2023 Kia Rio S

1.6L 4cyl
32 city / 41 hwy*
120 HP
112 lb-ft
Serving Columbus, OH
The current generation Rio first released for the 2018 year and has seen minimal changes since then, with the exception of a mild restyling in 2021. Kia has not mentioned any changes for the upcoming year, so it’s safe to say that the 2023 Rio S remains similar to the previous year’s. You can test drive one at Germain Kia of Columbus.
Performance
This year’s Rio is underpowered for its class, generating only 120 horses with its 1.6 four-cylinder engine. Although that’s plenty for city driving, you’ll need every horse to ramp up to the highway. More than anything, lane changes take a little more caution and planning because of the engine’s lack of punch. Fortunately, it’s married with a continuously variable automatic transmission, functioning smoothly and exploiting what power it has well.
As a virtual test drive would reveal, the Rio’s soft suspension and near gripless tires make it more enjoyable to cruise around city streets. The steering is eager to recenter itself and can feel somewhat rubbery to steer. All in all, it’s happiest driven half-speed, but its target audience will find that sufficient.
Interior and Features
Although the Rio S 2023 has a low price of entry, rest assured that you’re getting something with enough sophistication to withstand the traditional wear and tear of daily driving. The Rio’s tall tire sidewalls means that the vehicle rides better than you might expect. Inside, the Rio gets better, too; it receives high marks for its logically-displayed physical climate controls and easy-to-read dashboard.
The compromised driving position is the one complaint about the Rio’s interior. The wheel doesn’t telescope, so taller drivers may feel too cramped by the pedals for comfort. Budget cars are not typically associated with roomy spaces, but it would be nice to have a little more room for drivers of all sizes.
Safety
The Rio sports a few essential safety features, such as forward collision warning, a rearview camera, and automatic emergency braking. However, it would have been nice to see more technology. For instance, blind-spot monitoring is notably absent, and the Rio isn’t as decked out as other Kias, like the Seltos or K5. Still, the Rio performed well in crash tests, receiving Good scores across the board.
Take a Test Drive
If you’ve ever bought a car before, you know how important it is to get behind the wheel and drive the car for yourself. But with recent advancements in 360 video technology, there may no longer be a need to physically get in the car at all. Instead, imagine immersing yourself in the experience of a Rio S without leaving the dealership or even your home; that’s the virtual test drive experience. Virtual reality is a common option being tested by many brands hoping to help customers buy cars online.
Step into a new ride today and contact the Germain Kia of Columbus dealership to schedule your Rio S 2023 virtual test drive!