Kia Rio

Name: 2005 Kia Rio
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

Expect to get what you pay for with the Rio, one of the lowest-priced new cars sold in the U.S. It's based on the dreadful Ford Aspire, which was made for Ford by Kia in the mid-1990s. A five-door wagon model named the Cinco is also available. Like the sedan, the cheapest wagon in the U.S. competes with other low-end economy cars as well as midpriced used vehicles. A 1.6-liter engine from the Hyundai Accent is standard.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2005 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Kia Rio

vs. Similar Cars

Chrysler PT Cruis...

Chrysler PT Cruiser

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2007

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2018

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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2005 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2005 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $2,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Chevrolet Aveo

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

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2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

$3,025 - $3,700

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $2,975

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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2005 Ford Focus

$2,775 - $3,200

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Honda Civic

$3,175 - $5,575

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Honda Insight

$3,500

EPA MPG 65 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Hyundai Accent

$2,925 - $3,025

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

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2005 Hyundai Elantra

$2,850 - $3,300

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2005 Kia Spectra

$2,975 - $3,050

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2005 Mazda 3

$3,325 - $4,325

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2005 Mitsubishi Lancer

$3,050 - $12,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2005 Nissan Sentra

$2,775 - $3,450

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Pontiac Vibe

$4,075 - $4,625

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Saab 9-2X

$3,175 - $3,425

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Saturn Ion

$2,775 - $2,925

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Scion tC

$3,325

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Scion xA

$3,300 - $3,350

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

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2005 Scion xB

$4,100 - $4,150

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

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2005 Subaru Impreza

$3,400 - $10,400

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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2005 Suzuki Forenza

$2,800 - $2,825

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2005 Toyota Corolla

$4,525 - $4,925

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

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2005 Toyota Matrix

$4,100 - $4,575

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota Prius

$4,900

EPA MPG 56 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volkswagen Golf

$3,250 - $4,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,975 - $4,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volvo V50

$3,600 - $3,775

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 (104 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2018-2023

2018 Redesign Year

With its all-new platform, the fourth-generation Rio sedan and hatchback sit lower, wider, and slightly longer than before. The changes bring increased passenger space for both the front and rear seats. Cabin technology makes a step forward, with the top-level EX trim benefiting from a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, along with voice recognition, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine essentially carries over, though it sees horsepower decrease by 8 notches in the interest of fuel economy--a notable shortcoming with the last-tested Rio. A reworked suspension will hopefully address the stiff feel found on the previous model. Automatic emergency braking for city/urban speed is available. The Rio is available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The EX trim and manual transmission were discontinued for 2019. Changes for 2020 included a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a CVT.

2012-2017

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign was a leap forward, making the Rio feel solid compared with some other subcompacts, bringing more power and space and better handling, along with a six-speed automatic transmission for better gas mileage. The typical ride, noise and space limitations -- expected from a subcompact car -- count against it. However, benefits include nimble handling, a smooth transmission, simple controls, and plenty of equipment for the price. Antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard. Higher trim models offer unexpected amenities such as heated seats and a rear-view camera.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

The 2006 redesign makes the Rio a reasonable alternative to larger compacts. The ride is relatively comfortable and quiet, which makes this iteration of the Rio pleasant to drive. Most drivers found a comfortable seating position with plenty of room, though some found the tilt-only steering wheel was positioned too close ' yes -- for comfort. Controls are simple to use. Interior storage is modest. The sedan can hold more luggage than the hatchback with the rear seats up, but both have 60/40-split seats that fold to expand cargo capacity. Still though, the hatchback offers added cargo flexibility. Fuel economy is very good and handling is secure -- though not sporty. Standard curtain airbags are a plus.

2001-2005

2001 Redesign Year

The Rio has come a long way from its cheap roots. This corporate cousin to the Hyundai Accent used to epitomize the stiff-riding, noisy subcompact sedan. For 2001, the interior is put together well, the car is easy to park, and the Rio provides a tolerable ride. Handling is secure but not very agile. Still though, some vestiges of past transgressions remain, the cabin is noisy and cramped, it's not very quick, and braking is subpar. Antilock brakes (ABS) were offered starting with the 2005 model year.