2009 Kia Rio: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Kia Rio is a light-update model, not a redesign. Its main change is a revised standard audio system with MP3 playback and Sirius capability across the lineup.
About the 2009 Kia Rio
2nd generation (2006-2011), fourth model year in this generation and the last year before the 2010 facelift.
Kia positioned the 2009 Rio as a small, budget-friendly car that did not ask buyers to give up cabin space, safety, or fuel economy. The sedan and Rio5 hatchback were marketed as practical subcompacts with more room than many shoppers expected, plus strong everyday usefulness in city driving. The main differentiators versus rivals were value, simple controls, standard safety hardware for the era, and the choice between a traditional trunk or a more flexible hatchback body.
The base Rio sedan is the simple commuter, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. LX models add everyday comforts, while the Rio5 hatchback provides a more flexible cargo area and a split-folding rear seat. SX models are appearance-focused upgrades with fog lights, a rear spoiler, red-stitched cloth trim, and leather-wrapped controls rather than extra engine performance.
What changed, by category
2009 Kia Rio specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/OD |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 110 hp | 110 hp | 110 hp | 110 hp |
| Torque | 107 lb-ft | 107 lb-ft | 107 lb-ft | 107 lb-ft | 107 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.9 cu-ft | 11.9 cu-ft | 11.9 cu-ft | 15.8 cu-ft | 15.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.3 in | 34.3 in | 34.3 in | 34.3 in | 34.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Locks | |||||
| Power Steering | |||||
| Power Windows | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Kia Rio?
The biggest change is the revised standard audio system. Every 2009 Rio and Rio5 has AM/FM/CD audio with MP3 playback and Sirius capability.
Is the 2009 Kia Rio a redesign?
No, the 2009 Kia Rio is not a redesign. It remains part of the second generation introduced for 2006 and keeps the same basic mechanical package ahead of the 2010 facelift.
Does every 2009 Kia Rio have USB connectivity?
No, USB and auxiliary audio inputs are fitted to the 2009 LX and SX models. The base sedan has the revised AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system but is not identified with USB connectivity.
Did the 2009 Kia Rio get a new engine?
No, the 2009 Kia Rio keeps the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The year's updates focus on audio equipment and minor control revisions rather than mechanical changes.
What are the 2009 Kia Rio body styles and trims?
The 2009 lineup consists of Base, LX, and SX sedans plus Rio5 LX and Rio5 SX hatchbacks. The Rio5 models emphasize cargo flexibility, while the SX versions add sportier-looking exterior and cabin details.