2016 Kia Rio review
Kia Rio highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Great standard features
- Solid four-cylinder engine
- Comes in sedan or hatchback
Cons
- Ride quality isn't amazing
- Handling could be better as well
- Predates Apple and Android integration
Mileage (EPA estimate)
27 city, 37 highway, 31 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Sedan or hatchback fun
Take a look at the 2016 Kia Rio, and you're sure to find something to love. All versions get a strong 1.6L four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower. A six-speed manual is standard, while a six-speed automatic is optional (standard on hatchback models). Trim levels for the 2016 model year Rio include the LX, EX, and SX. New for 2016 is an updated grille and taillights, upgraded interior materials, and additional sound insulation. Kia also added a new "Designer" package (EX only) for 2016, adding a fun two-tone upholstery and gray accent stitching.
All Kia Rio years
What is new for the 2016 Kia Rio?
- Rio trims have been upgraded with Front Seat Heaters, Leather Seats, Smart Key, Sunroof(s), Navigation System, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.
- The EX trim now comes with Alloy Wheels and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The SX trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Kia Rio
1. Hatchback practicality
While the 2016 Rio sedan is great, you should look at the practical hatchback if you need more cargo space. It starts with an impressive 15 cu-ft of space behind the rear seats. That number jumps to 49.8 cu-ft of space with the rear seats folded. There is more room for fun and friends on your next big adventure.
2. Great four-cylinder engine
All versions of the 2016 Kia Rio get a standard 1.6L four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. While the LX trim has a standard six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The automatic transmission is standard on EX, SX trim levels, and all Rio hatchbacks.
3. So many standard features
A subcompact like the Rio may not seem likely to have a long list of standard features. However, the 2016 Rio LX has heated power mirrors, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. So, even if you go with the base model, it will still impress you more than you might think.
4. Lots of fun packages
Search our lots for the Convenience package, and you'll get a host of upgrades like alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, upgraded interior trim, power-folding mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, map lights, a rearview camera, and a small touchscreen interface. Or, check out the Eco package, which has a great automatic stop-start system, automatic headlights, Kia's seven-inch touchscreen interface, and a rearview camera. New for 2016 is the Designer package, which gets cool two-tone black and gray cloth and leather seating with gray accent stitching throughout the interior.
5. Cool SX trim
The top trim Rio SX builds on the mid-level EX but also includes the Eco package's infotainment system, rearview camera, and automatic headlights, but there is even more. You'll also get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, a sport-tuned suspension, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, an upgraded gauge cluster, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a navigation system. So, the fun little 2016 Rio is even more fun with the SX version.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Kia Rio an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Rio 10th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia RioKia Rio features and specs
Curious how Kia Rio trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
EX 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Rear View Camera
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.6L
Horsepower
138
Torque (ft-lbs)
123
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
11.4
Wheelbase
101.2"
Overall length
172"
Width
67.7"
Height
57.3"
Leg room
F 43.8"/R 31.1"
Head room
F 40"/R 37.6"
Front tires
P185/65TR15
Rear tires
P185/65TR15
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Kia Rio FAQ
The 2016 Kia Rio is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- EX: 27 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- LX: 27 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- SX: 27 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
The Kia Rio received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Kia Rio as 9 out of 27 among Subcompact Car
The 2016 Kia Rio has received an average 3.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Kia Rio, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Kia Rio Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Kia Rio:
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Navigation System
Research other vehicles
- kia rio used car value
- 2008 kia rio used car value
- 2009 kia rio used car value
- 2011 kia rio used car value
- 2012 kia rio used car value
- 2013 kia rio used car value
- 2014 kia rio used car value
- 2015 kia rio used car value
- 2016 kia rio used car value
- 2017 kia rio used car value
- 2018 kia rio used car value
- 2019 kia rio used car value
- 2020 kia rio used car value
- 2021 kia rio used car value
- 2022 kia rio used car value
- 2023 kia rio used car value
- Used 2016 Kia Rio near me for sale
- Used 2023 Kia Rio near me for sale
- Used Black Kia Rio near me for sale
- Used Blue Kia Rio near me for sale
- Used Gold Kia Rio near me for sale
- Used Kia Rio S near me for sale
- Used 2021 Kia Rio S near me for sale
- Used 2022 Kia Rio S near me for sale
- Used 2023 Kia Rio S near me for sale
- Used White Kia Rio near me for sale
- 2025 Audi RS3 review
- 2025 Audi RS5 review
- 2015 BMW Activehybrid 3 review
- 2016 BMW Activehybrid 5 review
- 2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 review
- 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ review
- 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ review
- 2016 Cadillac SRX review
- 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV review
- All things EV
- 2014 Ford Explorer review
- 2015 Ford Explorer review
- 2016 Ford Explorer review
- 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 review
- 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 review
- 2014 Honda CR-V review
- 2015 Honda CR-V review
- 2016 Honda CR-V review
- Used Kia buying guide
- 2023 Kia Rio review
- 2012 Kia Rio review
- 2014 Kia Rio review
- 2015 Kia Rio review
- 2017 Kia Rio review
- 2018 Kia Rio review
- 2019 Kia Rio review
- 2021 Kia Rio review
- 2022 Kia Rio review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.


