The 2011 Kia Rio ranks 28 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 48 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Rio, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Kia Rio has a low base price, but when you add features like air conditioning and an automatic transmission, that price starts to grow. Equipped with the basics, the automotive industry says the Rio is fine daily commuter, but not much else.

The 2011 Kia Rio’s main attractions are its low price tag, good fuel economy and long powertrain warranty. Other than that, this affordable small car struggles to compete in a class filled with fun drivers that offer good performance, plenty of cargo room and standard features that appeal to tech-savvy drivers.

If you can’t afford the Honda Civic or Kia Forte, and don’t mind driving a car that offers the bare minimum, the Kia Rio will suit your needs. Reviewers say it’s a good city commuter, and some even find it fun to drive with the manual transmission.

Before purchasing a Rio, shoppers should know that it does poorly in insurance industry crash tests. Affordable cars with outstanding safety scores cost more, but “Top Safety Picks” like the Ford Fiesta and Kia Forte are definitely worth a look, especially if you have a small family.

• Other Cars to Consider
• Acceleration and Power
• Handling and Braking
• Seating
• Interior Features
• Cargo