2008 Kia Rio: Road Test
2008 Kia Rio ▼
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- MSRP: $10,890 -$14,715
- Invoice: $10,465 -$13,965
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Our road test for the 2008 Kia Rio includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Kia Rio from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Kia Rio, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Kia Rio help you decide if a 2008 Kia Rio is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
Rio is adequate around town with either transmission but could use more power for highway passing. The manual transmission shifts easily and has light clutch action. In Consumer Guide testing, a manual transmission sedan did 9.4 seconds 0-60 mph. The smooth automatic transmission kicks down quickly enough to summon what power is available, but a similar Hyundai Accent sedan took a lengthy 11.1 seconds 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission LX sedans averaged 27.2-28.4 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. In city/highway driving, a manual-transmission Rio5 averaged 30.1 mpg. An automatic-transmission equipped Rio5 averaged 23 mpg in all city use. Rio uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Rios are solidly built and are generally comfortable subcompacts. Still, there is some jouncing on wavy pavement, thumping on smaller bumps, and occasional jolts on larger disturbances.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Urban-friendly size is abetted by quick and accurate steering. SX models feel almost sporty, but fall short of the mark due to weak low-end power and wimpy tires. All Rios have moderate cornering lean. SX models have adequate grip, but base and LX models tend to noseplow. Gusty crosswinds affect straightline stability. Available ABS furnishes good stopping control and pedal feel. But a test LX without ABS suffered early rear-wheel lockup in rapid braking on wet roads.
QUIETNESS
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
The engine is noisy at higher rpm. Cruising is less noisy with the automatic transmission vs. the manual. There is moderate wind rush. Rios have lots of tire thrum over coarse pavement and some thumping over bumps.
CONTROLS
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
The gauges are clear, and the large, handy audio and climate controls are angled toward the driver.
DETAILS
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Most cabin surfaces are hard plastic, and padded surfaces are pretty much out of the question. Overall, though, Rio equals some costlier cars for materials and assembly quality.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Headroom and legroom are good. The seats are firm and comfortable. Larger drivers may want wider cushions, and tall occupants will want more rearward seat travel. The driver seat adjusts for height and has a fold-down right armrest. A tilt steering wheel is standard in all but the base sedan. Visibility is decent all around in both sedans and hatchbacks.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
Rear legroom is rather tight when seated behind a tall front passenger. Entry and exit are a strain when the front seats are set far back. Most adults will be fine for short trips only.
CARGO ROOM
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 7 | 4.5 |
All but the base sedan have split folding rear seatbacks. The sedan's doesn't lie flat, it rests above the level of trunk floor, and the opening is cramped. The release is awkwardly placed toward the center of the seats. The trunklid hinges dip into the load area. Rio5 has more total volume, handy backrest releases, and a flip-forward seat bottom that lets seatbacks lie nearly flat. Interior storage includes five small bins, but there is only a small glovebox and no console cubby.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8 | 6.7 |
These smallest Kias are best suited to undemanding, low-speed work. That's not unexpected in the subcompact class. What makes Rio a Best Buy is that it's a surprisingly well-built low-price car with a strong warranty. It also delivers a lot for the money, notably standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags. The base sedan offers no options, so you must move up to a costlier LX or SX to get such features as air conditioning, automatic transmission, and ABS.
Total Score
| LX, manual | Rio5 SX, manual | Rio5 SX, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 62 | 57 | 55 |
Total Score: 59
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