Power for the 2006 Kia Rio and Rio5 comes from a 1.6-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). This little powerplant, consisting of a cast iron block and alloy heads, produces 110 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 107 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Standard fare includes a five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels, with a four-speed automatic optional on LX and SX models. With the five-speed, the EPA estimates the Rio and Rio5 will achieve 32 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, whereas those with the automatic transmission are expected to get 29 mpg and 38 mpg, respectively.

Stopping power is courtesy of 256-mm vented disc brakes up front and drums in the rear. The antilock brake package, optional on the Rio LX and Rio5 SX, adds 262-mm solid rear discs and electronic brake force distribution. The front suspension system includes MacPherson struts, coil springs, and a stabilizer bar, while the rear features a torsion beam and coil springs. Serving to keep everything on the straight and narrow is a rack-and-pinion steering setup, with engine speed sensing power assist reserved for the Rio LX and Rio5 SX. Base models, available only with manual steering, should be good for toning those forearms. Connecting the base Rio to the pavement are P175/70R14 tires and steel wheels, with the LX model moving up a bit to P185/65R14 tires. The 2006 Kia Rio5 SX gets P195/55R15 Hankook Optima tires that surround five-spoke alloy wheels.