Market Segment:
Subcompact/Compact Car (B-segment), positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient, and practical option for urban commuting and small families.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent.
Vehicle Strengths:
Good value for money, decent fuel economy, modern styling for its class, available with updated technology and safety features.
Target Audience:
Kia Rio owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts.
Benefits:
Empowers owners to maintain their vehicles, diagnose issues, and perform repairs accurately, potentially saving on labor costs and ensuring proper vehicle care.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (GDI and MPI variants), engine management systems, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, exhaust, emission control.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission systems (including DCT where applicable), clutch, driveline, axles, differential.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, ABS, EBD, ESC, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system (electric), steering column, steering gear, tie rods, power steering pump (if applicable).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horns, wipers, washers.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, mirrors, interior trim, seats, airbags, seatbelts, HVAC system.
Chassis And Frame:
Unibody construction, frame components, crumple zones.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS, ESC, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Infotainment And Electronics:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped), Bluetooth, connectivity, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM).
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair:
Component replacement (engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical), body panel repair, interior component repair.
Overhaul:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, major component disassembly and reassembly.
Installation:
Component installation, accessory installation (e.g., trailer hitch, spoilers).
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid checks to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Engine Code:
G4LC (1.4L MPI), G4FG (1.6L GDI)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 1.4L:
1396 cc (85.2 cu in)
Displacement 1.6L:
1591 cc (97.1 cu in)
Horsepower 1.6L:
130-138 hp (97-103 kW) @ 6300 rpm (varies by market)
Torque 1.6L:
119-123 lb-ft (161-167 Nm) @ 4850 rpm (varies by market)
Fuel Delivery 1.4L:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery 1.6L:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 AKI) recommended
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based, permanent type coolant (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Engine Oil Type 1.6L:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L:
Approx. 4.1 US quarts (3.9 liters) with filter change
Emission Standard:
Varies by market (e.g., EPA Tier 3 Bin 300 in the US)
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed automatic transmission (often designated as '6AT' or 'A6GF1')
Transmission Type Alternative:
7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) introduced on later models/trims, potentially available for late 2017 models depending on market.
Manual Transmission Features:
Close-ratio gearing for sporty feel, durable clutch assembly.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Smooth shifting, adaptive logic control, manual shift mode (Sportmatic).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Genuine Kia ATF SP-IV or equivalent synthetic fluid.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.1 US quarts (6.7 liters) for a complete fill, approx. 3.4 US quarts (3.2 liters) for a drain and fill.
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Body Styles:
4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback
Length Sedan:
Approx. 171.5 inches (4355 mm)
Length Hatchback:
Approx. 160.0 inches (4065 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 15.0 cubic feet (424 liters)
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 13.7 cubic feet (389 liters) with rear seats up
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2400-2600 lbs (1090-1180 kg), depending on body style and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3500-3700 lbs (1590-1680 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not specified for this class of vehicle; generally not recommended or rated for towing.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Likely 4 out of 5 stars (based on typical IIHS/NHTSA ratings for this generation and class, though specific results may vary by test year and configuration).
IIHS Rating:
Likely 'Good' in most crashworthiness categories (e.g., Moderate overlap front, Side impact) and 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal' in front crash prevention depending on optional systems.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear), three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, active front headrests.
Driver Assistance Options
Available Driver Assistance:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) - availability depends on trim level and market, typically optional on higher trims.
Tpms:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is standard on most trims.
Infotainment System:
Available touchscreen infotainment system with features like AM/FM/SiriusXM radio, USB/Aux input, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming. Higher trims may offer navigation and smartphone integration (e.g., Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on later 2017 models or as a mid-cycle refresh option).
Driver Assistance Features:
Backup camera (standard on many trims), optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth, USB ports, available steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.
Instrument Cluster Features:
Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), multi-function trip computer (MPG, distance to empty, etc.).
Service Intervals General
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe conditions may require shorter intervals.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, coinciding with oil changes.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically recommended around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically recommended around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement 1.6L Gdi:
Iridium spark plugs typically have a long service life, often recommended at 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), replace if needed. Many manufacturers recommend replacement around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for longevity, or as per specific driving conditions. The manual will provide precise guidance.
Brake Fluid Change:
Recommended every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades over time.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5-6.0 US quarts (5.2-5.7 liters) for 1.6L engine.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check owner's manual or manual for specific requirement).
Power Steering Fluid:
Electric power steering, no fluid to change.
Common Issues:
Potential for premature wear in suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings), minor electrical glitches (e.g., related to infotainment or sensors), potential for engine oil consumption in older naturally aspirated Hyundai/Kia engines (though less common in later iterations), clutch wear in manual transmissions under heavy use. Issues are generally minor for this class.
Kia Heritage:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, evolving from a manufacturer of motorcycle parts to bicycles, then trucks, and finally passenger cars. Known for its value-oriented vehicles and significant improvements in design and quality over the past two decades.
Rio History:
The Kia Rio was first introduced in 2000 as a subcompact car. The 2016-2017 models represent the latter part of the third generation (UB) or the very beginning of the fourth generation (YB), depending on the market introduction timeline. This generation saw significant upgrades in styling, interior quality, and technology compared to its predecessors. The fourth generation (YB) officially launched for the 2017 model year in some markets.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing locations include South Korea (Hwaseong), Mexico (Monterrey), and potentially other Kia assembly plants globally.
Production Years Third Gen:
2011-2017 (UB)
Production Years Fourth Gen:
2017-Present (YB/SC)
IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus:
While not explicitly stated for all 2016-2017 models, the Kia Rio platform has achieved high safety ratings from IIHS in various years, indicating a strong safety structure.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for the Kia Rio are typically average to above average for its class, with specific scores varying by model year and powertrain.
Emissions Certifications:
Certified to meet Federal and California (or equivalent) emissions standards for the respective model year.