The seating area is reasonably large as well. Of course everything has to be taken in consideration. Compared to a full-size SUV the Kia is cramped, but for a subcompact it's fairly accommodating, easily loading up four adults with room to spare. Five can cram inside in a squeeze or alternatively there's ample room for a couple of child safety seats.

The Rio's interior has improved in other ways over the previous generation too. Its seat fabrics and plastics quality are a step above a variety of more expensive cars, with tight fitting components and never a rattle or buzz. Standard features include air-conditioning, an AM/FM single-CD audio system with 4-speakers, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, variable intermittent wipers, a rear intermittent wiper, driver seat folding armrest, floor mounted center console, and a cargo cover and net.

On the outside Rio RX-V customers get fog lights and the aforementioned body-color parts, including molding, door handles, bumpers, mirrors and grille. Front and rear mudguards are also part of the standard package, while its power mirrors are also heated, perfect for cold Canadian winters, and halogen headlamps powerful enough to see through the gloom of a rainy Vancouver night. Kia finishes off its exterior features with a standard roof rack and tinted glass.

Safety features include driver and front passenger airbags, childproof locks and child seat anchors. Rear disc brakes aren't available, or ABS for that matter. But these features aren't available on any of its competitors either.