2013 Kia Rio5 Trims and Specs

A bit base and basic, the 2013 Kia Rio5 LX sub-compact hatchback nevertheless offers room for five, 49.8 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded, and at least a nod to popular standard features.

The standard variable-valve-timed (VVT) inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant mates with a standard 6-speed manual transmission for 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque, while an optional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission remains an alternative. Look for 29 mpg city/37 highway with the standard stick-shift and 28/38 with the available automatic.

A rear spoiler, 15-inch steel wheels and heated power-adjustable mirrors, meanwhile, decorate this pint-size hatchback’s profile, with cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-wheel steering, Bluetooth hands-free technology and air conditioning adorning the inside. Entertainment, meantime, is again presented via an MP3-capable single-CD player with 4 speakers, satellite radio and a USB connection.

Notable options for the base Rio5 LX again begin with the driver-selectable Active Eco System that boasts auto engine stop/start technology and continue to available remote power door locks and windows, cargo nets and mats, and carpeted floor mats.

Finally, standard safety features include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and front and rear head airbags.

As the midlevel trim of the 2013 Kia Rio5 lineup, the Rio5 EX totes, besides its roomy cabin and 49.8 cubic feet of cargo area (with the rear seats folded), a rear spoiler, 15-inch steel wheels, premium cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and full power accessories, including heated outside mirrors. Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering also remain standard in the midlevel EX, as do simulated alloy cabin accents and manually adjustable air conditioning. Once more, Bluetooth hands-free calling is standard, and an MP-3-capable single-CD player, bolstered by 6 speakers, satellite radio and a USB port, presents the tunes.

Options-wise, look for the Rio5 Ex to be eligible for the new fuel-saving Active Eco System, flaunting auto engine stop/start capability. As well, the available EX Convenience Package offers 15-inch alloy wheels, Microsoft-driven UVO infotainment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and soft-touch dashboard surfaces. Cargo nets and mats and carpeted floor mats, meantime, remain standalone options.

Powering this pint-size people-hauler is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine common to its siblings, with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission managing its 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The 2013 version of the Rio5 EX is now eligible for an available 6-speed manual transmission, with mileage estimated at 28 mpg city/38 highway in the automatic-equipped edition, and 29/37 in the stick-shift trim. The available Active Eco System, meantime, flaunts mileage figures of 30/36.

Finally, noteworthy standard safety features remain 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags.

Admirably representing the flagship trim of Kia’s Rio5 lineup for 2013 is the Rio5 SX. Flaunting a sport-tuned suspension over its siblings, this 5-seat subcompact hatchback stands with them in boasting 49.8 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seatbacks folded, as well as a surprisingly spacious cabin and the ubiquitous 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant. Sporting variable valve timing (VVT) and 138 hp, this peppy four-banger mates with a standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 123 lb-ft of torque and some 28 mpg city/38 highway. Should the available 6-speed manual transmission be selected, power numbers stay the same, and mileage shifts marginally to 29/37.

Standard appearance goodies, meantime, include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated, power-adjustable and power-folding rear-view mirrors, dual exhaust tips, LED taillights and a rear spoiler. Inside look for premium cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and full power accessories adorning the inside, while cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering, of course, remain standard convenience features. An upgraded trip computer comes standard in the top-shelf SX, as do sport pedals, simulated alloy cabin trim accents and a rear-view camera.

Entertainment and communications, finally, includes the touted Microsoft-powered UVO infotainment system that packs in Bluetooth hands-free communications, an MP3-capable single-CD player, 6 speakers, satellite radio and a USB port.

The major option for the 2013 Rio5 SX is the Premium Package with heated front seats, leather upholstery, a power sunroof, hard-drive-based navigation and Smart Key push-button start. Cargo nets and mats, unique graphics and carpeted floor mats, meantime, remain available as standalone options.

Finally, noteworthy standard safety equipment includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags. Front fog/driving lights, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors also come standard in this flagship trim.