Completely redesigned for the 2012 model year, the Rio and Rio 5-door are essentially unchanged for the 2013 model year. There is, however, a trim level name change. The top-line EX Luxury trim is now called the SX trim level.
Here's an extract from Autos.ca writer Michael Bettencourt's review of the Kia Rio 5-door SX:
"The Rio 5-Door certainly didn’t hurt its value equation by skimping on styling. The imposing 17-inch wheels of the SX lord it over the 14- to 16-inchers available elsewhere in this class. With the Accent, Rio 5-Door and all the subcompacts in that test lined up – the Mazda2, Honda Fit, Chevy Sonic and Toyota Yaris were the others – the Rio5 seemed to literally glow with an upscale sheen. Oh yes, that was the LED accents located just under the headlights, a signature styling feature offered only on the Rio in this cost-conscious class."
(Full review: Test Drive: 2013 Kia Rio 5-Door SX)
The Rio is available as a four-door sedan, or as a four-door hatchback called the Rio 5-door. All models use a 1.6-litre direct-injection engine with six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic.
Features on the LX models include 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, six-way manual driver’s seat with height adjustment, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, power locks, power windows, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers, auxiliary input and USB port, tilt steering wheel with audio controls, map lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, and front and rear mud guards. The hatchback also includes a rear washer/wiper and rear spoiler.
The LX+ adds air conditioning, fog lights, heated seats, cruise control, keyless entry and Bluetooth connectivity.
The EX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, six speakers, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, metal-grain interior trim, “leatherette” door trim, soft-touch dash pad, and power-folding mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.
The EX+ adds UVO audio infotainment, rearview camera and automatic headlights.
The SX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, larger brakes, sport suspension, twin-tip muffler, smart key with pushbutton start, heated steering wheel, Supervision instrument cluster, cooling glovebox, luggage net and tray, leather seats, alloy sport pedals, rain-sensing wipers, LED taillights and UV-reducing solar glass.
The SX with Navigation substitutes a navigation system for the UVO system.
