2011 Kia Rio Trims and Specs

Kia wants to make sure you get a satellite-ready CD and MP3 player with a digital-media player connection and an iPod adapter. In fact, so strong is this desire that the 2011 Kia Rio Base trim comes standard with this feature, even at the expense of more expendable options like ABS and power steering. Still, the Base trim of the Rio isn’t a complete stripper as it has been in previous years. You’re getting a tachometer here as well as automatic-off headlights. Okay, perhaps a bit of a stretch, but in years past the Base Rio didn’t even come with a radio – not even as an option. Scary stuff. 14-inch wheels don’t even get wheel covers here, just some center caps, and the front bucket and rear seats come with cloth upholstery. The Base is the only trim that has a five-speed manual attached to its 1.6-liter engine, and at 27/32 mpg you’ll gain 2 city mpg over the automatic, but you’ll lose 3 on the highway, so pick your play accordingly. You’ll still get dual front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags, and since ABS and power steering aren’t even options, you may just need them.

Thankfully, with the LX trim of the 2011 Kia Rio, a four-speed automatic transmission and antilock four-wheel disc brakes are standard. The former will help quiet the excessively loud 1.6-liter engine and the latter will help avoid using any of the car's six standard airbags. You’ll also enjoy power steering for the tilt steering wheel at this level, not to mention Bluetooth and air conditioning. 14-inch wheels get wheel covers here, although 15-inch units are optional. You’ll still enjoy a satellite-ready CD and MP3 player with digital-media and iPod connection, not to mention cloth upholstery for front bucket and split-folding rear seats. Additional features include a tachometer and automatic-off headlights. Mileage is estimated at 25/35 mpg.

Oh, the luxuries to be had with the SX trim of the 2011 Kia Rio. Starting with the most immediately evident upgrades, the SX trim gets 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, and a rear spoiler, but let’s not ignore the radio controls on the leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel. You still get the same CD and MP3 player with satellite radio, digital-media and iPod connection, and Bluetooth that comes with all Rio trims, but here you’ll also enjoy cruise control, heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals, power windows, and power doors. The 1.6-liter engine is mated to a four-speed automatic and gets 25/35 mpg, and it even quiets the noisy engine somewhat. AC is included here, as well as dual front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags.