Not all that long ago, Kia was known as a budget brand that made throwaway cars, but that has changed drastically over the years. The brand is now known for making value-packed vehicles with desirable features and long warranties. The closest model in the Kia stable to the way things used to be is the Rio, a car that is offered as both a sedan and as a five-door hatchback. Kia updated the little-but-practical Rio with massaged front-end styling and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen that runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which will come standard for both the LX and S trim levels. Even with that tech upgrade, the Rio remains a mostly barebones affair. Power comes from a 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. It’s the same unit that comes in a Hyundai Accent and comes paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Rio is front-wheel drive (FWD) and comes standard with 15-inch wheels and rear drum brakes. Inside, the car gets woven cloth upholstery, air conditioning, and four speakers with two tweeter speakers in both trims. Niceties like automatic climate controls, a push-button start system, and advanced safety tech are held back as options that can only be added to the top S trim level. The Kia Drive Wise equipment group is part of one such option package and includes forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, high-beam assist, driver-attention warnings, lane-departure warnings, and a rear occupant alert system. The rest of the Technology Package that houses that safety gear adds LED headlights and positioning lights, a smart key with push-button start, automatic climate controls, alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, and more. The 2021 Kia Rio is on sale now and comes with a starting price of $17,045—which includes a $995 destination charge. The Rio S starts at $17,685 after destination and can be upgraded with the $1,800 Technology Package that brings safety and equipment, as well as upgraded lighting.