2023 Kia Rio Safety and Reliability

Unfortunately, the 2023 Kia Rio has not been subject to reviews by the NHTSA, but the IIHS did put it through its paces. It earned five top scores of Good and one of Acceptable (small overlap front: passenger side). The standard headlights are also rated poorly with the optional Technology Package upgrade seeing it earn much better marks. The results show that if safety is your first concern, you'll need to go for the top trim and add the Technology Package.

You're not going to find any of the latest advanced driver-assistance systems unless you go for the top-spec S fitted with the optional Technology package, in which case you get a set of LED headlights with high-beam assist, lane-keep and lane-following assist, driver-attention warning, and rear-occupant alert. Standard features across the range include ABS brakes, EBD, six airbags including dual front, front side, and side curtain bags, as well as stability control, a rearview camera, hill-start assist, and LATCH anchors.

Kia has a reputation for reliability, and with minimal recalls to its name, the Rio underscores this. 2023 models were recall-free at the time of writing, with one recall listed for 2022 models for an unsecured steering column. The same issue haunts 2021 models alongside another recall for reduced braking performance. Hopefully, all issues have been resolved - the 2022 Kia Rio received a high 86 out of 100 rating from J.D. Power for quality and reliability, which should carry over or even improve.

Kia will cover the Rio with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/100,000-mile corrosion warranty, an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.