2011 Kia Sportage Named IIHS Top Safety Pick
The 2011 Kia Sportage won the honor of Top Safety Pick in the small SUV category by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Since the Sportage is a twin of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson (also a Top Safety Pick), the Kia SUV wasn’t physically tested; instead, the same ratings from the Tuscon were applied to the Sportage, according to IIHS sources.
To earn the award, a vehicle must receive the top rating of Good in front, side, rear and rollover crash tests. The vehicle also must have electronic stability control, which is standard on the Sportage.
Earning the award became tougher this year when IIHS added the rollover crash test, which measures roof strength and is twice as stringent as the federal requirement. To pass this test, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand the force of four times the vehicle’s weight. The federal standard requires a roof to hold 1.5 times the vehicle’s weight.
The Sportage and Tucson can withstand 4.43 times their weight. The Honda Element, Jeep Patriot, Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan are also 2010 Top Safety Picks in this segment.
For more information about other IIHS Top Safety Picks, click here.
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Personally, I hate the look of the new Sportage. What happened to SUVs looking like SUVs? They all have to look like a crossover/station wagon/PT Cruiser-look-alikes. Argh!GM, Chevrolet, even Mercedes! Blah!
Another reason I dislike these crossovers is the road height. I purchase SUVs for higher road clearance and these crossovers are no higher than cars. I'm very disappointed Kia....the old model was fine! If it ain't broke don't fix it, you don't have to follow the crowds....I'm sure Mom told you "if your best friend is going to jump off a bridge...." Come on have some individuality and creativity!
The front of this thing looks like it just sucked on a lemon, however it's far better looking compared to it's sister, the Tucson. Still, a big congrat to Kia/Hyundai for making a safe vehicle.
The last-gen Sportage was technologically ancient and had been the same one in production since '04. It was time for a change, and the new design makes it less anonymous in the hot area of small/midsize crossovers.
I just can't wait to see the new Optima soon.
@CC, You think this looks like a PT Cruiser?!?
While I do like the look of traditional SUVs such as the Jeep Cherokee and even the full-size Ford Bronco (which was really a truck, not an SUV), I think the new Sportage and Tucson look great. They are definitely on my short list.
Wow ! This is great prize for 2011 Kia to be honored by IIHS. Most of the people like to buy this type of small SUV because of safety pick. Among other competitors, I think Kia is a more stable model.