2009 Kia Rio5 Review

Overview

The 2009 Kia Rio5 is a sporty five-door hatchback version of the Rio sedan. Offered in LX and SX trims, the Rio5 provides seating for five passengers and comes with a low sticker price. The second-generation Rio hatchback was renamed Rio5 in the U.S.

Power and performance

The Rio5 has a front engine, front-wheel drive layout. A standard 110-horsepower 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 107 pound-feet of torque is coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic shifter is optional.

Body and styling

The 2009 Kia Rio5 offers a host of exterior and interior standard features such as dual power heated body-color mirrors; auto-off headlights; clear-lens headlights; body-color bumpers; body side molding; body-color exterior door handles; variable intermittent windshield wipers; 14-inch steel wheels on LX and 15-inch alloy wheels on SX trim; air conditioning; 60/40 split-folding rear seat; driver's seat height adjuster; tachometer; luggage hook on front-passenger-seat headrest; rear seatback pocket; tilt steering column; low-fuel warning light; USB-auxiliary input jack; and AM/FM/CD/MP3/SIRIUS audio system with four speakers. Power package that includes power door locks with keyless remote; power windows; power heated mirrors; steering-wheel-mounted audio control buttons and tweeter speakers is available on the Rio5 version. When the rear seat is down, this hatchback can hold up to 49.6 cubic feet of cargo in its cabin.

Safety Features

The 2009 Kia Rio5 features active safety systems that help avoid accidents and minimize injuries in the event of an accident. Side-impact door beams; three-point seat belts for all seating positions; tire pressure monitoring system; impact-absorbing steering column; front and rear crumple zones; front seat-belt pre-tensioners with force limiters; dual front advanced airbags; dual front seat-mounted side and full-length side curtain airbags; seat-belt warning light; height-adjustable front seat belt anchors; and LATCH system are some of the safety gadgets offered on this Kia hatchback. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are available as option.