The 2020 Kia Rio is a subcompact sedan that competes with the Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Yaris. For 2020, it makes big strides in fuel economy.
Both LX and S trims return this year. The LX comes with 15-inch steel wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power windows, a 6-way manual driver’s seat, and six speakers. The S gets you keyless entry, cruise control, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The S Technology Package throws in LED headlights, LED daytime-running lights (DRLs), a premium instrument cluster, advanced tire-pressure monitoring, and satellite radio.
For 2020, the Rio gets a redesigned 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, which makes 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. Last year’s 6-speed automatic gives way to a new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While both of those power figures are down from previous years, fuel-economy estimates increase tremendously. The Rio now performs at 33 mpg city, 41 highway, and 36 combined.
Safety-wise, every Rio comes with a reversing camera. The S Technology package includes forward-collision warning. The Rio earned a Top Safety Pick designation in 2019 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Rio packs plenty into a subcompact design.
