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2020 Kia Rio5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Kia Rio5 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Responsive ride
  • Intuitive control layout
  • Impressive fuel economy from revised engine output

Cons

  • Single trim only
  • Class rivals offer more standard driver aids

Mileage (EPA estimate)

33 city, 41 highway, 36 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year
Mileage

All Kia Rio5 years

What is new for the 2020 Kia Rio5?

  • Rio5 trims have been upgraded with Smart Key as standard equipment this year.

2020 Kia Rio5 trims

Curious how Kia Rio5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 120-hp, 112-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
  • Rear View Camera
  • Cloth Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Kia Rio5 S inventory

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Kia Rio5

1. Refreshed engine setup  

For the 2020 model year, the Rio5 gets an updated drivetrain setup that boosts your ride enjoyment and impresses at the pump too. The intelligent variable automatic transmission ensures seamless and efficient gear shifts, noticeable on winding coastal roads and in stop-start city traffic. Also introduced as new for the 2020 model year is a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that optimizes fuel economy with individual injectors for each of its four cylinders. The overall result is an impressive EPA-estimated 41 mpg on the highway and an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city.

2. Handy dimensions 

For groups that travel together, this hatchback is tailor-made to your needs. Thanks to 17.4 cu-ft of fixed cargo space, the 2020 Rio5 can accommodate gym bags, hobby equipment, and farmers market produce hauls with ease. For big box items or an apartment move, the Rio5's 60/40 split-folding rear seats expand those dimensions to 32.8 cu-ft. Leave those seats up for a full-house trip to the ball game and your rear-row passengers get 33.5 inches of comfortable legroom to enjoy too.  

3. Device connectivity 

Staying connected is easy with the 2020 Rio5. Want to call ahead to make dinner reservations? Bluetooth® hands-free calling functionality is standard, plus you can take the volume up or down from steering-wheel-mounted controls. Keep your crew entertained with your compatible devices' playlists, audiobooks, and apps via the Rio5’s Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ functionality. Once connected you can manage it all on the front dashboard's seven-inch infotainment touchscreen.   

4. Useful driver aids 

No matter the downtown conditions or challenges up ahead on your highway commute, the 2020 Rio5 has driver aids that offer a welcome boost as you focus on the road ahead. A rearview camera with parking guidelines is standard, while the brake-assist system sensors can automatically apply full braking power if needed. Choose a 2020 Rio5 with the available Technology package and you’ll also get forward collision warning and emergency braking, a useful tool in busy traffic.  

5. Passenger-focused features 

In-car features should make your day easier, so it's good to see that the 2020 Rio5 has plenty of these thoughtful touches as standard. For full hands, or when your kids race ahead, remote keyless entry allows everyone to get inside quickly and get comfortable. Connect a device to the front row USB port so other passengers can take their turn playing their favorite songs, while cruise control functionality supports you as the driver on long-distance highway driving.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Kia Rio5 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Rio5 14th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia Rio5

Kia Rio5 features and specs

S 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.6L

Horsepower

120

Torque (ft-lbs)

112

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

11.9

Wheelbase

101.6"

Overall length

160"

Width

67.9"

Height

57.1"

Leg room

F 42.1"/R 33.5"

Head room

F 38.9"/R 38"

Front tires

P185/65TR15

Rear tires

P185/65TR15

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Kia Rio5 FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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.

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