Mark R
Dec 20, 2020
Shopping for a used car means more than just looking at horsepower ratings and creature comforts. Safety is also a very important consideration. Fortunately, Kias safety rating gets a massive boost thanks to their focus on including the latest safety tech.
How safe are Kia vehicles?
The most popular models, the 2020 Telluride and the 2020 Soul, scored a 5-star and 4-star overall safety rating with the NHTSA, respectively. Both vehicles also received a “GOOD” rating from the IIHS. Other models include the K5 and Seltos.
However, there’s more to safety than just a vehicle’s crash performance. We’ll dive into the details and discuss test results, awards, and popular safety features and how they work.
Most Popular Kia Models
With 18 different models to choose from, finding the Kia that’s right for you can be a bit of a challenge. For brevity’s sake, we’ll focus on a few of the more popular models within the lineup.
Forte
The compact Forte gives economy-minded buyers plenty of bang for their buck given its affordable MSRP. This also makes it a great value on the used car market.
The Forte earned a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but makes up for it by being an IIHS 2020 Top Safety Pick when equipped with upgraded headlights.
K5
The 2021 K5 takes the place of the outgoing 2020 Optima. Not only did the name change, but so did the midsize sedan’s styling to more closely match the premium Stinger.
NHTSA and IIHS test results aren’t available as of yet for the K5, but the 2020 Optima did manage to get 5 stars and a “GOOD” rating, respectively.
Stinger
The Kia Stinger not only looks fast, but its powerful 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 also makes it genuinely quick. It’s a good thing the Stinger earned the IIHS 2020 Top Safety Pick award thanks to its impressive crashworthiness and safety features.
Soul
The Soul’s funky styling and surprisingly spacious interior make it a great buy for those in search of a roomy compact crossover. Don’t miss out on the Soul Turbo and its spicy 201-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.
Available Kia Safety Features
Smart Cruise Control with Highway Driving Assist
Smart Cruise Control works just like any regular cruise control system, but better. Not only does it maintain your preset speed, but it can also maintain a set distance away from vehicles in front, even if the vehicle ahead slows down.
Highway Driving Assist also manages some of the vehicle’s steering, throttle and braking features while you’re on the open road, which helps lessen driver fatigue.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist feature scans for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other potential obstacles ahead and takes action to mitigate impending collisions or even avoid them altogether. This is made possible with the help of a forward-facing camera and front radar.
FCA not only warns you through visual and audible alerts, but the system can also actively prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes.
Junction Turning Accident Avoidance
Intersections are also a common place where accidents occur, especially when you’re attempting to make a turn. Junction Turning Accident Avoidance employs the front camera and radar technology to detect oncoming vehicles while turning at an intersection. You’ll get visual warnings if the system detects a vehicle while you’re turning.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear
Blind spots can make it hard to spot adjacent vehicles until it’s too late. The Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist system uses the front camera and rear corner radars to detect other vehicles in your blind spot. If there’s a vehicle in your blind spot, you’ll get visual and audible warnings.
If BCA detects an impending collision, the system will automatically apply the brakes to avoid an accident.
Safe Exit Assist
Blindly exiting a vehicle on a busy street can put your rear passengers at risk. Safe Exit Assist employs your vehicle’s rear corner sensors to spot and warn your rear passengers of approaching traffic. SEA even prevents the Electronic Child Safety Lock from being overridden until the coast is clear.
People Also Ask About Kia
Which Kia Model is Best When it Comes to Safety?
That’s a tough question to answer, especially given the sheer number of choices throughout the Kia lineup. It all depends on what your driving needs are, but you can count on nearly every Kia model coming equipped with the safety features mentioned earlier.
Which Kia Models Come Available with AWD?
AWD is an optional feature on most of Kia’s SUV lineup, including the Seltos, Sportage, Sorento and Telluride. You’ll also find AWD on the K5, Stinger and K900. If you need extra traction and performance that all-wheel drive offers, be sure to check out those models.
Are Kia Models Affected by the Takata Airbag Recall?
Certain models, including the 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and 2011-2012 Kia Sedona, were impacted by the Takata airbag recall. The recall involved driver and passenger side airbags that could explode upon deployment, resulting in potentially serious injuries to vehicle occupants.
If you’re buying a used Kia, be sure to check the NHTSA website to see if your vehicle is among the millions impacted by this recall.
Does Kia Offer Any Autonomous Driving Technology?
Tesla’s Autopilot and Cadillac’s Super Cruise features have helped popularize advanced driver assistance technology that allows for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving. However, such features aren’t yet available on any Kia model.
As the technology matures, however, you can expect to see more of these technological feats put to practical use in mainstream automotive brands like Kia.
Mark R
When it comes to cars, Mark’s been around the block in a wide variety of them, from vintage muscle cars to the latest sedans. In addition to writing about cars, he loves to sketch and photograph them as hobbies.
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