For the past week, we’ve had the opportunity to test drive a Kia Rio. When the car was dropped off, I was a little hesitant because it appeared to be such a smaller car than we were used to. I didn’t know if it would be comfortable for the four of us. After driving it the first day, I was pleased to see how much room there is in this compact car and with all of its incredible features, I will be sad to see it go.
The Kia Rio has so many great features that I decided to showcase as many as I could in a video so you could really get a feel for the car:
The keyless entry and push button start are definitely two of my favorite features. I also like the touch screen for the audio and navigation controls. It makes it easy to see, read, and tap. And the screen is really big which is so helpful when the reverse camera comes on. You can clearly see anything directly behind you.
Syncing the Bluetooth to my phone is also now a must have in my next car as is the seat warmers which would come in handy in our cold Cleveland winters. I also like the QR codes scattered throughout the start up guide. The videos are very helpful and the information really sticks. Sometimes when I read car instructional manuals I forget what I read just minutes later. The video are well done and have a great staying power helping me learn more about the car in a fun way.
I also like being able to connect my iPod or iPhone right to a cord included with the car. I was able to listen to my music playlists, or conference podcasts as you see in the video above, through the Rio’s speakers.
The steering wheel has multiple helpful controls for changing the radio station, making or ending calls, and cruise control. I also like how easy it is to see the speedometer, other gauges, and info.
The mirrors fold flat to the car with the push of a button if you need to park in a tight space or out on the road.
The backseat is a good size and comfortable for Kora and Logan. At 6- and 5-years-old they don’t take up a lot of space yet, but they are getting there. They fit well into the Rio and there were no complaints of feeling too cramped.
The glove box and the trunk are both huge! I couldn’t believe the size of the trunk when I first saw it. It would easily fit all of our luggage on a weekend road trip.
Another plus is Kora & Logan love the Rio too. They like being able to easily see the navigation map and watching our car as we drive along. When it first arrived Logan was so excited to ride it in. I’m not really sure what he was most looking forward to, but once he got in the car he immediately started looking around and was excited to see the map, the backseat pockets, and all the places he could put a cup if he had one.
Speaking of the backseat, I do wish that the parts you buckle the seatbelt into would stick up a bit further. Sometimes it’s difficult for the kids to buckle themselves and sometimes it’s even tough for me to do it for them. I also think the car is just a bit noisy on the highway. Nothing major and it’s to be expected in a compact car. I just turned the radio up a bit and wasn’t bothered.
We all love the Kia Rio and have found so many good things about the car, its size, storage, and features, that we have added it to our list of possibilities for the car shopping days that lay not too far ahead. With the keyless entry, push button start, large touch screen, navigation system, Bluetooth ability, and huge trunk space, the Rio is remarkable and we recommend it to anyone looking for compact car full of fantastic features.
Nice looking car and seems pretty roomy!
I would love the push button start!
Nice looking ride inside and out.
Nice review! Nice car!
I’m with Becca…LOVE the ipod hookup. I HATE not having one in our current car!
Cute car! I wish I could get a car for review! :)
Wow, that’s a nice size car. I’ve seen the Kia Rio around and often wondered if it was a good car. Love the style!! Great review!
Connecting to my iPod is a non-negotiable with my next car. The Rio does look much bigger than I would have thought!
I love that there is a screen when backing up! Although, small I like how it looks and could definitely see our family cruising in this. My friend has keyless entry and I absolutely love it.
looks like a really nice ride! someday when my kids aren’t in huge carseats, we’ll have to look into something like this. looks gorgeous :o)
I LOVE all the storage space. I could live in mine with the amount of stuff I keep in my car!
It’s crazy how much technology goes into cars nowadays!
What a great review! We have test drove a few Kia’s and really love the brand! We just bought a Sedona!
That looks lovely!! We desperately need a new vehicle.
This is such a nice car! I drove a Kia Spectra for 6 years and it was a great little car, but WOW, Kia sure has come a long way!
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful car! Love that you can hook up your ipod so easily and the huge trunk. Awesome.
After driving the Kia Sorento for a week, I really want to drive one of their smaller vehicles like this!
That in-board navigation system is the icing. I love it!
That trunk is huge, I love that they got so much space into a more compact car! Awesome.
Wow, this car has everything. I would love touch screen navigation. I just got a new, but used, car and it has the aux input for an mp3 player and it is my favorite feature of the car. My husband thinks it is strange that is the thing I like best, but it is so convenient to have my own music!
Oooh, I want to try that touch screen!
Wonderful review and I really enjoyed reading it. :)
Our next car in oh 5 or so years will have the phone sync. A friend of mine has it and I think it is the most awesome thing ever.