The 2012 Kia Rio, now in its third generation, is a subcompact available as 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback and featuring either a 5 or 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic matched with a 138-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine.
Available in three levels: the base LX trim, the midlevel EX, and top-line SX, Rios have electric power steering, air conditioning and satellite radio as standard equipment. Surprisingly, the Rio LX and Rio SX are priced lower in 2012 than the previous year’s models. The 2011 Rio lineup was not nearly the same quality, largely because of a staid exterior and interior design.
Standard safety features include four-wheel ABS brakes, Hill Start Assist Control, and Electronic Stability and Vehicle Stability Control systems.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: the Rio SX with a 1.6-liter, 138-horsepower four-cylinder, 17-inch alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.
- $17,500 MSRP and $20,545 as driven.
- 0-60 mph in 11.5 seconds.
- 30 mpg city and 40 highway on the figures in the review, from an 11.4-gallon tank.
- Pricing: Surprisingly, the Rio LX and Rio SX are priced lower in 2012 than the previous year’s models.
- Performance: With the exception of occasionally sluggish efforts on short, steep climbs, the 2012 Kia Rio excelled.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
I drove the Kia Rio SX, which like its siblings has a 1.6-liter engine and 138 horsepower. There’s an impressive list of features for an entry level car with a base price of less $18,000: 17-inch alloy wheels, twin chrome exhausts, a sport-tuned suspension and LED accents for the head and taillamps, among other equipment.
With the exception of occasionally sluggish efforts on short, steep climbs, the 2012 Kia Rio excelled. Will it win a drag race? No. Does it perform well compared with vehicles in its class? That’s an unqualified yes.
As a compact, the Rio’s smaller gas tank (11.4 gallons) can provide a slight inconvenience. But with its rating of 30 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on highways, the Kia should travel at least 325 miles on a tank, which is more than many cars in many classes.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes
Attractive sport wheels. Adds classy touch to entry-level car.
Small front corner windows. Adds a wider viewing range.
Rear window defogger and wiper.
Premium Package (Navigation, push-button start, power tilt/side sunroof, leather-trimmed and heated seats) well worth $2,200. Navigation system, specifically, is superior to many systems in cars twice the price.
Dislikes
Slightly underpowered on steep climbs.
What Others Say
“Rio’s main virtue is absence of vice. That’s impressive: It’s hard for a low-price car to rise above the prickly annoyances cost-cutting usually imposes, such as a suspension that clunks over bumps. Or controls that are crude to operate. Or steering that’s either numb or over-boosted.” USA Today.
“The size and price range categories the 2012 Rio plays in are highly competitive, and standing out can be a real challenge. But the Rio 5-door pulls it off with a combination of power, fuel economy, value, and great looks.” Motor Trend.
With its faster rake, steep shoulder lines and frowning front end, the new Rio 5-Door is light ages ahead. It looks pretty good. The added width, along with the car being lower and having shorter overhangs, helps.” Road and Track.
What The Wife Says
“I like the look inside and out. I did notice a possible blind spot over my right shoulder. The navigation is extremely easy to use compared to other systems.
2012 Kia Rio Verdict
“There’s lot of competition in the $20,000 price range. Those overlooking the Kia’s new style, loaded standard equipment list, best-in-the-industry warranty and quality of workmanship are making a mistake.”
Facts & Figures: 2012 Kia Rio
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $17,500 |
| As-Tested Price | $20,545 |
| Engine | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 138 hp |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 11.5 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (original EPA label) | 30 city / 40 highway mpg |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, restated) | 28 city / 36 highway / 31 combined mpg (automatic); 29 / 37 / 32 (manual) |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Fuel Tank | 11.4 gallons |
| Airbags | 6 |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
