2020 Kia Rio5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Kia Rio5 is a subcompact hatchback similar to the Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback, Honda Fit, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Nissan Versa Note. For...

The Kia Rio5 is a subcompact hatchback similar to the Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback, Honda Fit, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Nissan Versa Note. For 2020, it gets some important updates.

The Rio5’s powertrain is completely new for 2020. Replacing last year’s engine is a new 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder. The old 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options both disappear. Now, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) comes as the only transmission. As before, all Rio5s are front-wheel drive (FWD). While the output of the new engine, at 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque, is down, fuel economy is up. The 5-door Rio achieves 33 mpg city, 41 highway, and 36 combined.

Kia sells the Rio5 in a single S trim. Standard features include 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, a 6-speaker audio system, keyless entry, USB charging ports, cruise control, automatic headlights, power windows, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is newly standard for 2020. The S Technology Package tacks on LED headlights, LED daytime-running lights (DRLs), satellite radio, and advanced tire-pressure monitoring.

The only standard safety features for the Rio5 are airbags and a reversing camera. Selecting the S Technology Package gets you forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Rio5 a Top Safety Pick designation in 2019.