New 2009 Kia Rio Features And Prices | LX SX Rio5 Wagon Models

With its low pricing, smooth ride, long warranty and attractive interior, the 2009 Kia Rio represents a tempting value in the economy car segment. In fact, its one of the cheapest new cars available in the United States.

And due to a redesign several years ago, it's not really a "no frills" subcompact that's just used for basic transportation. Along with its attractive design and capable drive, there's also a good number of convenient features available.

Gas mileage is another strong point along with its 5-year/60,000 mile factory warranty (10-year/100,000 miles on the drivetrain). For added flexibility, it's also available with two body styles to choose from, the sedan and the Rio5 four-door hatchback.

Standard Features And Options:

The 2009 Rio is offered in base, LX and SX trims. The Rio5 hatchback wagon is available in LX and SX trims only.

Standard features on the base sedan are fairly spartan, but do include a four-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player and satellite radio.

The LX model adds air conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering wheel, an auxiliary audio jack, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

The popular SX model adds 15 inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded cloth trim, and metallic interior accents.

An optional power package for the LX and SX includes full power accessories, keyless entry and tweeter speakers. In addition, 16 inch alloy wheels are an available option for the SX.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering all Kia Rio models is a 1.6 liter inline-4 engine that produces 110 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled with a standard five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic is an available option on all models except the base sedan.

The EPA gas mileage estimates for a manual transmission Rio comes in at a very appealing 27 mpg city and 33 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy for the automatic is also strong at 26 mpg city and 35 highway.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all Rios include front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In addition, LX and SX models also feature adjustable rear headrests and optional antilock disc brakes (ABS).

Interior:

The interior of the Rio is attractively designed, user-friendly and comfortable. Perhaps surprisingly, the Rio seems roomier than expected in this segment and the materials quality is also better than average.

While there is adequate rear seat legroom, headroom is on the tight side for passengers over six feet. But on the plus side, with its rear seat lowered, the Rio5 has a cargo capacity of 49.6 cubic feet.

Drive:

The Rio's 1.6-liter engine is surprisingly peppy, particularly with the manual transmission, but it can get a bit noisy at high rpm. Manual shifting is both precise and smooth, making for an enjoyable driving experience. And while the automatic isn't as energetic, the gearchanges are still relatively quick and smooth.

With its smooth and stable ride, the Rio is a quiet performer at highway speeds. And it's an unexpectedly capable handler around town with predictable body roll and crisp steering when cornering.

Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower Rio Prices:

Kia sales were down again last month, evidence of the continuing weak economy and an especially weak car buying trend. There's some good deals to be had right now in this very soft car market.

How To Buy A New Kia Rio At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Rio, here's a technique that will show you the best way to buy one at or below invoice, especially given the current slow economic environment.

Price:

2009 Kia Rio Sedan:

Base, manual: listed retail price: $11,495, invoice price: $11,045

LX, manual: listed retail price: $13,225, invoice price: $12,550
LX, auto: listed retail price: $14,075, invoice price: $13,360

SX, manual: listed retail price: $14,025, invoice price: $13,305
SX, auto: listed retail price: $14,875, invoice price: $14,120

2009 Kia Rio Wagon:

Rio5 LX, manual: listed retail price: $13,325, invoice price: $12,640
Rio5 LX, auto: listed retail price: $14,175, invoice price: $13,450

Rio5 SX, manual: listed retail price: $14,280, invoice price: $13,550
Rio5 SX, auto: listed retail price: $15,125, invoice price: $14,355

Other Resources

2009 Kia Rio Features And Prices