Kia's 2026 K4 and EV9 Achieve IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Designation

Kia's Achievements in Vehicle Safety for 2026

Kia has once again demonstrated its commitment to safety with the recent announcement that both the 2026 K4 and EV9 models have been awarded the distinguished Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This esteemed recognition is a testament to Kia's relentless focus on passenger safety in every vehicle they produce.

Expanding Safety Recognition

With the addition of the K4 and EV9 to its lineup of TSP+ awardees, Kia has now secured a total of four models boasting this prestigious safety designation for 2026. The accolades also extend to the Kia Sorento and Sportage, both of which have met the rigorous standards set by the IIHS for vehicles manufactured within certain dates.

SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America, emphasized the company’s dedication to safety, stating, "Safety is not an isolated feature. It's a fundamental pillar of all our vehicles. Expanding our IIHS recognition to more models reflects our priority on protection as safety standards continue to evolve."

Updates to IIHS Testing Protocols

For 2026, the IIHS has heightened its testing criteria to enhance passenger safety in rear seating positions and improve collision avoidance technologies. The revised protocols now impose more stringent requirements for rear passenger safety during moderate overlap frontal collisions. Notably, Kia has effectively met these enhanced criteria, showcasing its robust engineering capabilities.

Notable Features and Pricing

The 2026 K4 starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $22,290, which positions it as an attractive entry point into Kia’s lineup. It comes equipped with advanced safety features that include:

- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)

These technologies play a crucial role in helping detect potential collisions and ensuring the safety of all occupants by recognizing vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of it. Additionally, the K4 is designed to prevent accidents at intersections during left turns.

The award-winning Kia EV9 continues to impress with its expansive range of modern comforts and state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, including standard Highways Driving Assist that helps maintain safe distances from vehicles ahead and keeps the vehicle centered in its lane on selected highways.

Kia America: A Leader in Automotive Quality

With its headquarters in Irvine, California, Kia America has consistently ranked high in automotive quality surveys. In 2025, Kia was recognized by TIME as one of the most sustainable companies in the world. The brand also has significant partnerships, serving as the Official Automotive Partner of both the NBA and WNBA, and boasts a diverse line-up that includes gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles available through nearly 800 dealerships across the United States.

For media inquiries and images related to these vehicles, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive timely updates about Kia press releases, sign up at the same URL.

Key models like the fully electric SUV EV6 and three-row EV9, along with the Sportage and Sorento, feature components assembled in the United States, highlighting Kia’s commitment to local manufacturing.

In conclusion, Kia's ongoing efforts to enhance vehicle safety while providing value to consumers are evident through these latest accolades. The combination of advanced safety technology and commitment to quality makes the Kia K4 and EV9 stand out in a competitive market, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of the brand’s mission.