia Rio. With gas prices on the rise, the Rio offers some savings with its improved fuel efficiency. With added safety features, the Rio can assuage your fears of sub-compact vehicles. And, with the Rio’s affordable price and advanced technology features, the Rio has a strong appeal.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.