Built for Real Life: The 2026 Kia Sportage Excels in the Toughest IIHS Crash Tests

Dec 15, 2025

2026 Kia Sportage Named ‘2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+’

At Destination Kia in Albany, we know the road doesn’t always go as planned. That’s why drivers across New York continue to turn to vehicles that go above and beyond when it comes to safety, and the 2026 Kia Sportage just proved again why it’s one of the most trusted SUVs on the market. The latest model has officially been named a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, the highest safety rating awarded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. If you’re looking for a vehicle that prioritizes your fThank you for sharing, Lydia! We’re glad John could assist and that your car looked amazing after the service.amily’s protection without sacrificing comfort, technology, or style, the Sportage delivers on every level.

What the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Means for You

This recognition confirms that the 2026 Sportage stands at the top of its class. The IIHS raised its evaluation standards for 2025, introducing tougher requirements for rear occupant protection, enhanced crash scenarios, and updated impact tests. Even with these more demanding benchmarks in place, the Sportage earned the highest possible “Good” rating across every major category, including:

Small overlap front test
Updated moderate overlap front test
Updated side-impact test
Pedestrian front crash prevention (rated Acceptable or Good)
Standard headlights rated Acceptable or Good

The award applies to 2026 Sportage models built after May 2025, meaning the latest versions now available at Destination Kia meet the newest and strictest safety expectations in the industry.

Advanced Protection, Every Mile of the Journey

Kia’s dedication to safety has been unwavering, and the 2026 Sportage is a perfect example of that commitment. From the high-strength body structure to enhanced collision-avoidance technology, every detail is designed to protect you, your passengers, and everyone around you. Features like forward collision-avoidance assist, smart cruise control, lane-keeping technology, and more contribute to its top-tier performance in real-world and simulated crash scenarios.

These technologies are intuitive, seamless, and designed to support your natural driving habits. Whether navigating downtown Albany, driving through unpredictable upstate weather, or heading out on long weekend road trips, the Sportage helps keep your most important cargo safe.

See Why Safety-Conscious Drivers Are Choosing the 2026 Sportage

When vehicles are tested against the industry’s toughest safety standards, only the best rise to the top, and Kia’s newest Sportage did exactly that. It’s a vehicle built for modern families, everyday commuters, and anyone who wants peace of mind behind the wheel.Visit Destination Kia at 760 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206, to explore the award-winning 2026 Sportage for yourself. Schedule a test drive today and experience why it’s becoming the go-to SUV for safety-minded drivers across the Capital Region.