The 2024 Kia Sportage has secured its position as a top performer in vehicle safety by achieving the coveted Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating. This accolade marks a significant upgrade from its previous TOP SAFETY PICK status for the 2022 model, a recognition it received with specific headlights.

The enhanced award for the 2024 Sportage follows the IIHS’ implementation of more rigorous criteria for its 2023 TSP and TSP+ awards. The heightened standards include stringent requirements for side crash protection, pedestrian crash prevention systems, and headlight ratings. Under these new and more demanding guidelines, the 2024 Sportage demonstrated exceptional safety performance, earning a “good” rating in all four crashworthiness evaluations.

The Sportage’s qualification for the TSP+ designation was further solidified by the inclusion of standard LED projection headlamps for the 2024 model year, which received an “acceptable” rating. Additionally, both the standard and optional front crash prevention systems of the Sportage earned high praise, securing “superior” ratings in daytime evaluations and “advanced” ratings in nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian assessments.

The introduction of a nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test as part of the TSP+ criteria highlights the commitment to comprehensive safety evaluations. The requirement for either “advanced” or “superior” performance ratings in both daytime and nighttime pedestrian tests is indicative of a holistic approach to vehicle safety. Notably, evaluations for roof strength, head restraint, and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention are no longer included in the award criteria.

Steven Center, COO and EVP of Kia America, expressed pride in the Sportage’s continued evolution, stating, “Kia’s longest running nameplate continues to improve and deliver for today’s savvy and adventurous compact SUV buyers.” This recognition affirms Kia’s commitment to not only meeting but surpassing the evolving safety expectations of consumers.

Beyond its safety achievements, the 2024 Sportage offers a diverse lineup of trim levels, including the X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige. These trims cater to drivers seeking adventure-ready features, such as all-terrain tires, allowing them to explore nature with confidence. The heart of the Sportage’s performance lies in its 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque across all trims. With these advancements, the 2024 Kia Sportage stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation, safety, and meeting the needs of the modern SUV market.