2010 Kia Rio: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2010 Kia Rio is a mild exterior refresh, led by a revised grille, black-bezel headlights, and more body-color trim. It is not a redesign, and the basic lineup and engine carry over.
About the 2010 Kia Rio
2nd generation (2006-2011), facelift year.
Kia positions the Rio as a simple, inexpensive small car that still gives owners real usefulness. The core appeal is easy commuting, good fuel economy, a surprisingly roomy cabin for the size, and the choice between a traditional sedan trunk or the more flexible Rio5 hatchback. Against rivals, Kia leans on value, practical interior space, a straightforward control layout, and the brand’s long warranty rather than power or premium features.
The 2010 Rio ranges from a simple base sedan to the more comfortable LX sedan and practical Rio5 LX hatchback. The SX sedan and Rio5 SX add a sportier look with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and a red-stitched cabin, while every trim has USB and auxiliary audio inputs.
What changed, by category
2010 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/OD | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 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 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| 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
Was the 2010 Kia Rio fully redesigned?
No. The 2010 Rio receives a mild facelift within its second generation rather than a full redesign. Its main updates are revised exterior details and broader standard audio connectivity.
What exterior changes were made to the 2010 Kia Rio?
The 2010 Rio gets a revised grille, black-bezel headlights, and more body-color exterior trim across the sedan and Rio5 hatchback lineup.
What technology became standard on the 2010 Kia Rio?
USB and auxiliary audio input jacks became standard across the 2010 Rio lineup. That includes the entry-level base sedan.
Did the 2010 Kia Rio get a new engine?
No. The 2010 Rio keeps its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive layout, so the year’s updates focus on styling and equipment rather than performance.
What changed on the 2010 Kia Rio SX models?
The 2010 SX sedan and Rio5 SX receive the lineup’s exterior refresh and move to standard 16-inch alloy wheels. They also get a sportier standard appearance with a rear spoiler and exposed exhaust outlet.