Adult occupant
The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings showed good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger. Kia showed that a similar level of protection would be provided for occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions. In the side barrier test, dummy readings showed good protection of all body areas. However, the rear door on the struck side was found not to be fully latched after the test and the car was penalised. In the more severe side pole test, all doors remained fully latched and protection of the driver was adequate or good. The seat and head restraint provided good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.

Child occupant
In the frontal impact, forward movement of the three year dummy, sat in a forward facing restraint, was not excessive. In the side impact, both dummies were properly contained by the shells of their restraints, minimising the likelihood of dangerous head contacts. The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing restraint to be used in that seating position. Clear information is given to the driver regarding the status of the airbag and the system was rewarded. Labels clearly explain the dangers of using a rearward facing restraint in that seat without first disabling the airbag.

Pedestrian
The protection provided by the bumper to pedestrians' legs was predominantly good. However, the front edge of the bonnet was poor in all areas tested and scored no points. Poor protection was also provided by the bonnet in most areas where an adult's head might strike. In the areas where a child's head might strike the bonnet, protection was mixed, some areas offering good protection and others poor.

Safety assist
Electronic stability control is standard equipment on the Rio, and met Euro NCAP's test requirements. A seatbelt reminder is standard for the driver, passenger and rear seats. A driver-set speed limitation device is available as an option but did not meet Euro NCAP's fitment requirements for assessment in 2011.