Kia Clinches Three IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awards for 2025 Models

Abu Dhabi : Kia has earned top safety honors in the US with three of its latest models. It has achieved the highest safety rating under tougher IIHS crash test standards for the 2025 model year.

• Kia K4, EV9, and Telluride receive 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+.
• The awards means they have the latest, stricter crash and safety tech standards.
• They recognised these models as they are strong when it comes to structure and have crash prevention.
• Kia has always been strong on the safety-first approach.

Kia has again proven to be one of the leaders when it comes to automotive safety as they have just earned three 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States.

The recognition covers the new Kia K4, the all-electric EV9, and the Telluride SUV, which is very popular. This marks a major milestone in safety for the brand under testing rules that are up-to-date and more demanding.

A Closer Look at the IIHS Safety Standard

The IIHS is a respected non-profit organisation that evaluates the safety of vehicles in the United States. They use strict methods for their crash tests, especially with recent updates which are more about protection of passengers, safety of rear occupant, and avoidance of night-time crash.

For vehicles to qualify for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ badge, they must earn high scores in different categories like crashworthiness, avoidance of crash, and quality of headlight.

Award-Winning Kia Models

• Kia K4 (2025, post-Jan builds): This all-new compact sedan earned the TSP+ rating after it showcased improved design in structure and protection from rear-seat crash.
• Kia EV9: The all-electric flagship SUV of Kia is still being recognised as it combines sustainability with safety, with a full system of advanced driver assist.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride, a consistent global market favourite, still has strong performance in crash protection and prevention of tech-based crash.

Kia’s Focus on Safety Innovation

The dedication of Kia to safety is far beyond passing tests. According to Yaser Shabsogh, who is the Vice President of Commercial Operations at Kia Middle East & Africa, “Safety is one of the, if not a foundational pillar of our brand in Kia. Today, the IIHS has recognized us with three TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, and that strongly validates the work we’re doing.”

The company is still building vehicles with rigid safety cell structures, deploying more airbags per vehicle, and increasing the use of intelligent driving systems like Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

There has been a growing demand in the UAE and wider region for vehicles that offer comfort, performance, and peace of mind through real-world safety, which this effort aligns with.

What It Means for the UAE Market

The awards were given to US-spec models. However, they are considered an industry benchmark and often reflect the same quality of build in global exports. Buyers want more advanced safety features in the UAE and the recognition of Kia adds to its credibility.

Drivers in the UAE can expect safety to remain a core strength across the local lineup of Kia, be it family SUVs like the Telluride or electric pioneers like the EV9.