Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Complete redesign for 2012
- New engine with 25% more horsepower
- Increased passenger and cargo space
- Soft-touch materials on upper trims

Exterior Features
The Kia Rio remains a sub-compact economy car even though it has been radically redesigned for the 2012 model year into a larger and more powerful car. The Rio is available as a sedan or hatchback (the latter known as the Rio5), each with three trims. The LX is the base trim and features 15-inch steel wheels and power heated mirrors, while the EX includes a chrome grille frame. The SX upgrades to 17-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips, sport suspension, and exclusive styling cues.

Interior Features
The 2012 Kia Rio LX features air conditioning and a 4-speaker sound system with satellite radio. The EX adds power windows and locks, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and upgrades to the upholstery and interior trim. The SX includes an upgraded gauge display.

Optional Features
The 2012 Kia Rio offers some of the standard features on upper trims as options on lower trims. On the SX, a Premium package includes leather upholstery with heated front seats, keyless ignition, sunroof, and navigation system.

Under the Hood
The 2012 Kia Rio features a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower, 28 more horsepower than last year's model. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX. The EX and SX feature a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is optional on the LX.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Kia Rio are:
- Rio with manual transmission: 30/40/34 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Rio with automatic transmission: 30/40/33 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the Kia Rio include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, hill-start assist, front-seat side air bags, and side curtain air bags. A reversing camera is standard on the SX trim.

To date, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have conducted crash tests on the 2012 Kia Rio.