Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Awards Four Kia Models with Highest Safety Rating
2019 Kia Sorento
Four Kia models have earned highest safety distinctions from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Singled out as the organization’s Top Safety Pick Plus worthy vehicles are the 2019 Kia Sorento, 2018 Kia Forte sedan, 2018 Soul, and 2018 Optima.
“This is a significant and fantastic achievement for Kia,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “It’s an honor to have earned strong safety ratings across so many of our vehicle lines.”
The 2019 Kia Sorento earns the TSP+ rating when it is equipped with LED headlights and autonomous emergency braking. Updated for the 2019 model year, the Sorento now features 3-row seating to accommodate seven passengers on each of its five trim levels — L, LX, EX, SX, and SXL — redesigned rear and front fascias, available driver assist technologies such as Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Harman Kardon-audio with QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound. A new eight-speed automatic transmission for the 2019 Sorento is available to pair with the available 3.3-liter V6 GDI engine. Higher trims benefit from the updated AVN 5.0 navigation system, which is equipped with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility.
Check Out: 2018 Kia Forte and Forte5
2018 Kia Forte Sedan LX
When equipped with high-intensity discharge Dynamic Bending Light and autonomous emergency braking, which are possible with the Premium Plus package on the EX trim, the 2018 Kia Forte Sedan boasts the TSP+ rating.
2018 Kia Soul
When the Primo Lit package is added on to the + trim of the 2018 Kia Soul, which delivers the model with HID headlights and autonomous emergency braking, the TSP+ rating applies.
2018 Kia Optima
The TSP+ rating is applicable to the SX trim of the 2018 Kia Optima when it is enhanced by the Limited or Technology packages, which equip the model with LED headlights with High Beam Assist and autonomous emergency braking. The Optima must also have been manufactured post January 2018.
Check Out: 2018 Kia Optima
According to Kia, “To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require a vehicle earn ‘Good’ ratings in six crashworthiness tests — driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint. Also required is ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ rating in the passenger side small overlap test, an ‘Advanced’ or ‘Superior’ rating for front crash prevention, and a ‘Good’ rating in headlight testing.”
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