Compare the2023 Kia RioVS 2023 Hyundai Elantra

Both the Rio and the Elantra have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems and driver alert monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Rio second among small cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Elantra isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia fourth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 29 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 17th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in reliability, above the industry average. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked third.

On the EPA test cycle the Rio gets better fuel mileage than the Elantra (32 city/41 hwy vs. 30 city/40 hwy).

The Rio’s standard front disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The front discs on the Elantra are solid, not vented.

The Rio has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Elantra’s suspension doesn’t offer front gas-charged shocks.

For better maneuverability, the Rio’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the Elantra’s (33.5 feet vs. 35.4 feet).

The Rio Sedan is 11.5 inches shorter than the Elantra, making the Rio easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Rio Sedan has .1 inches more rear headroom and 1.9 inches more rear hip room than the Elantra.

The Rio has a much larger trunk with its rear seat up than the Elantra (17.4 vs. 14.2 cubic feet).

The Rio S’ standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The Elantra’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

The Rio S offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The Elantra doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Rio’s power window, power lock and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Elantra’s passenger power window switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Consumer Reports rated the Rio’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Elantra’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The Rio’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Elantra and aren’t offered on the Elantra SE.

The Kia Rio comes in sedan and station wagon bodystyles; the Hyundai Elantra isn’t available as a station wagon.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Rio second among small cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Elantra isn’t in the top three in its category.