2018 Kia Rio First Drive Review In 4K UHD!

[@Snowieandfrostie]

I had owned 2001 Kia Rio. It was actually pretty nice little car. I liked how it drove. Much better than 2002 Corolla. I had a cross country road trip in my Rio. And it was awesome. Now this Rio looks soo nice. The best design in its segment.

[@MiguelRPD]

Wow this tiny little budget car has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Toyota sits on their ass.

[@roscoeelcocko1863]

I like Toyota keeping it super basic. Wtf really needs carplay?

[@TheMaleforce]

I have 2 Kia Rio's one in the US and one in the UK, the US Rio is the auto sedan and has covered 80,000 in 4 years without fault. That gave me the confidence to buy my UK Rio which is the new 1.0 turbo 3 cylinder GT line version with a duel clutch 7 speed gearbox, again an amazing car that feels really fast and averages 45 mpg. Both great cars in their class I can't fault either apart perhaps from the passenger seat without height adjustment can make a small person struggle to see out over the dash.

[@theadvocate4698]

Same in Canada, a shame about seat height....especially since elantra has it....

[@sergevivier2023]

My neighbor just bought one and I am very impressed with the look of this compact car. Obviously it was design for the European market by European designers and that is probably why it comes with a 6 speed Auto.

[@GnsSciroccoR]

This is a very good and super thorough review! I love this! Thank you for this video. Excellent review!

[@quixote0]

Not to be too nit-picky (he says before being nit-picky), but in the part where you have the blue acceleration/braking, etc. directly underneath it say "Compared to sub-compact seadns and hatches". For a long time it's floating on a like color background and I was trying to read it, but alas, it was a spelling error.But all in all, I've watched about half of your total video count and am impressed by your thoroughness and, oddly, thoughtfulness. Keep up the good work.

[@colelockridge5816]

This is the type of car that makes me like the used market more and more. You could get a 2008 accord ex-l v6, a older Volvo or Lexus or an Acura TSX for the same price as a loaded new one of these. All of those have tons more power and equipment and feel more premium. It's a no brainier

[@nokobz2624]

You're missing the point of this car (actually the whole brand). It's a nice looking and reliable car - not something to be driven on the tracks and put down record times. Christ you're stupid. Can't believe I even bothered.

[@colelockridge5816]

Noko Bz You think you can track a Honda Accord. No. I understand where you're coming from but just from a value standpoint I'm saying on the used market you can get a lot more for your money, I don't see how that's stupid.

[@jonknee5095]

I test drove the car. It looks nice on the outside but feels and looks cheap inside. I'm with Cole, for $15,000 you are getting a metal box with no power doors or windows and a fancy touch that plays the radio. You can get a 2 or 3 year old civic, mazda or toyota with the perks.

[@bogdanionut7768]

@@jonknee5095 Yes...along with the issues that come with the used cars.

[@adagemjord]

I would really love if you will review the 2018 Honda Fit. Your perspectives are on point! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@kristianhermann5971]

Love the simple very Euro looking lines. Its sporty looking without looking over exaggerated (ala Honda Civic). Definitely agree, the hatch looks best. I own a 07' Rio JB, the only gen with a decent looking sedan (because it was conceived from the outset). Love my Rio. Affordable and very reliable.

[@malikbrother8022]

Thanks for the detailed review. It would have been nice to have Turbo engine aka 1-TGI with 3 cylinders engine. That would have solved the fuel economy for Kia Rio which is available in Europe. On the possible downside, that engine could be overworked which could translate noticeably in road noise in terms of NVH. But tested review from Autogefuhl proved that 1-litre Turbo mated with 3 cylinders engine punched above the weight, not to mention very peppy fuel efficient engine.

[@680ecks]

Still dont understand "shifting" automatics. Maybe because i had to get manuals when i was young because it was cheaper. Why you would want to shift a auto is beyond me i dont get it.

[@FreewayBrent]

I live just outside of San Francisco. I also happen to own a 2018 Kia Rio. Having the option to shift my own gears makes a big difference when wanting to give the car that extra oomph up a 25% grade, or hold it in line when going down the same hill without putting all the stress on the brakes. Also, I live very close to a freeway (Interstate 280 to be exact) with features a multitude of 4-5% grades. Being able to downshift from Gear 6 to Gear 5 gives me that extra acceleration I want. Also, this car actually has sport mode, with changes the ratio of the gears and allows you to accelerate faster than 9 seconds from 0-60 (I'd put it somewhere around 7 seconds in sport mode).

[@v1rotate391]

@@FreewayBrent or just push the pedal down harder and let the car do what it was meant to do........

[@pgarza459]

Alex your reviews are very professional and detailed keep up the good work! When will hyunday do an update on the accent I think it's very outdated

[@vq37zu]

P Garza theres a new Accent already, check their website

[@pgarza459]

Zuriel Briones Thanks!

[@DavidAndre657]

The Kia Rio has a difficult, and oddly conflicting mission in America. As the least expensive Kia, commuter shoppers demand a car that's basic, reliable and inexpensive to own. On the other hand, a full third of Rio buyers say they are interested in premium features wrapped in subcompact sheet metal. The result is the designed-for-Europe Rio which has the interior and driving dynamics to compete with the Fit and Yaris iA, yet also offers a "stripper" model that hits Nissan's Versa head on. The result is what the British would call "cheap and cheerful" with a long warranty, a dollop of style, and a generous cargo area. The Rio may not set your heart on fire, but it's a soild subcompact buy.

[@RobHeathers]

The looks are derivative... looks like a Mitsubishi Mirage & Lancer in the front, but a VW Gold in the back. I'm glad they still make this car, but I miss when it was truly ”cheap & cheerful" in 2000-2005 as the Kia Rio CINCO.

[@denisfrolov242]

Hey Alex, do you have any plans to review 2018 Kia Sedona?

[@planedudea380]

Manual windows? k...

[@jessepinkman485]

waw, this looks very beautiful

[@SDav21]

"Like most subcompact vehicles the dashboard is made from hard touch plastics"....not in a European subcompact like a VW Polo or Peugeot 208. The Polo puts vehicles in the class above to shame.

[@kamata93]

Oh boy...no projector headlights? What is Kia thinking? :/

[@russelharley4607]

Hey Alex, I didn't hear you mention the fuel economy was it embargoed?

[@mikeonfreeserve2926]

Is there a difference between UK and US measuring mpg because my wife gets 47mpg on her drive to work?

[@johnet326]

US has smaller gallon than UK imperial gallon. Check Wikipedia or google same.

[@mikeonfreeserve2926]

Screen but no satnav??

[@baldbollocks]

Bland

[@zuti071]

And again, intro music is highly annoying!

[@Okenpo]

It last like 6 seconds. You'll be fine.

[@passthenoodle]

I actually like it a lot, reminds me of the old school game music

[@EvendimataE]

that is exactly the interior i like...everything is plastic.....up to now most people see leather interior as high end but look how they degrade after few years......plastic is easier to clean and will last longer than the car itself LOL

[@nerychristian]

Leather can last for many years if you clean it properly.

[@bvedant]

I prefer the Fit

[@delplaya5]

@@bvedant I have a cat named Cinnamon.

[@bvedant]

@@delplaya5 good for you. Not a huge fan of cats but it's interesting watching them play tiger in the savanna in the weeds of my backyard

[@DeadofWinter321]

Looks SO much better than the previous model.

[@kubanskiloewe]

mo, on the contrary.....i own the model before and its still a looker !! This new design looks boring like another Polo....so sad about KIA design now.

[@atticstattic]

"over-styled elements" - thanks, Alex; it's getting to the point where cars that aren't some mishmash of shapes and angles are getting called 'bland.' Very clean look for the Rio.

[@howlingwolf125y]

Love the more tradition dashboard layout - with a touch of euro style. Very simple, clear and easy to use. Good job Kia!!!

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Agree

[@unnamedny]

I think this is the most decent looking cheap car in the US.

[@rondamon8004]

18,000 for a rio cheap??? I don't think so....

[@rondamon8004]

Top model Rio is over 18k...way too high...Honda fit...same thing..just a name that make you think it worth the money when it's not...With 18k I can buy a decent 2017 Altima low miles and probably get top trim...and that's a car compared to the toyish Honda fit or kia Rio etc., etc...Money well invested..that's my point...

[@ezeo.7315]

Ron Damon I think a Honda Fit is better than an Altima.

[@TheMaleforce]

@@rondamon8004 The Altima is not a good car, hear what Scotty Kilmer has to say about them...... Junk!

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

Hyundai Elantra too

[@6ec6YRFPTcC]

I had a Rio last year as a rental and I was impressed, much nicer than I thought it would be. Better than the Corolla

[@bvedant]

Yeah but the newest Corolla is really very good

[@alijunaid6845]

Its not fair to be Harsh on KIA, end of the day Rio is a basic vehicle that takes its target customers from point A to B in a peace of mind for with a cushion of 10 yrs warranty. It has an air conditioning, relatively comfortable seats, a sound system and offcourse a spare tyre...atleast its better than most of the expensive American vehicle who have a "transmissionphobia" for most of their life

[@CalvinHikes]

"Sitting right here behind myself." 4:24 Alex on Autos becomes existential.

[@antonchikakchiev9394]

hahaha! I was amused by the same statement.

[@dennisscipio]

The Rio has a handsome look to it, it's not bad looking.

[@watershed44]

Nice that Kia offered up a base model for comparison! I'd prefer the base model with a 5 speed manual.

[@sic22l]

It looks pretty generic.

[@ketandeshpandeminnesota9830]

Love the channel, appreciate the normal consumers perspective vs what typical auto reviewers do

[@ThePabloG30]

agreed...He doesn't spend 10 minutes bashing CVTs...when people actually don't mind saving a bit on gas weekly.

[@alijunaid6845]

Ketan Deshpande Minnesota very well pointed out, its a basic car for new or amateur drivers or perhaps ppl with average salary. It gets the basic job done so its fine in its price range

[@ronaldderooij1774]

Try Savagegeese, you will like his review of this car too.

[@howlingwolf125y]

Love the more traditional dashboard layout - with a touch of euro style. Dash/controls are very simple, clear and easy to use. Good job Kia!!!

[@nickomode7901]

Recently drove a 2020 Kia Rio Lx hatchback as a rental for a week. I was pleasantly surprised, the only thing i would have wished to have was the headunit and soft touch door armrest. Overall i thought it was great, felt super zippy and fun. No worries at all about anything going wrong since it was so simple. I think "honest" is the word that best describes this little hatch.

[@gsxellence]

I know this is old but, the priror gen was more premium.

[@elioneil]

I like it. Nice styling for the price range. I think an SX trim would look really good and sporty

[@Ichibuns]

If they actually threw in that 1.6T, this could be the most amazing car under $20,000. I can only dream.

[@delplaya5]

Then there would be no reason to buy the Forte so they won't.

[@mbeutel5854]

Looks great, definitely more grown up than the last gen. Might have to test drive a manual version of this next spring.

[@djkenny1202]

I liked the last one well. It was good looking.

[@palebeachbum]

Watching this in 2022. Kia has really cheapened the Rio since 2018 and made it less appealing. No more leatherette upholstery. No more fog lights. They replaced these nice lace-style alloy wheels with an ugly new design. They revised the front facia, which isn't as attractive IMO. Come on, Kia. What gives?

[@graham-jefferson]

Looks good! Thanks for a solid review! I don't know why manufacturers even make sedans at this size though. Surprised there's a market for them, considering their generally abysmal practicality.

[@w.s.soapcompany94]

Was hoping to find an EX with a manual transmission. Like everything about EX except the auto only. 😢

[@oregonsucks4915]

I heard that Kia tried doing the manual transmission on every Trim on the Rio but no one bought the manual on the s or ex

[@ibmtpx24]

Manual brake and window. YES! Now if it also gets independent rear suspension in the base model that would be perfect for what I am looking for (not likely). Otherwise Honda Fit LX with superior practicality is still my first choice at this segment in the US market. At 18-19k MSRP I would definitely spend more on base Civic, Elantra GT, or Impreza over the EX Rio.

[@gm2256]

Really eyeing this model Rio and a Honda Fit for a potential next car. I like smaller vehicles, and both seem like excellent choices. Gotta drive though to make a better informed decision. Thanks Alex!

[@irene61875]

Thank you Alex for great reviews! I'm try to decide between 2018 Rio & Accent & Spark, Can you make a 2018 Spark review please? Even better with a review of "Which is best between these 3 cars". Thank again and looking forward for your new reviews! You are the best!

[@Sanpedranoazul]

2002 Rio here, still going strong 💪🏻

[@rbielarski]

Nicely styled sub-compact. Like the change to the front end/hood. Would hope with the restyle it will do better in the IIHS small front overlap crash tests,,,,2017 scored marginal.

[@TheXeonShock]

Nice review but what this needs is a turbocharged engine! 😏

[@TheMaleforce]

I got my partner a new Rio in the USA and they had it for 4 years and its done almost 80k without any issues at all, so I bought the 1.0 turbo one in the UK, its 118 bhp and feels great to drive and also has a smooth shifting 7 speed DCT.

[@nyrangers731]

Getting the hatchback in standard transmission this weekend. Out of all the new subcompact hatchbacks this looks the best, hearkening the VW Polo [which I would gladly buy if it was sold in the US]. The Fit, Versa, and Sonic just look awkward to me- and while they may have an inch or two more headroom in the back seats or an few cubic inches of cargo space they are a few thousand dollars more. And to the people complaining about window cranks: you're lazy and it's one less thing to eventually break.

[@glennh8185]

hey may I ask if you like it so far? i'm thinking of purchasing one this weekend.

[@noneofyourbuisness7]

If you're looking for new, reliable, cheap and small transportation the only vehicles anyone should really consider is this and the Toyota ia. Both are top performers in this class honestly. The Honda fit would be another good option if your pockets are a little deeper.

[@vlads2874]

Great looking car at an affordable price. I like it. It is within the segment of what I was looking at last year. I ended up getting a 2018 Mazda 3 Touring for $19.5.

[@EvendimataE]

like the volkswagen that simple body design is very pleasing to look at.....unlike the overly designed body of honda civic that gives me headache

[@joshuar4535]

Not really liking how the tablet screen is integrated. Did they get rid of the LED taillights? Seems like a downgrade.

[@baldheadlogic]

For this class, I think this Rio is styled better than the ones I notice on the road.

[@footieballer]

The previous generation of the Rio sedan was the best looking sub compact sedan, the new model, not so much. Having said that, really like the looks of this new hatchback, though it may have erred a touch too much to the conservative side. Great review.

[@life_of_riley88]

Hmmm my 2019 gets around 40mpg on my daily 23 mile commute. 40+ mpg at 70mph, anything over 75 mph and it gets around 37-38. Not bad! Feels peppy around town and handles just fine in the turns.

[@stevenjames1138]

The previous generation of the Rio (especially in the SX trim) looked way better than this dowdy-looking car.

[@oregonsucks4915]

Agreed but I do like the new design but I think that the Rio is unevent full for 2020

[@vwestlife]

Too bad you can only get the manual in the base model, and only in white, gray, or black!

[@nyrangers731]

America doesn't want manuals unfortunately. I had to get a new car this week and I was unwilling to budge with abandoning manuals. #savethemanuals

[@exionem]

Manual transmission is the way to go with these subcompact vehicles. Americans have become way too lazy.

[@mikepino4954]

Cruise control should be standard

[@chuckers40]

Everyone sleeps on the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. There both a little bigger than your typical subcompact. It's roomy for a subcompact. (hatch or sedan) I think the Kia Soul (unknowingly) hurt sales of the Kia Rio hatch. I see more Rio sedans than hatchbacks.

[@JC-rm6pm]

I mean, what else would you ask for 14k ? I think is a nice first car for youngsters

[@jaffarbaqi]

Alex, you are the best.

[@khanpathan79]

Not good for california sorry when ever you go up in hills its suck Engine make noises and like someone is pulling from back

[@8Kexperience]

This doesn't look like cartoonish 😃

[@noseefood1943]

kia website says 2018 rios to arrive at the dealers in summer of 2017. it's already september, damn it!

[@zedlopez8267]

I like the styling its just simple and actually in general about this car,,

[@freddiev6050]

From the back, it looks like a tiny BMW suv! 👍

[@rialknight]

we have the Rio's dorky Hyundai sister, the Accent, I don't know why anyone would take a Versa and the $15 or so a month you'd save on the payment versus a Rio/Accent. It's night and day, not just from a driving standpoint but from a livability standpoint as well.

[@delplaya5]

We should have the i20 instead of the Accent

[@herrgolf]

We just bought a new 2021 with the CVT. It’s not a slug and you can drive assertively in traffic which I love. Handling loses composure when pushed and seat bottoms are short and flat. Otherwise it’s solid and attractive. Glad I didn’t waste money on a bigger car like a Civic.

[@jonknee5095]

I test drove the base trim 2018 rio sedan b/c they didn't have the hatchback. It's a good car. I'm ok with the driving and handling of it. It's expected for a car that price. What I could not get over was the lack of power mirrors and windows for the base level manual trim. If you are dishing out $15,000 for brand new car in 2018 power window and doors is a must have for me. Instead what you get was a interior that looks unfinished with buttons that don't do anything or just covered up bc it's the base trim. Instead of the touchscreen give me the basic power locks, doors and a regular radio. I don't need a fancy touch screen that basically plays the radio, my phone could do that. For the above reasons I'm not going to buy the car instead for 15 grand I could get a higher end trim civic or mazda 3 (used of course).

[@swanblake]

Eco box styling ruins it. Only the Polo and Mini Cooper can have eco boxes look like a premium car on the outside. This, The Fit, and the Fiesta all look like cheap eco boxes due to the rear fender styling. They have an unusual amount of metal to glass ratio. Very ugly looking. Looks like it's on stilts

[@gabepettinicchio7454]

IMO, with every update, cars just keep getting fatter & fatter. Everyone wants to try and build the perfect car in having enough storage space to transport a horse. I also think the Gov. "mommy" laws for safety are taking their toll on looks and performance. Alex is right, the Rio is taking on a cross-over look. Some of these new sub-compact hatch's are looking like "micro" minivans. Since sales are poor with these small cars in the US, car makers are making sub-comps into comps and comps int mid-size.

[@exionem]

This! Remember when the Civic was a compact vehicle ? 80s-90s The new Civic is HUGE.

[@mike.travels]

Hi Alex. I religiously watch your videos, and they're difinitely the best car reviews I could find, by a long shot. Keep it up! There's two things I think could improve however, just my two cents: 1- Perhaps you could have two scores for your seat comforts, one vs the segment, one vs all cars. For example, the Mercedes C class has very hard seats, while the Ford Everest has some really cushy seats. As a buyer of cars, I would care about comfort vs all cars, but I see the point of keeping the score vs the segment, so perhaps having two scores would be good (at least for me. 2- I think the interior / exterior descriptions could be a bit shorter. Perhaps a bit less descriptive, more opinions, such as "small" storage areas, which you already do, but expand that opinion to other parts of the vehicle. Thanks and keep it up!

[@robertsimmons1653]

Have you made a video for the 2021 Rio S Hatch?

[@TheJackal917]

Soul has a great styling and practicality, but it's suspension and automatic transmission... let's say they are very sleepy. Like really sleepy. I really wanted to buy a new compact car for the city but decided to stick with my old Maxima for a year or so.

[@speedfiend925]

Since you mentioned the Honda Fit in this video, do you intend to do a new review of this? They refreshed it for 2018 and added a Sport Model and Android Auto and Apple Car Play integration. I would be curious to hear your impressions of the updated version.

[@680ecks]

I like it alot . Clean sharp,can add leds if youwant them. I like that you dont treat cars yhat are cheep as junk buy still do a good review while comparing it to its competition. Your reviews are long and i always watch them all the way through i think you do a great job .

[@davidjym]

The Rio isn't a bad vehicle overall, but if Kia brings the Stonic to North America then it would probably be my choice.

[@iNFECTED_pIE]

Roll up front windows? Are you shitting me? Even my old Mazda2 does better than that. Wth.

[@swanblake]

Those HVAC controls will bring this interior down fast. Straight out of the 90s. The door inserts look like they do not exist. Just awful. Real let down inside

[@Balunliinfi]

how's the durability of kia in the long run? is it like Toyota?

[@tossmonkey1]

Genes Gene long term is good I've had a Rio for 130 thousand kilometers/ 6 years, just completed regular oil changes and a window switch had to be replaced in the rear, very good overall

[@toddp7324]

I have two Kias, a 2006 Spectra5 and a 2016 Soul. Both have been extremely reliable. The Spectra5 has had only one non-maintenance repair, a failed O2 sensor at c. year 7. The Soul is nearly 2 years old and, as expected for such a new car, hasn't had any problems.

[@MrKikoboy]

I bought a 2014 Rio EX and have had zero problems so far - just oil changes and that's it...and for warm weather driving I get better mileage than they are stating for this ..

[@Balunliinfi]

wow so that's why in Europe it got 5 to 7 years Warranty.

[@sic22l]

7 years of warranty whe you get just 2 years of sctual coverage and another 5 only for selected elements like an engine block.

[@boci11]

Great Car this Kia Rio Hatchback i had one as a rental for few days, drives great, easy to drive, good visibility out of the cabin, the only car better in this category is a Honda Fit !

[@oscartulioguardadoespinoza1063]

Mmmm, Río hatchback or Kia soul?

[@b.f.6254]

Buy a 2012 version. These ones are just plain boring just like they always were.

[@federal6616]

the designer from Audi quit and went to the Koreans. VW baby golf. Audi A3. he said Polo to throw us off.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

Looks better than the Golf for sure.

[@kubanskiloewe]

new KIA Ceed is a much closer competitor to our shit VW Golf !!

[@killacamfoo]

base is BASE in this car wow.

[@mikec1655]

I get that it’s a cheap car but good god, roll up windows and no cruise control.... wtf

[@iznone]

Wanna buy one 2018 year, I prefer 82HP gasoline engine 1.2l is it good?

[@el-hp1lj]

dont like it. i like the 2016 better. the only good thing they did was reposition the side mirrors

[@mountainhobo]

So no telescoping steering wheel with manual transmission? Bye bye Kia.

[@gabepettinicchio7454]

Didn't the last gen. Rio have a soft-top dash in top-trim? I don't recall.

[@TimJoseph08031990]

The hatchback is good for cities with tight parking, compared to the sedan. Surprisingly though, the 4-cylinder non-hybrid 2018 Toyota Camry gets about the same gas mileage as this one with more horsepower, 8 gears, and a much bigger car. I think the Toyota Camry might be the # 1 best selling family sedan in America for 2018. The newer smaller cars would be great for young people, but most will end up getting a newer 4-cylinder family sedan over compact cars, because they are just as efficient as compact cars.

[@djkenny1202]

Gotta figure, a base model Kia will be under 12 grand with discounts base. It is hard to get a new Camry under 16 grand base.

[@BanBiofuels]

Looks great, clean and sober, unlike Toyota cars, which look like a bad acid trip. The only problem with the Kia is the low MPG. A car that small should get 40 MPG on the highway.

[@djkenny1202]

I think it is how you drive. I just test drove a 2017 6 speed manual and achieved 44 mpg at 60 mph on the freeway for 25 min. 35 mpg city. I think people jack rabbit and hammer cars too much and get lower figures.

[@tejhina]

Stop cutting the video.. Soon people will cut at every word. Sigh :/

[@tony70995]

kia rio very safe car on the road and pulls super light steering.

[@mwwhatever]

Really nice looking. I agree that the hatchback looks better. I think hatchbacks generally look better

[@rondamon8004]

what I think is that the top trim rio is tooo expensive....don't forget is a riiiiiiiooooooo....lol

[@jpmackin]

Like it better than a comparable priced Prius, Alex?