2020 Kia Rio review

For the 2020 model year, the Kia Rio subcompact sedan and hatchback are fitted with a new 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission. While it’s down 10 horsepower compared to the Rio’s previous powertrain, the 1.6-liter is more fuel-efficient in both city and highway driving. That makes the Rio more competitive in terms of its mpg when faced against rival small cars like the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Sonic, and Toyota Yaris.

The cabin of the Rio won’t win any design awards, though it’s nicely built and there’s enough stretch-out space for adults in the second row. Cargo volume is in larger supply in the hatchback, where you’ll find more than 17 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. Every 2020 Rio now also comes with a seven-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The sedan can be had in two trim levels, the base LX or upmarket S. Choosing the hatchback narrows your choice down to only the S trim.

That’s not a bad thing, considering it’s the level where Kia adds driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning.