2006 Kia Rio Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$11,350 to $13,275

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(9 reviews)
2006 Kia Rio Preview summaryImage

The Kia Rio compact sedan is truly a budget personal car, low on features, but high on fuel economy, safety, reliability, and affordability. Some equate low price with low quality, but the redesigned all-new 2006 Kia Rio boasts a better engine, chassis refinements, and improved fuel economy to broaden its appeal. The superior Kia warranty doesn't hurt either.

The 2006 Kia Rio comes in either base or LX sedan or a Rio5 hatchback, which has a slightly shorter wheelbase, but a sportier appearance and more than twice the cargo room with the seats folded down (49.6 cubic feet vs. 24 in the sedan). All have a new 1.6-liter I4 that gets 110-hp, up from 104 last year. A 5-speed manual is standard, but the LX has the option of a 4-speed automatic. The base is nearly feature-free: no air conditioning, no radio, no power features. It does have intermittent wipers and a tachometer, and a steering wheel, however. The LX adds air, a CD player, and 60/40 split-fold seats. ABS brakes are optional. A Power Package adds power features and heated mirrors, and a Sports Package adds Rio5 features, such as 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, metallic interior trim, a leather steering wheel, and foglights.

Also new in 2006 are more airbags. All models of the 2006 Rio now come with 6 airbags, include dual front and side and side curtain. The improved Rio is also longer and wider, with a 98-inch wheelbase, meaning more legroom for passengers. In fact, the Rio leads its segment for interior room. This is appealing to owners, who also like the great 32/35 mpg, quiet insulated ride, and sportier handling. Price tag and overall economy are the biggest selling points. Criticisms focus on the lack of features, especially cruise control and a radio in the base model. The seatbelt warning can be annoying.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2006 Kia Rio

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User rating:
by Anonymous
May 30, 2014
It's a nice alternative when gas prices went crazy. Decent room in the front seats. Very impressive trunk space on such a small car. Has a little higher ground clearance then most cars in its class which makes it quite impressive for driving in snow or flooded roads.May 30, 2014
by Dominic S
Jun 29, 2011
For a first car, in my case, it is perfect! It looks great, it's unexpencive and it do not drink alot of gaz to go to school. It is not a race car, but insurance are not high as well.Jun 29, 2011
by Pablo T
Sep 21, 2009
La aceleracion es aceptable para el motor que tiene al igual que los frenos pero la maniobrabilidad es buena, buena pinta, el interior es aceptable para el tipo de auto que es.No hay muchos repuestos pero se hace lo que se puede con lo que se consigue.Sep 21, 2009

2006 Kia Rio Pricing

Original MSRP
$11,350 to $13,275
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Brakes

Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Storage: seatback

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Locks

Power door locks: remote

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (2)