Brand hub · IIHS data updated 2026-09-04
Kia Safety Ratings (2026)
Every current Kia model in IIHS records, scored with the same formula as our main ranking, plus real-world death rates for used Kia models where the data exists.
The safest current Kia is the 2027 Kia Telluride, scoring 96.8/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, #7 of 137 in our overall ranking. Kia has 10 current models in IIHS records, 8 with complete crash-test results; 5 earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick. Older Kia models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 76.8 per million registered vehicle years, grade F on our brand ranking. That is context from older models and is not part of the score.
Every current Kia ranked by safety
Where two vehicles score the same, the injury measures behind that score break the tie; vehicles matching on both share a rank. The score is 55% primary IIHS tests, 25% selected occupant-protection details, 10% pedestrian front crash prevention, and 10% class context. Missing evidence never counts as passing. Class rank compares each model with every vehicle in its IIHS class, not just other Kia models.
| Rank | Vehicle | Class | Class rank | IIHS award | Starts at | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2027 Kia Telluride | Midsize SUVs | 1 of 32 | TSP+ | ~$39,190 | 96.8 |
| 1 | 2026 Kia EV9 | Midsize SUVs | 1 of 32 | TSP+ | ~$54,900 | 96.8 |
| 3 | 2026 Kia Sportage | Small SUVs | 3 of 29 | TSP+ | ~$28,690 | 93.1 |
| 4 | 2026 Kia K4 | Small cars | 4 of 16 | TSP+ | ~$22,290 | 89.6 |
| 5 | 2026 Kia Sorento | Midsize SUVs | 22 of 32 | TSP+ | ~$32,390 | 87.9 |
| 6 | 2026 Kia K4 | Small cars | 15 of 16 | No award | ~$24,890 | 69.8 |
| 7 | 2026 Kia EV6 | Small SUVs | 21 of 29 | No award | ~$37,900 | 69.3 |
| 8 | 2026 Kia Seltos | Small SUVs | 27 of 29 | No award | ~$23,790 | 61.5 |
Prices are approximate base MSRPs excluding destination. TSP+ is IIHS Top Safety Pick+; TSP is Top Safety Pick. Full weights and rules are on the methodology page.
2 Kia models still waiting on complete IIHS results
These are listed so you can see what has been tested. A missing result is never treated as a pass or a fail, so they are not ranked.
| Vehicle | Class | Primary tests reported | Detail results reported | IIHS award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Carnival | Minivans | 3/4 | 4/4 | No award |
| 2026 Kia K5 | Midsize cars | 3/4 | 4/4 | No award |
Real-world death rates for used Kia models
Driver deaths per million registered vehicle years from the IIHS driver death rate study, compared with the average for each model's class. Lower is better. These are older model years and are separate from the crash-test scores above.
| Vehicle | Model years | Driver death rate | Class average | Used price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento 4WD | 2017-20 | 26 | 24.9 | n/a |
| Kia Sorento 2WD | 2017-20 | 35 | 24.9 | n/a |
| Kia Niro hybrid | 2017-20 | 43 | 48.0 | n/a |
| Kia Sedona | 2017-20 | 53 | 26.4 | n/a |
| Kia Soul | 2020 | 63 | 36.7 | n/a |
| Kia Optima | 2019-20 | 80 | 58.1 | n/a |
| Kia Forte | 2019-20 | 111 | 60.5 | n/a |
| Kia Rio sedan | 2018-20 | 122 | 162.6 | n/a |
Green means at or below the class average; red means above it. Every used model is on the safest used cars page.
Older Kia model years
Earlier model years with IIHS results on this site. They are not part of the current ranking.
Questions people ask about Kia safety
Is Kia a safe brand?
Kia has 10 current models in IIHS records, 8 with complete crash-test records. 5 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick. The best current Kia is the 2027 Kia Telluride at 96.8/100, #7 of 137 in our overall ranking. Older Kia models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 76.8 per million registered vehicle years, grade F; that is historical context and not part of the score. Safety varies more between models than between brands, so pick the model first.
What is the safest Kia?
The safest current Kia in our 2026 ranking is the 2027 Kia Telluride (midsize suvs), scoring 96.8/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It ranks #1 of 32 in its class.
Which Kia models earned Top Safety Pick+ in 2026?
5 current Kia models earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+: Kia Telluride, Kia EV9, Kia Sportage, Kia K4, Kia Sorento.
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