Kia Telluride earns IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Kia North America's all-new 2027 Telluride has been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) designation, marking the fifth model from the automaker to earn this distinction. The Telluride, a cornerstone of Kia's lineup, now stands alongside other 2026 models such as the K4, EV9, Sorento, and Sportage, all of which have met the stringent testing criteria set by the IIHS.

According to SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, "Since its launch, the Telluride has been a defining vehicle for the Kia brand, with safety at the heart of its development. This IIHS recognition underscores our commitment to delivering vehicles that meet the highest standards of safety, while also providing customers with the design, capability, and innovation they expect."

The 2027 Telluride represents the second generation of the brand's flagship three-row SUV. Notable improvements include a larger interior, enhanced third-row access, and a host of comfort and technology features. For the first time, the Telluride offers an available turbo-hybrid powertrain, producing 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque, with an EPA-estimated 35 mpg in the EX FWD trim. The vehicle’s body structure has been fortified, and it comes with 10 standard airbags, including a new front-row center airbag, to provide comprehensive protection.

Safety features on the 2027 Telluride have been bolstered with the introduction of several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These include Hands on Detection (HoD), Lane Following Assist 2, an In-Cabin Camera, and Parking Distance Warning-Forward (in addition to Parking Distance Warning-Reverse). The Telluride also benefits from illuminated seatbelt buckles in the second row and pre-tensioned seatbelts in the third row, contributing to a safer driving experience.

"Since its introduction, the Telluride has been a cornerstone of the Kia brand, and safety has been fundamental to its success," explained Yoon. "This IIHS designation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to prioritize safety in the development of our vehicles, while also delivering the design, capability, and innovation our customers demand."

Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, continues to excel in automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2026. The brand serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a diverse range of vehicles, including gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models, all sold through nearly 800 dealerships in the U.S.