Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2006-2007 Kia Rio
Date Published: 2/20/08

2006-2007 Kia Rio
More Photos

Price Range:
$6,800 - 11,300

Class:
Compact Car
2006-2007 Kia Rio
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Kia Rio5 SX with ABS, auto. Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 6
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 50
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
2006-2007 KIA RIO BUYING RESOURCES
Search Local Listings
 
Sell Your Car
 
Free CARFAX Record Check
 
2006-2007 Kia Rio Review
Kia redesigned and enlarged its entry-level compact line for 2006, giving it more room, more power, and more safety features. Rio continued in front-wheel-drive sedan and hatchback form; the hatchback was called Rio5. Both body styles gained 3.5 inches in wheelbase, and 1.6 inches of rear legroom. Track width (distance between wheels) also grew. In fact, Kia claimed the 2006 Rio was bigger in every dimension, except for overall length. Trunk space in the sedan increased by 30 percent. Unlike the prior generation, Kia sought to differentiate its Rio from the closely-related Hyundai Accent. Billed as "sporty and youthful," Rio styling was said to be European-influenced. Kia's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine gained 6 horsepower, now rated at 110. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with four-speed automatic optional. Kia claimed a 20-percent increase in fuel economy and range. Sedans came in base and LX trim, with 14-inch wheels; the Rio5 hatchback only in SX guise with 15-inch alloys. Newly standard were side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were optional on all but the base sedan. LX sedans added air conditioning, a CD player, split folding rear seat, and a tilt steering wheel. The Rio5 SX included foglamps, a rear spoiler and wiper/washer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An optional Power Package included power windows, locks, and mirrors. Kia is owned by Hyundai, and both South Korean automakers offered warranty coverage of 5-year/60,000-mile basic, plus 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain, and 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance. In addition to Hyundai's Accent, the Rio competed against such subcompacts as the Chevrolet Aveo/Cobalt, Honda Fit/Civic, and Toyota Corolla/Yaris.
Year to Year Changes
2007 Kia Rio: Minor interior trim changes marked the 2007 model year for Kia's smallest car. A new SX sedan joined the lineup, with 15-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, a rear spoiler, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. SX models could now get 16-inch alloy wheels.
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car
    Find a Used Car
Price Range:
to
 Radius:
    Vehicle History Report

FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before you buy.