Wagons and Hatchbacks
2010 Kia Rio5 LX
What it Is: A subcompact five-passenger five-door hatchback.
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: Sheer size makes squeezing a family into a subcompact difficult, but even in the subcompact arena there are better choices than the Rio. Its low price and good fuel economy aren't enough to offset two "Poor" IIHS crash test scores.
The 2010 Kia Rio5 comes in LX and SX models, but after running the numbers we discovered that its Family Friendliness, like that of the Rio sedan, were shockingly low. Granted, a subcompact has some disadvantages simply because of size, but the Rio5 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 even fuel economy in this subcompact is only so-so compared to others in this class. Normally, we wait until we've driven a car to make our Recommendation, but one criteria any parent has is if they'd feel safe putting their kid in the car. Based just on those crash test scores, the Rio5 fails that test, and we can't recommend it. 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. If you really want a hatchback, then wait a little longer for the Kia Forte Five Door to get to dealerships.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$13,895 |
| Destination |
$695 |
| |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
SX ($15,890) |
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 |
4.7 |
|
Doors |
Five |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
15.8 cu. ft. |
|
Max Cargo Space |
49.6 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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