Overview

What Changed for 2009:

• Minor updates for the 2009 model year
• Revised gauge cluster and new HVAC switch
• Standard Sirius satellite radio
• Revised audio packages on some trim levels

Overview
Although fuel-efficient subcompact cars have long been used as a foothold by automakers entering the U.S. market, Kia was relatively late in introducing its own mini car. It wasn't until 2001-more than five years after the launch of the Sephia compact sedan and Sportage SUV-that South Korea's Kia launched the pint-sized Rio. It's the entry-level Kia model, below the Spectra models.

The Kia Rio 4-door sedan and Rio5 5-door hatchback were redesigned for the 2006 model year. As was the case in 2008, the Korean automaker is only making minor changes to the subcompact for 2009. These include several new options on the LX and SX models, and updates to the audio package and gauge cluster across all trim levels.

The 2009 Rio is covered by Kia's 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with roadside assistance, plus 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Kia Rio sedan is sold in Base, LX and SX versions, while the Rio5 hatchback comes in LX (new for 2008) and SX versions. Every 2009 Rio is fitted with cloth seats, 8-way-adjustable driver's seat, and a rear window defroster. The LX trim level adds an AM/FM/CD stereo, air conditioning, adjustable rear headrests, and split/folding rear seats. Rio SX models feature gray sport seats with red stitching, metallic interior trim, metal pedals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Fog lights and a rear spoiler also are part of the SX package.

Wheel size grows with trim level, as the base Rio sedan gets 14-inch wheels and tires, the LX gets wider 14-inch tires, and the SX comes with 15-inch tires and a 16-inch option.

Powertrain
The front-wheel-drive 2009 Kia Rio is powered by a 1.6-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT). The engine puts out 110 hp and 107 lb.-ft. of torque and is available with either a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission (on LX and SX models). According to the EPA, the 2009 Kia Rio with an automatic transmission earned 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway in fuel economy testing (the manual transmission is rated at 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway).

Safety
All versions of the 2009 Kia Rio come with standard front, side, and side curtain air bags. Four-channel, 4-sensor anti-lock brakes with rear disc brakes are optional on all but the Base sedan. The subcompact car also features the Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system for easier attachment of child-safety seats, a tire-pressure-monitoring system, and rear 3-point seat belts.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings for the 2009 Kia Rio are 4 stars for the driver and 5 stars for the passenger in front crashes; side-impact ratings are 4 stars in the front seat and 3 stars in the rear seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested the 2006-2009 model and rated it "Acceptable" in frontal offset testing and "Poor" in side-impact tests.

Technology
New for 2009, Kia has added standard satellite radio (with MP3 capabilities) across the Rio model range. The Rio LX and SX receive AUX and USB inputs on their audio systems, as well.