2018 Kia Rio vs. 2017 Kia Rio

It's time for us to take a trip into the time machine and bring you news of the 2018 Kia Rio subcompact ahead of its release date, as we compare it with the 2017 Rio. While this small car has long been a best-seller globally for Kia and features excellent fuel economy, a curb-to-curb turning radius that is to die for, and Kia's signature sense of fun, there's some improvements in store for 2018, and we'll chronicle some of them.

The 2018 Kia Rio is going to feature a re-tuned powertrain which moves its available horsepower down a tad from 138 in 2017 to 130 ponies for 2018, but with this change comes an improvement in fuel economy and eco-friendly behaviors to 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway, up from the 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway the 2017 Rio boasts.

2017 or 2018 - Either Way, the Rio is Fun-Filled and Value-Packed!

The 2017 Rio is an impressive vehicle for a subcompact, with power and features that clobber the competition from other automakers, but has found its match in the 2018 Rio, which will increase the room on the inside to 89.9 cubic feet for passengers to sit in. The 2018 Rio also is expected to receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick honor, while the 2017 Rio does not have this distinction. While both model years have access to available UVO eServices, the 2017 Rio's 4.3-inch screen in its top trim level is improved to 7 inches for the 2018 Rio's top trim for added ease of use with navigation, music selections, and more.

No matter which model year you prefer, the Kia Rio is a fun and versatile subcompact, and we would love to set you up with a test drive for the model of your choice at Frank Boucher Kia of Racine, 9601 Washington Avenue in Racine WI, though we also serve the area which includes Milwaukee, West Allis and Kenosha. For more information regarding the Kia models on our lot, call (262) 725-4041 or come visit us at the dealership so we can set you up with a test drive.