The Kia Rio is a subcompact sedan from Kia Motor Company. Since it was first introduced in 1999, the car has been an all-time favorite for prospective buyers looking for a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback design. The Korean automaker recently hinted that the fifth generation Kia Rio will soon roll off the production line. In addition, footages on car websites suggest the car completed a series of cold weather road tests in northern Sweden ahead of its official launch.
Discover the top features of the 2024 Kia Rio, including interior design, trim levels, release date, and price.
Interior Features
There isn’t much information about Kia’s interior, but you can look forward to a new design aligning with other models in the lineup. There will likely be a revamped steering wheel, seat covers, door cards, and center console. Here are a few of the features to expect from the car’s interior:
Touch Screens and Center Console
The much-anticipated 2024 design has dual screens on the dashboard panel, each having a tablet-like design. The dashboard has a simple layout; the infotainment screen is on the center console, while the air vents are on each side of it. Located below the center console are the HVAC control knobs.
Infotainment Display
The infotainment system comprises a bright, clear 8.0-inch touch screen. You can manipulate the infotainment system using a built-in voice prompt. Additionally, you can send and receive texts and access digital maps using a wireless Android operating system.
Rearview Display
A rearview monitor is available on the front panel for easy parking. Typically, when reversing, the monitor displays the back section from the cabin. Moreover, you’ll have a footprint of the car’s width on the monitor to prevent hitting obstacles in your path while reversing. Besides the monitor, there’s a rearview mirror on the top front panel. The mirror has a day and night mode to prevent eye strain and fatigue from headlight glare.
Seat Design
The 2024 Kia Rio will borrow heavily from its predecessor regarding seat design. The seats will have tricot or woven cloth covers to enhance interior aesthetics. A six-way adjusting feature allows you to adjust the driver’s seat for a convenient driving position. Moreover, if you have a long journey, you can sit back and enjoy comfort based on your preferences.
Another incredible feature of the seat design is the adjustable seat belt anchor. This feature on the front seats enables you to raise or lower the driver’s seat to a perfect height, guaranteeing comfort and safety.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The 2024 Kia Rio has hands-free Bluetooth technology across all trims. You can connect a mobile device to play your favorite music through wireless connectivity. In addition, the wireless connectivity allows you to make or receive calls without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
Audio Buttons
The Kia Rio has intuitive audio buttons mounted on the steering wheel to change the radio stations and adjust the audio volume. You can do all these while your hands remain on the steering as you focus ahead.
Power Doors and Windows
Thanks to a powered locking system, you can lock and unlock the doors on the Kia Rio. Press a button to activate the automated door-locking feature. You can also lower or raise the car’s windows.
Trip Computer
Kia Rio’s immediate predecessor has an onboard computer, and the 2024 edition won’t be an exception. Besides information displayed on the primary screen, the computer provides reliable information about the car’s performance. Some common displays include a trip meter, odometer readings, estimated mpg, and fuel status.
Bottle and Cup Holders
Kia guarantees plenty of luxurious cabin storage for its customers across the trims. With 2024 fast approaching, you can look forward to dual cup holders on the front section to allow you and your passenger to enjoy a favorite beverage while traveling. Similarly, if you have sunglasses, an overhead holder will enable you to store them temporarily. Bottle holders are also available on the front and rear doors.
Trims
The Kia Rio is available in two trim levels in the United States; LX and S. The LX is the lowest trim on Kia’s production lines. It’s available in three color options; Clear White, Silky Silver, and Aurora Black. The car has a 1.6-liter multipoint-injection 4-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque.
An efficient powertrain distributes the torque to the wheels through an automated intelligent variable transmission system. Additionally, the car rides on 15-inch steel wheels to enhance multiple terrain performance.
Standard features include an air conditioning system, heated mirrors, automated headlights, and an adjustable driver’s seat. Safety is top-notch, thanks to stability control, air bags, and hill-start assistance features.
The S series is the highest trim level for the Kia Rio. It has six color options: Clear White, Steel Gray, Silky Silver, Currant Red, Sporty blue, and Aurora black. As with the LX, it has a 1.6-liter engine and an infotainment touch screen, and it rides on 15-inch steel wheels.
Standard features on the S trim include a 3.5-inch cluster display, adjustable armrests or headrests, split folding rear seats, air conditioning, and a cruise control mechanism.
The major difference between the two trims is the Kia DriveWise safety suite for customers on the S trim package. Although optional, it includes high-end safety features, such as forward collision avoidance, high-beam assistance, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, and rear occupant alerting system.
Kia has more optional goodies for the S trim customers, including bi-functional LED headlights, a supervision meter cluster display, automatic temperature control, and satellite radio.
Price
The 2024 Kia Rio is relatively affordable compared to other subcompact cars. The hatchback, available in the S trim, has an MSRP of $17,390, while the LX trim has an MSRP of $16,750. As for the release date, Kia hasn’t announced an official timeline, although car enthusiast speculations point to October 2023.
Drive the Fifth Generation Kia Rio
If you love a subcompact sedan, Kia Rio is the best car to buy. Its interior design guarantees not only comfort but also convenient driving. Two trims on the fifth generation imply choice flexibility based on individual preferences. Finally, money isn’t a limitation, as the car is relatively affordable compared to other subcompacts. Contact us at Huffines Kia in Corinth, Texas, for new and used selections of the 2024 Kia Rio.