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2018 Kia Rio sedan shows a little Tiger Nose in New York

The compact sedan gets a handsome new face inspired by the Kia Soul, but the biggest enhancements are in the cabin.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
2018 Kia Rio sedan
1 of 18 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

After seeing the hatchback in Paris last year, Kia finally debuts the 2018 Rio sedan at the New York Auto Show.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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The new front end looks heavily inspired by the current Kia Soul's face.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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The automaker's signature Tiger Nose grille shape blends into the headlamps here, making the front end seem much wider, despite growing by less than an inch.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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The new face is much more upright than the previous generation and seems to almost meet the hood at a 90-degree angle.

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I'm digging the bold front end, but the rest of the body is fairly econobox boring.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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The wheelbase has stretched by less than half an inch. At either axle, the Rio rides on new 15-inch wheels.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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Inside, the Rio sees the biggest changes with a new cabin that brings the fit and finish to modern levels.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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At the top trim level, the subcompact is available with a 7-inch color UVO infotainment system that brings Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity along for the ride.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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Under the hood, the Rio carries over the same 1.6-liter, 130 horsepower engine from the previous generation.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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Power reaches the front wheels via either an automatic or manual transmission. Whichever you choose, the Rio offers six forward ratios.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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Pricing and economy haven't been announced, but we can expect more details closer to the launch later this year.

2018 Kia Rio sedan
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2018 Kia Rio sedan
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2018 Kia Rio sedan
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2018 Kia Rio sedan
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2018 Kia Rio sedan
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2018 Kia Rio sedan
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2018 Kia Rio sedan
18 of 18 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

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