KIA Rio 2014, Thoughts?

[dlock13]

I've been looking around for a couple months now for a vehicle to replace my 09 Toyota Matrix, and the Rio hatch looks like it has a chance.

Has anyone had any experiences in the 2014 model, specifically the SX? I've been reading some reviews here and there. Mostly, I'm not looking to lose too much storage space. According to the numbers, the Rio actually has a tiny bit more.

I just want to know if it is fun to drive, comfortable, reliable, etc.. You know the deal!

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Is Nissan Versa Note also in your consideration? Rio is a fine car, but it is extremely loud when driving, which you probably don't mind since you have Matrix.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

The Hyundai Accent at about the same cost has a larger hatchback area and is a bit roomier -

90.1 cubic feet of interior space
21.2 cubic feet seats up hatch area

Kia RIO
88.4 cubic feet of interior space
15.0 cubic feet seats up hatch area

 

[dlock13]

Is Nissan Versa Note also in your consideration? Rio is a fine car, but it is extremely loud when driving, which you probably don't mind since you have Matrix.

I test drove the Nissan Versa 2013 model, and the insides were exceptionally bare to me. It was spacious, but at the same time, it felt empty and lackluster. It wasn't the high tech model, but it still didn't feel like a good fit for me.

The Hyundai Accent at about the same cost has a larger hatchback area and is a bit roomier -

90.1 cubic feet of interior space
21.2 cubic feet seats up hatch area

Kia RIO
88.4 cubic feet of interior space
15.0 cubic feet seats up hatch area

I'm not too worried about the hatch area when the seats are up. Right now, I believe my Matrix has a 14-15 cubic feet or so, and that is plenty fine for me.

Am I right saying that the Kia Rio and the Hyundai Accent are made by the same parent company? I can't remember if I read that somewhere or not.

 

[MegaFlop]

Am I right saying that the Kia Rio and the Hyundai Accent are made by the same parent company? I can't remember if I read that somewhere or not.

The Rio and Accent are virtually identical underneath and have the same parent company. For what it is worth Hyundais seem to be a bit more refined/quieter then the corresponding Kia.

If I were you I would take a look at the Hyundai Veloster. It is similar in size to the Rio / Accent (89.8 cu feet interior volume), but it can be optioned up with more features and a turbo engine if that is what you are after.

 

[dlock13]

The Rio and Accent are virtually identical underneath and have the same parent company. For what it is worth Hyundais seem to be a bit more refined/quieter then the corresponding Kia.

If I were you I would take a look at the Hyundai Veloster. It is similar in size to the Rio / Accent (89.8 cu feet interior volume), but it can be optioned up with more features and a turbo engine if that is what you are after.

I've seen the Veloster, and I don't think that is my cup of tea. Plus, that one adds a bit too much to the cost. I'm really looking to stay under 20k. If I can stay under 20k, then I can keep my payment relatively the same, get a better car altogether, and better mileage than my Matrix. Plus, it'll help me save a bit on insurance so overall, it will help my wife and I save some cash.

I'm not really looking for a turbo. It would be awesome, but my price doesn't really give me the room to get one which I'm completely fine with. I'm looking for somewhat the same of what I have, but it'll need to have better technology and better mileage.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Friend at the office picked up a 2013 Rio a year and a half ago or so. He gets awesome fuel economy. It's not fast, but it's faster than the old suzuki he replaced. It's a bit tight for adults in the back seat, but, sometimes 4 of us take his car to go for lunch (short trip.)

That said, I would keep the 09 Matrix. Pay the thing off. Then, save the $$$ you were using for your car payment.

 

[MegaFlop]

I've seen the Veloster, and I don't think that is my cup of tea. Plus, that one adds a bit too much to the cost. I'm really looking to stay under 20k. If I can stay under 20k, then I can keep my payment relatively the same, get a better car altogether, and better mileage than my Matrix. Plus, it'll help me save a bit on insurance so overall, it will help my wife and I save some cash.

I'm not really looking for a turbo. It would be awesome, but my price doesn't really give me the room to get one which I'm completely fine with. I'm looking for somewhat the same of what I have, but it'll need to have better technology and better mileage.

Hyundai is offering $1000 off MSRP on 2013 Accents and Velosters if you can still find one. MSRP on the most expensive Accent (SE, Auto, Sunroof) is about $19K. A base auto Veloster is about $20K. You should be able to get a great deal on any 2013s that are still available. There may be other factory incentives that you qualify for, military, competitive owner, etc..

 

[heymrdj]

I tested a 14 Rio EX. Really was a nice car, but just don't enjoy the tech that Kia brings. I ended up with a 2014 Ford Fiesta SE hatchback. Absolutely love the car (2k miles on it now over about a 1 month period)

 

[dlock13]

Friend at the office picked up a 2013 Rio a year and a half ago or so. He gets awesome fuel economy. It's not fast, but it's faster than the old suzuki he replaced. It's a bit tight for adults in the back seat, but, sometimes 4 of us take his car to go for lunch (short trip.)

That said, I would keep the 09 Matrix. Pay the thing off. Then, save the $$$ you were using for your car payment.

That has been an option, too. I love my Matrix, but I'm trying to figure out a way to save money, and if I were to get a new car, it would lower my insurance and save me money on fuel.

Hyundai is offering $1000 off MSRP on 2013 Accents and Velosters if you can still find one. MSRP on the most expensive Accent (SE, Auto, Sunroof) is about $19K. A base auto Veloster is about $20K. You should be able to get a great deal on any 2013s that are still available. There may be other factory incentives that you qualify for, military, competitive owner, etc..

That is not a bad idea. I might have to check out my local Hyundai dealer and see what they have in stock.

I tested a 14 Rio EX. Really was a nice car, but just don't enjoy the tech that Kia brings. I ended up with a 2014 Ford Fiesta SE hatchback. Absolutely love the car (2k miles on it now over about a 1 month period)

I still have yet to be in a Fiesta. I'll have to check on these as well. The 2014 Rio just caught my eye. I used to own a Spectra which was a fantastic little car for me. It was great on gas, comfortable, and it was roomy. It didn't have the best get up and go, but it was more than sufficient. That is essentially why I figured the Rio might be a good choice since they've seemingly gotten better at building cars.

 

[desy]

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/02/review-2014-nissan-versa-note-with-video/

The Note managed a surprising 38.8 MPG during my 761 mile week with the “wee hatch,” as my neighbor called it. The high mileage numbers are largely thanks to the light curb weight, low rolling resistance tires and Nissan’s CVT which allows the Note’s tiny engine to barely spin at highway speeds. Although the Spark has the same EPA rating, I averaged 2 MPG less the last time I was in one. TTAC has yet to test a Mirage, so I’ll have to defer to the EPA’s 40 MPG average.

Being the cheap guy that I am, the more I cross-shopped the Note and the Spark, the less “value” I found in the little Nissan. The Note isn’t without its charms. The huge back seat and enormous cargo hold make it by far the most practical small hatch in America, the problem is all down to value. If you want sporty or luxury, buy the Fiesta but the best value in this compact segment is the Spark. It’s low $12,170 price tag rivals Nissan’s Versa sedan for the least expensive car but the $14,765 “1LT” with the manual is where the value is to be had. Priced several grand less than a comparable Note, the Spark beats Nissan at their own game. Minus one seat.

 

[dlock13]

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/02/review-2014-nissan-versa-note-with-video/

The Note managed a surprising 38.8 MPG during my 761 mile week with the “wee hatch,” as my neighbor called it. The high mileage numbers are largely thanks to the light curb weight, low rolling resistance tires and Nissan’s CVT which allows the Note’s tiny engine to barely spin at highway speeds. Although the Spark has the same EPA rating, I averaged 2 MPG less the last time I was in one. TTAC has yet to test a Mirage, so I’ll have to defer to the EPA’s 40 MPG average.

Being the cheap guy that I am, the more I cross-shopped the Note and the Spark, the less “value” I found in the little Nissan. The Note isn’t without its charms. The huge back seat and enormous cargo hold make it by far the most practical small hatch in America, the problem is all down to value. If you want sporty or luxury, buy the Fiesta but the best value in this compact segment is the Spark. It’s low $12,170 price tag rivals Nissan’s Versa sedan for the least expensive car but the $14,765 “1LT” with the manual is where the value is to be had. Priced several grand less than a comparable Note, the Spark beats Nissan at their own game. Minus one seat.

Interesting read. The only problem is that the Spark is so exceptionally small, that I would never be able to deal with it. When I test drove a Note, it had a tacky interior that felt exceptionally cheap. Yes, the inside was large and comfortable, but I couldn't stand to drive it.

Thanks for that site/read though!

 

[dlock13]

What other cars out there are similar? I like either a hatch style or an SUV, but I'm leaning a lot more towards a hatch.

 

[draknon]

I've got a '12 Veloster. The base model has tons of standard equipment over an Accent/Rio and IMO looks sharp/funky. The Accent/RIO, however, is lighter, roomier, cheaper, faster, and more fuel efficient.

I also had a Versa rental for a couple weeks before I bought my Veloster. I found the Versa to be comfy and it had plenty of storage space.

I would take a look at the Honda Fit and the Chevy Sonic if it hasn't been mentioned yet. Really, the best thing you can do is go out and drive everything in your price range that will meet your needs, then buy the one you like best.

 

[pete6032]

What is the reason for replacing the Matrix?

 

[HitAnyKey]

What is the reason for replacing the Matrix?

x2

Dumping an 09 now seems a bit premature. Don't get me wrong, the car is basically a larger Corolla with a slightly better interior. But dumping it for another economy car does beg the question, why?

 

[desy]

X3
" I can keep my payment relatively the same, get a better car altogether, and better mileage than my Matrix. Plus, it'll help me save a bit on insurance so overall, it will help my wife and I save some cash. "

A you should be out of a payment soon and you can then start saving for the next one so you don't have interest payments when you pay cash
B where do you live that insurance is cheaper on a new car than an old car?
C Mileage, the greatest cost of owning a car is depreciation of which its the worst in the first 5 yrs then tails off. You would always do better to keep a car 10 yrs and maintained than eating heavy depreciation of the first years if the idea is to save cash.

 

[dlock13]

Looks like you folks talked me into keeping my car. I'll hold off until I get it paid off more.

Thanks for the advice though!

 

[SearchMaster]

MPG is a consideration if you're going from 15MPG to 40MPG. Not so much when going from, what, high 20s to mid 30s (best case scenario)?

 

[Arkaign]

Yeah a new car payment for 4-5 years is something to be avoided if at all possible. That's a crazy reliable Toyota model, so 250k+ should be easily done with ordinary maintenance. Having no car payment = the dream life Hell depending on where you live, switching to $30/mo liability only is doable as well. Or ~$50/mo with uninsured/underinsured coverage (in case an uninsured person crashes into you).

The only risk in that situation is an at-fault accident. In my experience there are two types of drivers, those that have at-fault accidents, and those that don't. I've been driving for over 20 years with zero at-fault accidents, and know many people that have driven 40+ years with none.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Good advice keeping your car for a few more years. 2009 is pretty new still.

I don't buy cars based on MPG...it's not linear. Since we typically only drive an average number of miles per year (12-15k), the savings presented by higher MPG is finite. If you drive 15000 miles per year and get 30mpg, you use 500 gallons of gas per year. If you get 35 mpg, you use 428 gallons of gas per year. If you get 50mpg, you use 300 gallons per year.

$3.50 example fuel price.

$1750=30mpg
$1498=35mpg = Gaining 5mpg saves you $250/year
$1050=50mpg = Gaining 20mpg saves you $700/year (why not $1000 savings?)

Saved money from mpg is still saved money, but saving a few mpg makes more sense than dropping an extra $10k or more on a high mpg vehicle.



As for Kia vs Hyundai vs others....I never was impressed with many of the Korean seats or BLUE LED dashboards. The seats are the biggest issue for me. They felt cheap, the upholstry was lacking (I prefer leather), but the foam was also not comfortable to me or my wife. When we test drove, we ultimately bought a toyota with leather seats.

I try to stay away from cars with too many gadgets because it's more to break and most of the "technology" is cheaply made circuitry that's somewhat disposable. I hate that Chevy is putting Apps in their radios now. It's just another distraction.

It's held up the past few years, but our Toyota 4Runner's radio feels very cheaply made. The dials have very little resistance when turned and the buttons feel cheap as well.

I've got an F150 and am pleased with the way most of the interior feels, though sometimes the steering wheel buttons require me to press them twice to be recognized.

 

[Chopin83]

Dose anyone know the life expectancy of the Kia rio hatchback 2014 it is definitely on my list of new cars to look at at some point point? Has anyone had any serious problems or had to change the engine frequently due to it being a small engine

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Mazda 3 hatchy

 

[SearchMaster]

Dose anyone know the life expectancy of the Kia rio hatchback 2014 it is definitely on my list of new cars to look at at some point point? Has anyone had any serious problems or had to change the engine frequently due to it being a small engine

LOL - I doubt anyone with a 2014 has had to change the engine "frequently". No matter how well an engine is designed, there will still be isolated problems with any brand due to human/machine error during manufacturing and assembly. The best thing you can do is look at user forums (with the understanding that things will look worse than they actually are due to human nature), look at previous years' reliability ratings on JD Power, Consumer Reports, MSN, etc., and compare warranties.

Engines have gotten pretty darned reliable if you change the oil regularly...I would expect transmission failure before engine failure, and other issues before that.