The Kia Rio gets a new engine for 2020, a 1.6L 4-cylinder unit that despite being the same displacement as the outgoing engine, gets considerably better fuel economy. Fuel economy is further aided by a new continuously variable transmission which comes standard on the car. The end result? City mpg jumps by 5 mpg while highway ratings increase by 4 mpg. All told, the 2020 Rio is rated at a combined 36 mpg in city and highway driving.
The Kia Rio is powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine making 120 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. Fuel economy is excellent for a non-hybrid car like this with a claimed city mileage of 33 mpg with 41 mpg supposedly attainable on the highway.
Standard features on subcompacts like the Rio tend to be pretty sparse, but base LX-trimmed Rios come standard with power door locks, air conditioning, a 5-inch touchscreen controlling a stereo with MP3 and SiriusXM capabilities, a USB input jack, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and automatic headlights.
Top of the line S trim includes an optional 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities along with 15-inch alloy wheels, upgraded seat trimming, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, fog lights, one-touch windows, a forward collision warning system and an autonomous emergency braking system.
Optional features include a Supervision Meter 3.5-inch gauge display and Forward Collision Assist with automatic avoidance,
Standard safety features on the Rio include dual front mounted and side mounted airbags, full length side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability management systems, a hill start system and a tire pressure monitoring system.