The Kia Rio sedan and five-door hatchback are powered by the same 110-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It's a sophisticated modern engine, complete with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Safety features that come on all models include front seatbelt pre-tensioners along with six airbags: dual frontal, front seat side-impact and full-coverage side-impact curtain.
The Rio sedan is available as a base model or in LX trim. The Rio5 five-door hatchback is available exclusively in SX trim.
The base Rio sedan ($10,570) comes strictly with a manual transmission, wind-up windows, manual door locks. There's no radio or air conditioning, no power steering. But it comes with the same six airbags and safety features found on all Rio models.
The Rio LX sedan ($12,445) is likely to be the most popular model as it adds air conditioning, power steering, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, tilt steering column, 60/40-split rear seat and larger tires. It comes standard with the manual gearbox, but a four-speed automatic transmission is available ($13,295). Factory installed options are limited to a Power Package ($600) that includes power windows, power door locks with keyless remote, power heated outside mirrors and tweeter speakers; four-wheel antilock brakes ($400); rear spoiler ($250) and carpeted floor mats ($70).
The Rio5 SX hatchback comes with a manual transmission ($13,500) or five-speed automatic ($14,350). The SX hatchback has the same major features as the LX sedan but with some sporty additions that include a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, metal grain trim, metal pedals, rear roof-mounted spoiler and lower profile tires on 15-inch alloy wheels. Factory installed options are the same as for the LX sedan.