Kia Rio's Blind Spot Monitoring: Is It Worth The Hype?

Blind spot monitoring is an important safety feature for many drivers. While it is unclear whether the Kia Rio has blind spot monitoring as standard, it is available as an option on the S trim. The S trim of the Kia Rio adds several features that are not available on the base model, including a 6-speaker sound system, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. The Kia Rio is a great choice for those on a budget or anyone who wants a modest, reliable car with a smooth ride and a comfortable interior.

Kia Rio safety features

The Kia Rio is a safe and reliable car, offering a long list of safety features. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2023 Rio sedan and hatchback a 'Good' rating in five out of six crashworthiness tests. The 2020 Rio was also recognised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its safety features, which are designed to help prevent accidents and reduce damage in the event of a collision.

The Rio comes with a host of active and passive safety features. Active safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assists (FCA), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). These systems work together to assist the driver and help prevent accidents.

Passive safety features, on the other hand, are designed to reduce damage and injury in the event of a collision. These include dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, three-point seat belts for all seating positions, front seat-belt pretensioners, and side-impact door beams. The Rio's body construction also includes front and rear crumple zones, which help absorb the impact during a collision, protecting the occupants inside.

The Rio also offers advanced driver assistance features, such as lane departure warning and lane departure prevention. These systems can help keep the vehicle in its lane and avoid potential collisions with other vehicles or obstacles in adjacent lanes.

In addition to the standard safety features, the Kia Drive Wise suite of driver-assist technology is available on the S trims. This includes forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, high-beam assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert.

Kia Rio entertainment features

The Kia Rio is a subcompact car that offers a range of entertainment features. The 2023 model has an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as Bluetooth streaming and four speakers plus two tweeters. The S trim offers an upgraded 8-inch display with Kia Connect telematics, Sirius satellite radio, a rear-view camera display, and an integrated modem. The cockpit prioritises information and limits distractions, with a cluster presenting driving data and a centre floating display that provides access to entertainment and comfort controls.

The Kia Rio also has a Supervision cluster with a 4.2-inch LCD screen, which provides information such as outside temperature and vehicle and trip data. The steering wheel has audio remote control, allowing the driver to adjust audio settings with their thumb for enhanced safety. The centre console has a USB port, and there is a rear USB charging port for passengers in the back.

The 2018 EX trim of the Kia Rio features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the base model has a 5-inch screen. The EX trim also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Bluetooth connection for streaming.

Kia Rio driver assistance features

The Kia Rio is a subcompact car that offers a range of driver assistance features. While the specific features vary by model year and trim level, here is an overview of some of the notable driver assistance features available in the Kia Rio:

2023 Kia Rio:

The 2023 Kia Rio offers a host of driver assistance features, especially in the S trim. The Kia Drive Wise suite of technologies is available in the S trim and includes:

• Forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane-following assist
• High-beam assist
• Driver attention warning
• Rear occupant alert

Additionally, all 2023 Rio models come standard with electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and vehicle stability management.

2021 Kia Rio:

The 2021 Kia Rio, particularly the top-tier Rio S model, offers several driver assistance features through the Kia Drive Wise system. These include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

2020 Kia Rio:

The 2020 Kia Rio, in the S trim, offers a range of driver assistance features. While blind-spot monitoring is notably absent, the S trim includes:

• Forward collision warning
• Forward collision avoidance assist
• Remote keyless entry
• Siri Eyes Free
• UVO eServices with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capabilities

The LX trim, while more basic, still offers safety features such as:

• Anti-lock braking system
• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Electronic stability control
• Pretensioners on the front seat belts
• Front and rear crumple zones
• Hill-start assist control

2018 Kia Rio:

The 2018 Kia Rio includes several standard safety features, such as:

• ABS brakes, which improve the vehicle's ability to turn while braking
• Stability control, which helps prevent the driver from losing control
• Front-impact and side-impact airbags for both front seats
• Overhead airbags for side collisions or rollovers
• Seatbelt pretensioners, which optimise the seating position during a collision

Overall:

While the availability of specific features varies across model years and trims, the Kia Rio generally offers a competitive range of driver assistance technologies. From collision avoidance systems to stability control and lane-keeping assist, the Rio provides features that enhance safety and driving convenience.

Kia Rio engine and performance

The Kia Rio is a subcompact car that was manufactured from 1999 to 2023. It comes in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. The 2023 model is powered by a 1.6-litre inline-four engine with 120 horsepower, and the only transmission choice is a continuously variable automatic. It is not the quickest car, but it delivers a satisfying acceleration experience while avoiding many of the CVT's downsides.

The Rio's engine is relatively peppy and well-suited for city streets and daily commutes. However, it can feel underpowered and underwhelming on the highway, requiring more caution during lane changes and overtakes. The Rio's suspension is well-tuned, and the car handles bumps well for its size. The steering is precise but numb and doesn't communicate as much as some drivers might prefer.

The 2023 Rio offers impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. This is exceptional for a subcompact car and makes the Rio a great choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient, low-cost vehicle.

The Rio has undergone several generational changes since its introduction in 1999. The first generation was offered with a 1.5-litre or 1.6-litre gasoline engine, while later generations introduced a 1.25-litre petrol engine and a 1.4-litre or 1.1-litre turbo-diesel engine. The 2020 North American model year saw the 1.6-litre Gamma GDi engine replaced by the 1.6-litre Gamma II MPi, improving fuel economy even further.

Overall, the Kia Rio engine and performance are well-suited for those seeking a fuel-efficient, reliable, and affordable vehicle for city driving and daily commutes. While it may not deliver thrilling performance, it handles well, has a comfortable interior, and comes with a long list of available safety features.

Kia Rio infotainment and connectivity

The 2023 Kia Rio comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard. The S trim offers an upgraded 8-inch display with Kia Connect telematics, Sirius satellite radio, a rear-view camera display, and an integrated modem. Both systems provide Bluetooth streaming and four speakers plus two tweeters. The S trim has a rear USB charger, and audio controls are available on the steering wheel for both trims.

The 2023 model is also equipped with Kia's latest UVO system, which is well-designed and easy to use. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Bluetooth connection for streaming.

The 2018 Kia Rio has a 5-inch screen as standard, while the EX trim features a 7-inch screen with the UVO interface.

Frequently asked questions