2012 Kia Rio SX 5-Door Review!

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A few weeks ago I was given the great opportunity to test drive the 2012 Kia Rio SX 5-Door. They showed up with this beautiful red car and I was in like with it. The red color was so pretty that I was instantly wishing I had a car in that color red…

I was a little hesitant about the car since it’s on the smaller side and I was worried that both kids plus our stuff wouldn’t fit. I did have a little struggle getting my daughter’s big and bulky car seat into the car, but once I did it fit nicely. The back seat is on the small side, which is understandable, but both kids fit in the back nicely and gave no complaints. I went to visit a friend with a toddler and we fit TWO big and bulky car seats in the back with no problem. The car seats fit perfectly in the back and both kids looked comfortable. I did however find my toddler kicking the back of my seat often.

The front seat space was comfortable. I never felt cramped and my mom and friend even mentioned that the car was comfy.

I use to own a car about this size and the trunk space was so tiny I could barely fit all my groceries in the back. This was not a problem with the Rio. I was impressed with the trunk space considering the size of the car. I was able to fit my light weight stroller in the back with no issues, plus still have room for other items. When I visited my friend she brought a jogging stroller and it was a very tight fit getting it in the trunk and there was no room for anything else, other then a couple shopping bags. I’m confident in saying that if you have a baby with lots of gear then trunk space will be an issue, but if you have a toddler or older child the trunk space should be fine.

The Rio handled nicely on turns, bumps, and the steep hills of the San Francisco Bay Area. It gets 30 mpg city & 40 mpg highway. I was happy with the good gas mileage I got while driving the Rio.

My favorite features of the Rio were:

1. Bluetooth: California is a hands-free state, which means if you get pulled over while talking on a cell phone while driving chances are you will get a ticket. The Bluetooth in the car allowed me to chat on the phone while driving. It was easy to use and very clear. I also loved that it imported my address book to the center console screen which made phone call making a breeze.

2. Center Console: I hate cars that have too many buttons and confusing center console’s. I like them to be simple and easy to use. The Rio’s center console is simple and easy to use! There weren’t too many buttons, I didn’t have any issues with the touchscreen, and everything was very straight forward. I also liked the buttons on the steering wheel. It’s nice being able to control everything from the steering wheel, so I don’t get distracted while driving.

3. Back up Assist: Does this really need an explanation?? It’s just awesome! It makes backing up so much easier when you can see what’s behind you…

I normally wouldn’t drive a car this small, but I was very happy with the Rio. The small size made finding and getting into parking spots easy, along with zipping through traffic. The car was comfortable and the trunk spacious. I honestly didn’t want to give it back since this is the perfect commuter car for my husband or run around town car for me, but all good things must come to an end…

The Kia Rio SX 5-Door starts at an affordable $13,800 and has optional upgrades, which do increase the price.

*I was given a Kia Rio to test drive for a week. Regardless, all opinions are my own.