Five Kia models—the Forte, Soul, Optima, Sportage and Sorento—were recently named 2012 “Top Safety Pick” winners by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

 

The awards are based on performance evaluations conducted by the IIHS in front, side, rollover (roof strength) and rear crash tests. These four categories are the most common types of crashes that occur. Institute President Adrian Lund said, “It’s tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority.”

 

All five Kia models earned the top rating of “Good” across the board in front offset, side impact, roof strength and rear crash protection. All five models are previous Top Safety Pick winners and offer Electronic Stability Control as a standard feature, which is another requirement to earn a Top Safety Pick. The Forte, Optima, Sorento and Sportage are repeat honorees from 2011. The Soul urban passenger vehicle was a Top Safety Pick selection in 2010.

 

The Forte and Soul were recognized in the small cars category, the Sportage was recognized in the small SUV class and the Sorento in the midsize SUV class. Rounding out the selections, the Optima was chosen in the midsize car category.

 

Lund continued. “It’s a testament to the commitment automakers have made to going above and beyond minimum safety standards.” The IIHS Top Safety Pick honors are further proof that Kia not only produces quality, affordable vehicles, but also vehicles that are among the safest to drive. Kia understands the importance of safety and has engineered some of the safest models on the road today.

 

Stop in today to schedule a test drive of any of the award-winning Kia models.