The Rio LE and the Rio S are the only two models in the Rio Sedan lineup, both are equipped with the same underpinnings, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to a CVT automatic and front-wheel-drive. 15-inch steel wheels with full covers, halogen projector-beam headlights, and dual body-color heated, power side-view mirrors are standard across the lineup. The base-spec LE comes with features such as a tilt-only steering column, six-way manually-adjustable front seats, manual air conditioning, hill-start assist, and Tricot and woven cloth seat trim. The top-spec S comes with only a few more creature comforts and features than the base-spec LE, including remote keyless access, cruise control, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and a sliding center armrest between the front seats. Both are fitted with an integrated rearview camera that displays via a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen. Forward collision-avoidance assist and LED headlights are available for the S only.
With just two trims in the Rio Sedan lineup, Kia has done well to keep the prices down low. The base-spec Kia Rio LX is priced at an affordable MSRP of $15,750, while the top-spec Rio S only asks a little more at a base price of $16,390. Both figures exclude any tax, registration, or licensing fees as well as Kia's destination and delivery fee of $925. There aren't many packages or options available for either of the models, so a fully-equipped Rio S wouldn't be much more expensive than what it is at the standard level, around only $995 more excluding the minor accessories.
There is only a single package available for the Kia Rio, and it's only available for the top-spec S trim. The S Technology Package equips the Rio S with LED headlights with positioning lights, forward collision avoidance, a high-line tire pressure monitoring system, an upgraded 3.5-inch LCD driver instrumentation display, UVO3 eServices, and SiriusXM satellite radio. There is an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass and HomeLink software available for both models at a cost of $350.
The Kia Rio S is the obvious choice here as the model that's not only better equipped - and for only a nominal fee - but also the only model with access to the S Technology Package and additional exterior paint colors. The S Technology Package is recommended for the forward collision avoidance system it contains - giving the Rio its Top Safety Pick status - as well as for the LED headlights and positioning lights upgrades. Apart from the additional specs, it's also the clear choice as it comes with the basic creature comforts that the LX lacks, including a center sliding armrest and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.