The Kia Rio carries over into 2023 with minimal changes.

The Kia Rio is powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine making 120 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. Fuel economy is excellent for a non-hybrid car like this with a claimed city mileage of 32 mpg with 41 mpg supposedly attainable on the highway.

Standard features on subcompacts like the Rio tend to be pretty sparse, but base LX-trimmed Rios come standard with power door locks, air conditioning, an 8-inch touchscreen controlling the stereo, a USB input jack, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and automatic headlights.

Top of the line S trim includes 15-inch wheels, nicer seat trimming, one-touch windows and cruise control.

Optional features include a Supervision Meter 3.5 inch gauge display and Forward Collision Assist with automatic avoidance, rear occupant alert and push button start.

Standard safety features on the Rio include dual front mounted and side mounted airbags, full length side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability management systems, a hill start system and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Rio is Kia's least-expensive entry in their lineup. Styling for this generation is clean and sophisticated with Kia neatly incorporating its family grill into the car's front fascia. Competitors include other subcompacts such as the Honda Fit, the Ford Fiesta and the Toyota Yaris. While those cars tend to remind buyers that they're dealing with simple, bare-bones transportation, the Rio offers enough comfort, convenience, and sophistication to feel a little bit classier, all while undercutting those rivals on price.

Maneuverability; handsome styling; upscale features; available in multiple body styles; strong value quotient