Kia Rio Sport 2019 review: snapshot

The Sport starts from $17,790 for a six-speed manual or $20,090 for the six-speed automatic.
EXPERT RATING
7.1

Likes

Good looks
Six-speed auto an improvement
Great multimedia system

Dislikes

Engine still a buzz-kill
Not much extra kit for your extra spend
No active safety
Tom White

Deputy News Editor

2 min read

The Rio Sport is the middle-tier of a three-variant line-up, sitting above the entry-level S and below the top-spec GT-Line.

The Sport starts from $17,790 for a six-speed manual or $20,090 for the six-speed automatic.

One of the Sport’s main features over the S which sits below it is the new six-speed torque converter auto. The S is still burdened with an antiquated four-speed 'box. The Sport also gains cruise control.

Standard fitment on the Sport is a 7.0-inch multimedia touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a leather-bound steering wheel and gear shift, and heated and folding wing-mirrors.

The Sport is powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder non-turbo engine producing 74kW/133Nm. It runs on base-grade 91RON unleaded petrol consuming a claimed/combined fuel figure of 5.6 for the manual or 6.0 for the auto.

The Sport does not have any active safety, even as an option, and so is limited to the standard suite of stability controls, six airbags and three top-tether (or two ISOFIX) child-seat mounting points. It maintains a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating as of 2017.

All Rios have a decent 325-litre boot with the rear seats up or 980L with them down. All Rios are also covered by a seven year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Read the full 2019 Kia Rio review

Kia RIO 2019: Sport

Engine Type Inline 4, 1.4L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 6.0L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $11,880 - $15,840
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$16,342
Based on 92 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$6,999
HIGHEST PRICE
$22,000
Tom White

Deputy News Editor

Tom’s way into motoring journalism was anything but straightforward despite annoying his parents to no end as a child by identifying makes and models with ease, and acquiring a large collection of Matchbox models. Other interests took over in the intervening years, including tinkering with electronics and computers, and an interest in the past, which eventually culminated in a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University Of Sydney with a major in Ancient History. During this time, Tom was exposed to all sorts of cars by working as a valet and eventually the Bell Captain at The Star casino in Sydney. He then went on another side-quest, studying law at Macquarie University before applying for a job at CarsGuide. After being hired Tom worked his way up the ranks in a variety of roles and refined his craft, now serving as CarsGuide's Deputy News Editor, with special interests in new technologies and electric vehicles, as well as emerging trends from China. Tom has been recognised by his peers as the EV Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Newspress Australia Awards. He’s personally owned a selection of wheels from a 1981 Holden Gemini to a 2009 Ford Falcon, through to his current 2011 Subaru Forester and many others in between. You can find Tom on LinkedIn and Instagram. Education Bachelor of Arts and Sciences | The University of Sydney | 2010 - 2014 Graduate Certificate of Laws | Macquarie University | 2015 - 2016 Awards 2026 Newspress Australia EV Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide | 2016 - present
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$6,999
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2019 Kia Rio
See Pricing & Specs

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