KIA first introduced the Rio into their range in 2005. The KIA Rio is available as a or Hatchback. So you know you are installing the right towbar on your KIA Rio, we have looked at towing capacity, electrical kits, bumper cuts and more for each variation of KIA Rio below.
KIA Rio Hatchback Towbars
The KIA Rio Hatchback was first released in 2005. To determine which variant of KIA Rio you have, check your vehicle logbook. This will ensure you purchase the correct towbar.
KIA Rio Hatchback Nose Weight
Hatchback models made
between 2005 and 2009
have a minimum nose weight of 50 kg and a maximum nose weight of 50 kg,
between 2009 and 2011
have a minimum nose weight of 75 kg and a maximum nose weight of 100 kg,
vehicles made after 2016
have a minimum nose weight of 75 kg and a maximum nose weight of 75 kg.
What does nose weight mean?
Nose weight is the force on the towball when a caravan or trailer is attached. Every towbar for every vehicle will have a specific nose weight for that vehicle which can differ between the age of the vehicle and the variation of the model. It is crucial that you don’t exceed the nose weight set on the towbar as this is dangerous and can decrease stability when towing.
KIA Rio Hatchback Electric Kits
Electrical kits connect the electrics in your Hatchback to the electrics on your trailer, bike rack or caravan so your lights are still visible.
Electric kits for KIA Rio Hatchback
We would always recommend having a dedicated electrics kit installed, where possible. This syncs with modern computer functions of your Hatchback, like ABS and trailer stability, rather than just basic lighting.
Why is a dedicated kit important? Well, not only does it work with the specific features of your vehicle, but it also protects the warranty of your Hatchback and works with any enhanced safety features you may have.
Of course, you can choose between a dedicated kit or a universal kit, and we do offer both, but a universal electrical kit can affect your manufacturer warranty and you might also need to install a bypass relay.
KIA Rio Hatchback Software Update
We will alert you as to whether your Hatchback requires a software update when you choose your towbar electrics kit.
Does my vehicle need a software update?
Sometimes your vehicle may need a software update to accommodate your new dedicated electrical kit. This is so all of the latest computer features in your Hatchback can accurately co-ordinate with your towbar electrics.
Software updates can take place at your local KIA dealership when your vehicle is in for service. Or, this can sometimes be updated at your local garage when you arrange towbar fitting through WebFit.
KIA Rio Hatchback Bumper Cuts
Hatchback models made
between 2005 and 2009
will not require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted,
between 2009 and 2011
will not require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted,
vehicles made after 2016
will not require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted.
Does my vehicle need a bumper cut?
Some towbar styles might require a bumper cut in order to be fitted to your vehicle. But, this is improving and newer vehicles are less likely to require a bumper cut due to better towbar designs.
KIA Rio Hatchback Towing Capacity
Hatchback models made
between 2005 and 2009
have a towing capacity of 1100 kg to 1100 kg,
between 2009 and 2011
have a towing capacity of 1100 kg to 1100 kg,
vehicles made after 2016
have a towing capacity of 1100 kg to 1100 kg.
Be sure to check the EXACT towing capacity of your vehicle before towing on your VIN plate.
What is towing capacity?
Towing capacity is the weight that your Hatchback is capable of towing safely, but it can vary even across the same model of car. It is important to note that the capacity of the towbar and the towing capacity of the Hatchback may differ, so you should always go by the specific towing weight of your vehicle, indicated above.
To find specific details for your KIA Rio, select your vehicle below.