2026 Kia Sportage Named 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ in 2025 IIHS Crash Test Ratings
20 November, 2025
2026 Kia Sportage Named ‘2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+’
in 2025 IIHS Crash Test Ratings
- 2026 Kia SPORTAGE earns highest-tier 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
- Result reflects Kia’s ongoing commitment to advancing vehicle safety
- Sportage recognised for outstanding performance in crash protection and driver assistance systems
Kia Corporation has announced that the 2026 Sportage SUV has been awarded the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating in the latest crash test evaluations conducted by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the organisation’s highest level of safety recognition. The designation applies to 2026 Kia Sportage models built after May 2025.
Sportage earned the elite TSP+ rating by receiving the highest possible “Good” rating across all major assessment categories, including the small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front and updated side tests. It also met the requirements for “Acceptable” or “Good” rating performance in pedestrian front crash prevention and comes with standard headlights rated “Acceptable” or “Good” across all trim levels.
The TSP+ designation is granted exclusively to vehicles that meet the industry’s most stringent safety criteria. IIHS has introduced tougher evaluation standards for this year, including enhanced assessments for rear occupant protection, further underscoring the significance of this achievement.
Kia’s continued investment in advanced collision avoidance technologies, high-rigidity body structures, and optimised safety design has further reinforced the Sportage’s strong safety credentials.
IIHS Sets a New Benchmark with Stricter Safety Standards for 2025 Evaluations
In addition to the 2025 TSP+ rating bestowed upon the 2026 Kia Sportage by the IIHS, the organisation also awards a TSP rating. To qualify for 2025 Top Safety Pick (TSP), a vehicle must receive “Good” ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests and at least an “Acceptable” rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. It must also earn an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating for pedestrian front crash prevention and come with standard headlights rated “Acceptable” or “Good”.
The 2026 Kia Sportage achieved a maximum “Good” rating in all three categories, with the award applying to models built after May 2025.
International Product Release
Please note this is an international release from Kia Head Office, information contained relates to overseas models and local specification may vary.
About Kia New Zealand
Kia (www.kia.co.nz) is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Founded in 1944, Kia has been providing mobility solutions for more than 75 years. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia New Zealand manages the New Zealand operation from its Auckland headquarters, selling and servicing high quality, class-leading vehicles through a network of 33 dealers nationwide. Kia is spearheading the popularisation of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company’s brand slogan – ‘Movement that inspires’ – reflects Kia’s commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services.
Further Enquiries: Ed Finn; 029 978 3620; ed@kia.co.nz