2026 Kia Sportage Earned the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award for Outstanding Protection

Dec 30, 2025

The 2026 Kia Sportage Earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award for Safety

The 2026 Kia Sportage proves that smart design and strong protection can go hand in hand. Safety sits at the center of its appeal, and it shows on every drive. At VanDevere Kia in Akron, OH, drivers are already excited about how secure this SUV feels. Keep reading to learn more about the 2026 Kia Sportage, which earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for safety.

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What Is the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award?

Recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety carries serious weight. The 2026 Kia Sportage earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for safety after meeting tougher testing standards. This rating represents the highest level of safety recognition available. Moreover, it reflects the brand’s ongoing focus on real-world protection. Only models built after May 2025 qualify for this achievement. IIHS raises expectations every year, and the latest tests are more demanding than ever. The 2026 Sportage earns top “Good” scores in small overlap front crashes. It also performs strongly in updated moderate overlap front and side impact tests. Furthermore, new evaluations focus on rear occupant protection. This makes the award even more meaningful for families.

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Standard Driver Assistance Systems of the 2026 Kia Sportage

Safety extends beyond crash tests. Every Sportage includes a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard auto emergency braking scans the road using radar and cameras. It detects pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles during turns. When danger appears, the system alerts the driver and can apply brakes automatically. This feature helps reduce stress in heavy traffic.

Available Driver Assistance Systems of the 2026 Kia Sportage

Optional forward collision avoidance assist brings added support on highways. It uses cameras, radar, and navigation data to maintain distance from vehicles ahead. Additionally, Highway Driving Assist 2 can help with lane changes when activated. These systems work together to support smoother and safer long-distance driving.

Driver Awareness Features of the 2026 Kia Sportage

Hands-on Detection plays an important role in assisted driving. The system checks if the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel. If not, it sends warnings to regain attention. This helps ensure the driver remains engaged. Parking distance warnings also help at low speeds by alerting drivers to nearby objects or pedestrians. All these features work quietly in the background. Drivers feel more relaxed knowing support is always present. Passengers benefit from a calmer and more confident ride. This balance of technology and protection improves the overall driving experience. It’s another reason the 2026 Kia Sportage earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for safety.

Top Technology Features in the 2026 Kia Sportage

Test Drive the 2026 Kia Sportage in Akron, OH

Safety recognition matters most when you feel it yourself. The 2026 Kia Sportage delivers confidence through proven protection and advanced assistance features. Visit or contact VanDevere Kia in Akron, OH, to learn more about this award-winning SUV. Schedule a test drive and get behind its wheel today!