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2012 kia rio :: test drive

Are you on the search for a new car?

We had the opportunity to drive a 2012 Kia Rio SX for a week. The car was fully loaded (SX) which made for a luxurious drive for me! The Rio is a compact car and Kia has done wonders with the use of space while still allowing driver’s to enjoy 40hwy/30city MPG. While I can’t recommend it for large families, it was an ok size for a family of 4.

This compact car has four doors and a massive trunk that was able to hold a stroller, pack-n-play and luggage with room to spare. The backseats also fold down if you need to carry something exceptionally long.

Oh I totally have to mention how super friendly this car is? It tells you goodbye when you shut it off. How polite!

There were several features that I just loved about this car.

My favorite was the navigation you get when put the car in reverse.  Check out the picture above and you will see there is a camera behind you showing you everything that is behind you.  It is great for parallel parking as well.

Push button start!! LOVE this!  I loved that I could keep my key fob in my purse and did not have to take it out to start the car. I didn’t even have to take it out to unlock the car either because it has a fancy button the door handle you can press that unlocks it for you.  Although you have to have the key fob close to the car or else it will not open.

The super large trunk is amazing as well.  It is perfect to fit all your travel needs. You can definitely fit quite a bit of stuff in here if you know how to pack really well. 

The Kia Rio drove so well too.  It was not noisy nor bumpy.  It was a smooth ride. While it is not a huge get up and go car, it does the job and drives great.

Another fantastic feature that is good for those that like to chat on the phone while driving is the wireless.  You can hook up your smart phone to the wi-fi and receive calls thru the car.  It remembers you so everytime you get in the car it automatically hooks up.  There is a speaker in the ceiling of the car that you are able to talk thru making it an awesome phone free drive.

Here are a fun few facts about Kia as well:

  • At the end of its lifespan, 85% of the Rio’s materials are recyclable
  • The foam in the seat is material made from 100% biodegradable and non toxic castor oil which benefits the enviroment in several ways, including reduced use of petroleum based products
  • Castor oils come from plants, this material is generated from completely renewable energy products

While the Kia Rio is a tad small for our family of 4, it’s a dream for singles, couples, families with one child, college kids, or as a commuter vehicle for Dad or Mom for to and from work. Visit Kia’s website to learn more about the Rio SX.

The vehicle I tested has a price of $20,546.00 which included 17-in. tires with alloy wheels, 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, Sport-tuned suspension, Bluetooth Wireless Techonolgy and the Premium Package, which included Navigation System with Sirius Traffic, Power tilt and slide sunroof, Push button start with smart key, heated from seats and carpeted floor mats!

*I had the opportunity to drive a Kia Rio for a week in order to facilitate my Kia Rio review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.*

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