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:

    Gauges
    Speedometer The speedometer indicates the forward speed of the vehicle. Tachometer The tachometer indicates the approximate number of engine revolutions per minute (rpm). Use the tachometer to ...

    Smart key
    Smart key With a smart key, you can lock or unlock a door (and trunk) and even start the engine without inserting the key. The functions of buttons on a smart key are similar to the remote keyl ...

    Roof rack
    If the vehicle has a roof rack, you can load things on top of your vehicle. Crossrails and fixing components to adapt the roof rack on your vehicle may be obtained from an authorized Kia dealer ...