Kia
2010 Kia Rio Sedan
What it Is: A subcompact five-passenger sedan.
What's Hot: One of the cheapest cars on the market.
What's Not: Poor crash test scores.
Family Friendly Options: Upgraded audio.
How It Got Its Score: Subcompacts aren't an ideal family car choice, but you can definitely do better than the Rio. While it's inexpensive and gets good fuel economy, two "Poor" scores from the IIHS outweigh everything else.
The 2010 Kia Rio sedan comes in base, LX and EX models with varying levels of equipment, but after running the numbers to find out its Family Friendliness, we were shocked by the resulting number. The primary culprit is the crash test scores from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety: The Kia Rio scored "Poor" -- the lowest score possible -- in side and rear IIHS crash tests, and managed only an "Acceptable" in the front offset barrier test. Stability and traction control aren't available, and while fuel economy is pretty good, there are other subcompacts that do even better. Even though we haven't yet driven the Rio, our personal litmus test says that we'd have to feel comfortable putting our kids in the car, and just based on the numbers, the Rio doesn't pass. If you're shopping for an entry-level family car at a Kia dealership, skip the Rio and take a look at the 2010 Kia Forte Sedan LX instead.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$11,695 |
| Destination |
$695 |
| |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
LX ($14,490)
SX ($15,590) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
1.6 liters |
|
Engine Type |
Inline-4 |
|
Horsepower |
110 hp |
|
Torque |
107 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Front Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
5-Speed Manual |
|
Optional Transmission |
4-Speed Automatic |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
28 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
34 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
31 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Subcompact |
|
Family Friendliness |
4.6 |
|
Doors |
Four |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
11.9 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side |
3 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
4 Stars |
|
IIHS Front |
Acceptable |
|
IIHS Side |
Poor |
|
IIHS Rear |
Poor |
|
Stability Control |
Not Available |
|
Traction Control |
Not Available |
|
Brake Assist |
Not Available |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Not Available |
|
Photos
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