#USA #Irvine #Kia Sorento #IIHS #Top Safety Pick+

2026 Kia Sorento Receives IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award

In a remarkable testament to its commitment to safety, the 2026 Kia Sorento has been awarded the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This accolade reflects not only the vehicle's performance in rigorous safety testing but also Kia's continuous efforts to enhance safety features in its lineup.

The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award sets a high standard, requiring vehicles to excel in several critical tests: good ratings in small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, and updated side tests. Furthermore, they must demonstrate acceptable or good ratings for pedestrian front crash prevention and feature standard headlights that achieve acceptable or good ratings across all trim levels. The Sorento, built after September 2025, meets all these stringent criteria, making its award even more significant.

Kia has successfully positioned five models within its collection to earn the prestigious TSP+ designation in 2025. Besides the Sorento, this includes the 2026 Sportage, 2025 K4, 2025 EV9, and the 2025 Telluride. This achievement showcases Kia's proactive approach in prioritizing vehicle safety as part of its design philosophy.

According to SeungKyu Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America, this accolade underscores Kia's dedication to not only delivering performance and technological advancements but also enhancing safety for its drivers and passengers. Yoon emphasized, “Kia continues to raise the bar by delivering vehicles that combine performance, technology, and safety.”

The 2026 Sorento features several safety innovations, including standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA). This system is designed to assist drivers by detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles in front of the car. It becomes especially beneficial during left turns at intersections, reducing the likelihood of potential collisions.

In addition to its impressive safety features, the Kia Sorento is available in various configurations, including gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants. The SUV's upscale interior has garnered accolades for comfort and functionality, making it a popular choice among families. The introduction of the X-Pro variants also provides enhanced ruggedness for adventure seekers looking for a capable crossover.

For 2026, the Sorento offers a new Terrain Mode for all-wheel-drive equipped models, further augmenting its capabilities in diverse driving conditions.

Kia's headquarters in Irvine, California, attests to its standing as a top contender in automotive quality surveys, emphasizing its innovative stance in the market. Notably, Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024, underscoring its commitment to sustainability in addition to safety.

As the Official Automotive Partner of both the NBA and WNBA, Kia continues to expand its presence and engage with communities through various initiatives. The brand's comprehensive portfolio of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles are supported by an extensive dealer network across the United States, proudly featuring models assembled at local facilities.

With the safety of drivers and passengers being paramount, the 2026 Kia Sorento exemplifies the brand's vision of providing high-quality vehicles that prioritize safety whilst also meeting the diverse needs of its customer base. For more information about Kia's latest models and their safety features, visit Kia Media.

Disclaimer: While Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is designed to enhance safety, it is crucial for drivers to always engage in safe driving practices and remain vigilant on the road. Likewise, no system can compensate for all driver errors or unforeseen driving conditions.