The 2017 Kia Sportage has officially earned the highest possible designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)--Top Safety Pick+--when equipped with optional front crash prevention, and once again, Kia shows its dedication to keeping drivers safe. 3Birds Template has the details for you.

The IIHS evaluates vehicles based on their available safety features, as well as how they perform in a number of crash tests, including the tricky small overlap front test. Mimicking a scenario in which the front corner of a vehicle strikes a pole or tree, the test is a challenging one, as it moves the driver forward and towards the side of the vehicle.

Specifically, vehicles must earn “good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention, to achieve the rank of Top Safety Pick+. And the 2017 Sportage passed with flying colors.

Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA, had this to say about earning the award:

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is one of the most recognized and respected organizations in the industry when it comes to evaluating vehicle safety, and as such, the Top Safety Pick Plus designation is a significant achievement. We are especially proud to have our all-new Sportage earn that TSP+ rating in light of IIHS’ new, more challenging standards, validating the efforts of our engineers and the priority we place on safety.

To learn more about the incredibly safe 2017 Kia Sportage, or any of our other new Kia vehicles, don't hesitate to call, contact us online, or visit us in person at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516. We're more than happy to answer any questions you may have or to schedule a test drive.

Image: Kia Motors