2011 Kia Rio: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The main change for the 2011 Kia Rio is that LX and SX sedans and hatchbacks get a four-speed automatic transmission as standard. Otherwise, this is a light-update year rather than a redesign.

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About the 2011 Kia Rio

2nd generation Rio/Rio5 (2006-2011), final U.S. model year before the all-new 2012 redesign.

Kia positions the 2011 Rio as a small, budget-friendly car that does not force buyers to give up basic usefulness. The official messaging leans on roomy interior space for the class, strong fuel economy, standard safety equipment, and the choice between a traditional sedan and the more cargo-friendly Rio5 hatchback. For most shoppers, this model is about simple transportation with a little more style and feature content than the cheapest small cars of its time.

The 2011 Rio lineup ranges from a simple base sedan with a five-speed manual to better-equipped LX and SX versions in sedan and Rio5 hatchback form. The Rio5 offers up to 49.6 cubic feet of cargo room with its rear seat folded, while SX models add 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, Bluetooth, cruise control, and a rear spoiler.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The four-speed automatic transmission became standard on LX and SX versions of both the sedan and Rio5 hatchback. The five-speed manual remained on the base sedan.

Tech

Bluetooth changed from standard to optional on the LX sedan and Rio5 LX.

2011 Kia Rio specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Kia RioLX0 in stock	2011 Kia RioSX0 in stock	2011 Kia RioBase0 in stock	2011 Kia RioRio5 LX0 in stock	2011 Kia RioRio5 SX0 in stock
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/Overdrive
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	27 mpg	27 mpg	28 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg
MPG Highway	36 mpg	36 mpg	34 mpg	36 mpg	36 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
Safety & Security
Anti-Lock Brakes
Cruise Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Power Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Folding Rear Seat
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Locks
Power Steering
Power Windows
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel

How the 2012 Kia Rio compares

The 2012 Kia Rio is an all-new third-generation model, making this a major redesign year. The headline change is the new platform, accompanied by a 138-hp 1.6-liter engine and six-speed transmissions.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2011 Kia Rio?

The biggest change is the standard four-speed automatic transmission on LX and SX models. That applies to both the sedan and Rio5 hatchback, leaving the base sedan as the only version with a five-speed manual.

Did every 2011 Kia Rio have an automatic transmission?

No. The LX and SX sedans and Rio5 hatchbacks have a four-speed automatic, but the base Rio sedan retains a five-speed manual.

Was the 2011 Kia Rio a full redesign?

No. The 2011 Rio received a light update and remained part of the second generation introduced for 2006. An all-new Rio followed for 2012.

Which 2011 Kia Rio models were hatchbacks?

The Rio5 LX and Rio5 SX were the hatchback models for 2011. The Rio5 LX emphasizes cargo flexibility, while the Rio5 SX adds sportier exterior trim and more convenience features.

Is the 2011 Kia Rio substantially different from the 2010 model?

No. The 2011 Rio is largely a continuation of the 2010 model after the prior year’s styling refresh. Its notable updates are the standard automatic transmission on LX and SX models and optional rather than standard Bluetooth on the two LX versions.