2015 Kia Rio in Yakima, WA - $8,988

The 2016 model year brings refreshing enhancements to Kia’s entry-level sedan. Refreshed inside and out for the 2016 model year, the pair offer sporty European design cues and generous interior accommodations while providing fuel efficiency. Most visible of the Rio’s updates are the new-for-2016 front and rear fascias.

Designed to add visual width and stronger presence, the revised grille insert incorporates the now-familiar geometric pattern found on other Kia vehicles such as Optima and Soul. New fog light surrounds include strong horizontal satin-finish bezels that house projector lenses.

The lights have been repositioned inward for a more aggressive appearance. Likewise, the lower front valance integrates strong horizontal planes that echo a similar treatment at the rear. The rear reflectors have been redesigned and repositioned to the far corners of the car, and the Rio’s color palette has been enhanced with two new colors: Urban Blue and Digital Yellow.

Available in LX, EX and SX models, the Rio sedan is powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder direct injection engine. Torque is communicated to the street through a six-speed manual gearbox for the LX and a six-speed automatic transmission for EX and SX.

Riding on a steel unibody platform, control hardware for the Rio consists of MacPherson struts in front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. Gas shock absorbers work to keep all four corners of the Rio firmly connected to the street.

Inside the passenger cabin, the enhancements continue with the increased use of high-density foam in the A- and B-pillars for reduced NVH, new technology features, premium touch points and available two-tone Designer Package (EX only). Subtle changes include satin-finish bezels around the air vents, and a new piano black center console surround wraps the audio system and ancillary controls.

The EX Designer Package includes unique black cloth with gray leatherette trim with gray stitching. Gray padded door panel inserts, unique gray stitching on steering wheel, center console armrest and shifter boot all contribute to a sporty, premium-feeling interior.

Standard equipment on LX includes rear disc brakes, air conditioning, electric power steering, six-way manual adjustable driver’s seat, SiriusXM® satellite radio, USB and auxiliary audio jacks, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. The popular LX Power Package continues to be available with power windows and door locks, along with keyless entry.

The midrange EX adds appealing standard features such as power windows with driver’s one-touch auto-up/down control, cruise control with steering-wheel mounted controls, remote keyless entry with trunk release and a tilt/telescope steering column.

The top-of-the-line SX adds standard amenities that build upon the EX and include a sport tuned suspension highlighted by 17-inch alloy wheels and 11-inch ventilated front disc brakes, steering column-mounted paddle shifters and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Supervision meter cluster and improved graphics with Sirius® XM Traffic, pushbutton start, leather seating surfaces with front seat heaters and a power sunroof are all standard.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 101.2; overall length: 172.0; width: 67.7; height: 57.3
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder – 138 hp at 6,300 rpm and 123 lbs-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 27 city/38 hwy. (manual); 27 city/37 hwy. (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 13. 7 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual full length head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist control, side-impact door beams, tire pressure monitoring system, and tire mobility kit. EX adds front fog lights, remote keyless entry, and Bluetooth hands free phone system. SX adds LED positioning lights, LED taillights, rear camera display, push button start with Smart Key, automatic headlights, and navigation system.
Optional safety equipment includes HomeLink universal transceiver.

Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Kia Rio sedan starts from $14,165 for the LX manual upto $20,755 for the SX automatic. Destination charges add $850.00.