2018 Kia Rio Receives Top Safety Pick Plus Rating From Insurance Institute For Highway Safety

by Kia | October 16, 2018

•Rio is First Vehicle in Minicar Segment to Earn Coveted Safety Accolade

•Dynamic and stylish subcompact earns high marks in crashworthiness tests

•Award increases total number of Kia vehicles with 2018 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus ratings to 10

IRVINE, Calif., October 15, 2018 —The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its best rating possible, Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), to the 2018 Kia Rio sedan when equipped with optional Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and LED headlights on vehicles built after June 20181. Thanks to the 'Superior' rating given to the AEB system2, and the 'Good' rating given to the optional LED headlights, the 2018 Rio becomes the first vehicle in the IIHS minicar segment to achieve the TSP+ designation.

'The Rio may have a small footprint, but it's a big performer in all other areas, including driving dynamics, style, features, and now safety accolades,' said Orth Hedrick, executive director, Car Product and Telematics, Kia Motors America (KMA). 'Being the first automaker to establish a TSP+ in the minicar segment is further proof that Kia is dedicated to improving the quality and integrity of our world-class model line.'

The TSP+ rating for Rio increases the total number of Kia vehicles with 2018 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus ratings to 10.

'We are honored to receive the Top Safety Pick+ award for the Kia Rio, the only vehicle in IIHS's minicar segment to earn such an accolade,' said Wook Jin, Director of the Vehicle Safety Engineering Group at Namyang R&D Center. 'The Kia Rio joins several other Kia vehicles in achieving this feat, and this continues to show our commitment to safety across different vehicle segments and sizes.'

To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require a vehicle earn 'Good' ratings in six crashworthiness tests – driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint – as well as a 'Good' or 'Acceptable' rating in the passenger side small overlap front test, an 'Advanced' or 'Superior' rating for front crash prevention, and a 'Good' rating in headlight testing.

Completely redesigned for the 2018 model year, the Rio stands apart from others in the subcompact segment with its combination of eye-catching design, available technology, fun-to-drive character, and excellent safety ratings. Available in three trims – LX, S and EX – the 2018 Rio is powered by an enhanced Gamma 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Output is a spirited 130 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque.

On the tech front, the Rio is available with desirable features including Bluetooth®3 hands-free functionality4, a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio and a rear-view camera system5. Available only on the top-tier EX trim is a seven-inch floating touchscreen4 interface, UVO eServices6 voice recognition infotainment system and smartphone integration through Android AutoTM7 and Apple CarPlayTM7.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the 'Official Automotive Partner' of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (S, EX, SX and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

1 LED headlights are available on the Rio S trim with Tech Package. Autonomous Emergency Braking is standard on the Rio EX trim.
2 Autonomous Emergency Braking is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
3 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of such marks by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth® enabled device is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.
4 Warning: Driving while distracted can result in a loss of vehicle control that may lead to an accident, severe personal injury and death. Always drive safely and use caution.
5 Rear-Camera Display is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not display all objects behind vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
6 Purchase/lease of a new 2018 Kia Rio vehicle with UVO eServices includes a complimentary 10 year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After expiration of such period, you will no longer be able to access or use UVO eServices. For applicable full terms, see the UVO Privacy Policy (available at https://www.myuvo.com/legal/privacy-policy.shtml) and Terms of Service (available at https://www.myuvo.com/legal/terms-of-service.shtml).
7 Android Auto™ is a registered trademark of Google Inc. Apple CarPlay™ is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ require a compatible device sold separately and apps may use your smartphone cellular data service. Normal cellular service rates apply.

Photo credit: Kia
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