Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

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2011 Kia Rio

Base MSRP: $12,295 to $16,395

Reviewed

April 2011

Competition is better, so wait for the new 2012 model

Pros

Low base price
Generous warranty
Decent interior

Cons

Subpar crash-test results
Weak engine
Lacks many expected standard features
Lazy automatic transmission
All-new 2012 model arrives this spring

Where to Buy

Free Price Quote for 2011 Kia Rio

Our Analysis

Due to a crop of new competitors, the 2011 Kia Rio is rarely chosen by experts as one of the best options among economy hatchbacks and sedans. Like its mechanical sibling, the 2011 Hyundai Accent (Base MSRP: $9,985 to $15,345), the Rio has a very low base price and an impressive 10-year/100,000 mile warranty. You get what you pay for, though, as most desirable features are optional (including basics like power steering) on the cheapest models. Other economy cars like the 2011 Nissan Versa (Base MSRP: $9,990 to $17,190), 2011 Ford Fiesta (Base MSRP: $13,320 to $17,120) and 2011 Mazda2 (Base MSRP: $14,180 to $15,635) are more modern and comfortable alternatives than the stripped-down Kia Rio. The Rio can be had in both sedan and hatchback (dubbed the "Rio5") styles.

The upcoming 2012 Kia Rio will be a completely new design that addresses the current model's myriad shortcomings. The current Kia Rio has carried on largely unchanged for years. For a complete report on this model, see our page on the 2008 Kia Rio (*Est. $10,890 to $14,715).

A 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine powers the Kia Rio, mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Rio will achieve 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway/31 mpg combined with the five-speed manual transmission, and 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined with the automatic.

Crash-test results are disappointing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ranks the Rio at the bottom of its list for minicar crash protection. The Rio gets an Acceptable rating in frontal-offset and roof-strength tests, and a Poor rating for side-impact crash protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration doesn't have full crash-test results for the 2011 Kia Rio, but it does give the car 4 out of 5 stars for rollover resistance. Full-length side curtain airbags, regular side airbags and front airbags are standard on all Kia Rios. Antilock brakes are standard only on the SX and LX trims, and stability control is not offered at all.

The all-new 2012 Kia Rio should be improved in every respect. Since it will be available in the first half of 2011, consumers should consider skipping the 2011 car and waiting for the 2012's arrival. Expect the 2012 Kia Rio to have edgier styling, more-efficient engine offerings and more room.

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Where To Buy

Free Price Quote for 2011 Kia Rio

Our Sources

1. Edmunds.com

This overview of the 2011 Kia Rio covers trim levels, driving impressions and other information. Editors recommend shoppers think twice before buying the 2011, indicating that waiting for the 2012 would be smarter.

Review: 2011 Kia Rio, Editors of Edmunds.com

2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The Kia Rio fares poorly in crash testing and is at the bottom of the safety ratings in the minicar category. Frontal offset and roof strength is deemed just Acceptable, while side-impact protection is categorized as Poor.

Review: Minicars, Editors of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

3. SaferCar.gov

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration only rates the 2011 Kia Rio for rollover resistance, for which it receives 4 stars out of 5.

Review: 5-Star Safety Ratings, Editors of SaferCar.gov

4. FuelEconomy.gov

In mixed driving, the 2010 Kia Rio gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg and 31 mpg with the automatic and manual transmissions, respectively. While this is good, newer subcompacts are even more efficient.

Review: 2011 Kia Rio, Editors of FuelEconomy.gov

5. ConsumerSearch.com

Aside from a new six-speed automatic transmission, the 2011 Kia Rio is basically the same as the 2008 model. This full report details reviews of that model to determine how the Rio stacks up against the alternatives.

Review: 2008 Kia Rio, Editors of ConsumerSearch.com

6. Kicking Tires blog

This short-take provides an update on what to expect for the all-new 2012 Kia Rio, which is expected to be vastly improved over the current car.

Review: Next Kia Rio Gets a Little Clearer, Colin Bird, Feb. 11, 2011

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