“It's a great car that is easy to drive and the bells and whistles aren't hard to figure out.”
2019 Kia Rio: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 Kia Rio is a simpler U.S. lineup: the EX trim and manual transmission are gone, leaving LX and S models with a six-speed automatic. The engine, styling, suspension, and overall design carry over from 2018.
About the 2019 Kia Rio
Fourth-generation Rio, second U.S. model year after the 2018 redesign.
Kia positions the Rio as a small car that feels more grown-up than its price suggests. The sedan is marketed as modern, roomy, and easy to live with in tight city spaces, while the 5-door adds easier cargo access and extra day-to-day flexibility. Across the range, the Rio’s appeal is simple: compact size for easy parking, a straightforward cabin, solid ride quality, and useful tech without trying to be flashy or complicated.
The LX is the straightforward entry model, with a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, air conditioning, and power accessories. The S is the more connected version, adding a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, keyless entry, and a split-folding rear seat.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The manual transmission is discontinued, so every 2019 Rio pairs the carryover 130-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic.
Tech
The LX gains power windows, heated power mirrors, and Bluetooth-based infotainment. The S gets a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while satellite radio changes from standard to optional.
2019 Kia Rio specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft | 119 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.7–17.4 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2019 and 2018 Kia Rio?
The main difference is a simplified lineup. For 2019, the EX trim and manual transmission are dropped, leaving the LX and S with a six-speed automatic.
Does the 2019 Kia Rio have a manual transmission?
No. Every U.S.-market 2019 Kia Rio uses a six-speed automatic transmission with a 130-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.
Does every 2019 Kia Rio have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
No. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the S trim through its 7-inch touchscreen. The LX has a simpler 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth.
Was the 2019 Kia Rio redesigned?
No. The Rio was redesigned for 2018, so the 2019 model carries over the same basic body, cabin, engine, suspension layout, and overall look.
Did the 2019 Kia Rio add automatic emergency braking across the lineup?
No. The 2019 update did not add automatic emergency braking or another new driver-assistance feature across the full Rio lineup.
2019 Kia Rio Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Kia Rio.
4.1
2019 Kia Rio
(118 reviews)
“I love my Rio! It is the perfect little car for getting back and forth to work. Has great mileage in town and amazing highway mileage!! Smooth ride with minimum noise. Biggest complaint would be lack of cupholder options. The slots in the doors are water bottle sized which can be annoying for people in the back seat. Otherwise, I love this car and am truly happy with it almost 2 years later!”
“The Rio Hatchback has a lot of space in the trunk, a nice sound system and mates with my iPhone smoothly. There are fewer drawbacks from all the other cars I looked at.”