Handling and Braking
Considering it’s one of the least expensive affordable small cars in the class, the 2011 Kia Rio handles very well. Test drivers report that its ride is smooth and stable, and the cabin is quiet at highway speeds. They do caution, however, that the Rio’s suspension doesn’t absorb a lot of bumps on rough roads. You’ll have to pay more for a car with a smoother ride, like the Kia Forte. It costs $1,650 more but offers more standard features than nearly any car in the class and a better suspension. If the Forte is too expensive, don’t worry; the Rio is well suited for city driving and will meet most drivers’ needs just fine.
See also:
2009 Kia Optima / Magentis
At first glance the redesigned 2009 Kia Optima (sold in Canada as the
Magentis) looks like a marked improvement over the outgoing model.
The design itself, while not exactly breathtaking, is on pa ...
Kia Sorento Review
When the midsize Kia Sorento first appeared, it featured a traditional,
trucklike body-on-frame design that provided a level of ruggedness not typically
found on crossover SUVs. Blessed with above ...
Acceleration and Power
All Rio and Rio5 models have a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 110
horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Rio sedan, and a
four-speed automatic is available for ...


