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2006 Kia Rio Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Kia Rio Review:
2006 Kia Rio Review
Kia redesigns its entry-level compact line for 2006, giving it more room, power, and safety features. Rio continues as a 4-dr sedan and as a 4-dr hatchback Kia calls the Rio5. Both gain 3.5 inches of wheelbase and 1.6 inches of rear leg room vs. the 2001-2005 generation. The sole engine is a 110-hp 4-cyl. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, a 4-speed automatic is optional. Sedans offer base and LX trims. Rio5 comes in a single SX model. Newly standard are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are optional on all but the base sedan.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger, popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
News
Rio's 2006 redesign should stand pat for the next two years, save the usual yearly shuffles to trim and minor features.
2006 Kia Rio Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration |
| Instruments/controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Adequate around town with either transmission, but wants for highway-speed passing power. Manual transmission shifts easily, has light clutch action; test sedan so equipped did 9.4 sec 0-60 mph. Smooth automatic kicks down quickly enough to summon what power is available.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Adequate around town with either transmission, but wants for highway-speed passing power. Manual transmission shifts easily, has light clutch action; test sedan so equipped did 9.4 sec 0-60 mph. Smooth automatic kicks down quickly enough to summon what power is available.
Fuel Economy
Test manual-transmission LX sedans averaged 27.2-28.4 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Automatic-transmission Rio5 averaged 23 mpg in test heavy on urban commuting.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Test manual-transmission LX sedans averaged 27.2-28.4 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Automatic-transmission Rio5 averaged 23 mpg in test heavy on urban commuting.
Ride Quality
Both sedan, hatchback solidly built and comfortable for compact cars. Some jouncing on wavy pavement. Smaller bumps register with a thump. Larger ones cause occasional jolt.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Both sedan, hatchback solidly built and comfortable for compact cars. Some jouncing on wavy pavement. Smaller bumps register with a thump. Larger ones cause occasional jolt.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Rewardingly maneuverable, with quick, accurate steering. Helped by 15-inch tires vs. 14s on sedans, Rio5 feels almost sporty. All have moderate body lean. Rio5 has adequate grip in fast turns, sedans prone to noseplow. Gusty crosswinds affect straightline stability. Rios with ABS have good stopping power, pedal feel. In test LX without ABS, rear wheels were quick to lock up in rapid braking on wet roads.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 5.6 |
Rewardingly maneuverable, with quick, accurate steering. Helped by 15-inch tires vs. 14s on sedans, Rio5 feels almost sporty. All have moderate body lean. Rio5 has adequate grip in fast turns, sedans prone to noseplow. Gusty crosswinds affect straightline stability. Rios with ABS have good stopping power, pedal feel. In test LX without ABS, rear wheels were quick to lock up in rapid braking on wet roads.
Quietness
Engine noisy during acceleration. Cruises more quietly with automatic transmission vs. manual. Moderate wind noise. Lots of road noise over coarse pavement, some thumping over bumps.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Engine noisy during acceleration. Cruises more quietly with automatic transmission vs. manual. Moderate wind noise. Lots of road noise over coarse pavement, some thumping over bumps.
Controls
Gauges clear. Audio, climate controls angled toward driver, have large knobs, buttons, are high-mounted, easy to reach. Most cabin surfaces are hard plastic, but materials, assembly quality equal to many more-expensive cars.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Gauges clear. Audio, climate controls angled toward driver, have large knobs, buttons, are high-mounted, easy to reach. Most cabin surfaces are hard plastic, but materials, assembly quality equal to many more-expensive cars.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good head, leg room. Firm, comfortable seats, though larger drivers may want wider cushions. Driver seat adjusts for height, has fold-down right armrest. Tilt steering wheel standard on all but base model. Poor visibility to rear corners in Rio5.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Good head, leg room. Firm, comfortable seats, though larger drivers may want wider cushions. Driver seat adjusts for height, has fold-down right armrest. Tilt steering wheel standard on all but base model. Poor visibility to rear corners in Rio5.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Quite good for a compact. Adequate head, toe room. Leg room tight only if front seat is well back. Fairly easy ingress/egress. Seat nicely contoured. Seatback angle adjustable in Rio5, a rarity in this class.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Quite good for a compact. Adequate head, toe room. Leg room tight only if front seat is well back. Fairly easy ingress/egress. Seat nicely contoured. Seatback angle adjustable in Rio5, a rarity in this class.
Cargo Room
All but base sedan have split folding rear seatback. Sedan's doesn't lie flat, rests above level of trunk floor, and opening is cramped. Release awkwardly placed toward center of seats. Trunklid hinges dip into load area. Rio5 benefits from hatchback load volume and seat bottom that flips forward, allowing seatback to lie nearly flat. Release is handy. Interior storage features five small bins, but no console box, and only a small glovebox.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 6 | 4.7 |
All but base sedan have split folding rear seatback. Sedan's doesn't lie flat, rests above level of trunk floor, and opening is cramped. Release awkwardly placed toward center of seats. Trunklid hinges dip into load area. Rio5 benefits from hatchback load volume and seat bottom that flips forward, allowing seatback to lie nearly flat. Release is handy. Interior storage features five small bins, but no console box, and only a small glovebox.
Value within Class
These smallest Kias are best suited to undemanding, low-speed work. That said, Rio and Rio5 are surprisingly well-constructed and backed by strong warranties. They also deliver a lot for the money, notably standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags. The base sedan offers no options, so if you want such features as air conditioning, automatic transmission, or ABS, you must move up to the costlier LX sedan or Rio5 hatchback.
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
These smallest Kias are best suited to undemanding, low-speed work. That said, Rio and Rio5 are surprisingly well-constructed and backed by strong warranties. They also deliver a lot for the money, notably standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags. The base sedan offers no options, so if you want such features as air conditioning, automatic transmission, or ABS, you must move up to the costlier LX sedan or Rio5 hatchback.
Total Score
| LX, man. | Rio5 SX w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
| 46 | 50 | 52 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2006 Kia Rio Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/14/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan, manual | $10,770 | $10,350 | $580 |
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| LX 4-door sedan, manual | $12,695 | $12,045 | $580 |
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| LX 4-door sedan, automatic | $13,545 | $12,855 | $580 |
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| Rio5 SX 4-door hatchback, manual | $13,750 | $13,045 | $580 |
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| Rio5 SX 4-door hatchback, automatic | $14,595 | $13,850 | $580 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, cupholders, tachometer, visor mirrors, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
175/70R14 tires.
LX adds to Base:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, center console, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
185/65R14 tires, wheel covers.
Rio5 SX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, 195/55R15 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Power Pkg.
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LX, SX
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$600
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$535
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Heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, upgraded sound system.
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Safety |
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Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes
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LX, SX
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$400
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$357
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Floormats
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Base, LX, Rio5 SX
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$70
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$54
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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Base, LX
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$250
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$220
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2006 Kia Rio Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Kia Rio5 4-door hatchback | Kia Rio 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.4 | 98.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 158.1 | 166.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | 66.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.9 | 57.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2438 | 2365 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 49.6 | 11.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 | 11.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.8 | 42.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.3 | 34.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.6 /98 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 110 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 107 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 32/35 |
| 4-speed automatic | 29/38 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Kia Rio5 4-door hatchback | Kia Rio 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Floor Mats Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 27.18 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Mark Bilek At a touch over $13,000, our test Rio was an impressive subcompact. It offers room for four, adequate acceleration, good fuel economy, above average road manners, and a large trunk. It would make the perfect commuter car or a great first car for someone just starting out. Kudos to Kia for keeping the price low, but why offer six standard airbags and make antilock brakes an option? Rick Cotta The Rio LX is quite capable, fairly accommodating, and nicely equipped for the price. It lacks the room and refinement of the class-leading Honda Civic, but if you can make good use of Kia's long warranty (that beyond 5/50 isn't transferable to a second owner), it can represent a great value. |
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Major Options: Antilock Brakes, Power Package (power windows, power mirrors, tweeter speakers, power door locks w/keyless remote), Carpeted floor mats Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.01 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat John Biel Our "fully loaded" Rio5 (with optional power accessories package, ABS, and floor mats) came to $15,960. That's full-sticker price--before any negotiating--with delivery. It won't provide thrilling motoring--unless your thrills come from a manageable purchase price, a lengthy warranty, and fuel mileage in the high 20s even with lots of city driving. Kirk Bell I was ready to be impressed with the Rio5 as a good deal at $12,000. Then I looked at the Monroney. At $16K, I just don't see the value. There are any number of Mazda3s, Ford Focuses, Chevy Cobalts, Hyundai Elantras, Kia Spectras, or good used cars I'd recommend before this car. Rick Cotta A bit ragged around the edges compared to top rivals, the Rio is nonetheless a good value--particularly if you plan to keep the car a long time, thus taking advantage of the lengthy warranty. |
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Also in the 2006 Kia Rio Review:
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