2020 Kia Rio

History/Overview

The Rio 5-door is the hatchback version of Kia's entry-level model in Canada; this subcompact is also sold as a sedan covered in a separate buyer's guide article. The current fourth generation Rio was introduced in 2018.

What's New / Key Changes from Last Year

For 2020, the Rio gets a new powertrain. An updated 1.6L engine sports some new technology, and it's available with the Rio's first-ever continuously variable transmission, which replaces last year's six-speed automatic; together, the new combo promises better fuel economy.

Kia has also cut last year's top-end EX Tech trim from the lineup. That also means the loss of options like navigation, forward collision warning with automatic braking, leather upholstery, and LED headlights.

Available Trims

The Rio comes in LX, LX+, EX, and EX Sport. They all use the same engine, which comes matched with a six-speed manual transmission in LX and LX+. LX+ options to the automatic, and the automatic is standard in EX and EX Sport trims.

Standard Features

Rio LX comes with 15-inch steel wheels with covers, a flat tire mobility kit, rear drum brakes, auto on/off headlights, a rear wiper, heated side mirrors, a rear spoiler, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, a leather-trimmed shift lever, power windows, air conditioning, a 5.0-inch infotainment display, a four-speaker stereo with USB and auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth, and keyless entry.

LX+ adds body-coloured door handles, splash guards, a lighted vanity mirror, and cruise control.

EX brings 15-inch alloy wheels, a compact spare tire, rear disc brakes, LED positioning lights, fog lights, a sunroof, chrome exterior trim, leatherette and piano black interior trim, automatic climate control, a 7.0-inch infotainment display, a six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, passive keyless entry, UVO connected car services, and an upgraded gauge cluster.

Fuel Economy

Kia's fuel consumption estimates for the Rio are 7.8/6.0 L/100 km (city/highway) with the manual transmission, and 7.2/5.9 L/100 km with the automatic.

Competition

The Kia Rio's competitors include its corporate and mechanical twin, the Hyundai Accent, along with the Honda Fit, Toyota's Yaris, and the Mitsubishi Mirage.