2027 Kia Telluride Earns Top IIHS Safety Pick+ Rating

The 2027 Kia Telluride, the brand's redesigned three-row SUV, has been awarded the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This achievement applies to all 2027 Telluride models manufactured after June 2026, signifying the highest safety recognition from the independent testing organization. This marks the fifth Kia model to receive the 2026 TSP+ designation.

Enhanced Safety Standards

For 2026, the IIHS implemented more stringent testing protocols, particularly focusing on rear-seat passenger protection and the effectiveness of crash avoidance systems. These updated criteria demand improved performance in moderate overlap front crashes to better safeguard occupants in the rear seating positions.

To qualify for the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, vehicles must achieve "good" ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side crash tests. Additionally, all trim levels must feature headlights rated as "acceptable" or "good." Standard front crash prevention systems are also required to earn a "good" rating in the pedestrian test and an "acceptable" or "good" rating in the vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 crash avoidance test.

2027 Telluride's Safety Features and Redesign

The second-generation 2027 Kia Telluride incorporates several structural and technological advancements to meet these higher safety benchmarks. It features a more rigid body structure and includes 10 standard airbags, which now comprise a new front-row center airbag positioned between the driver and front passenger. Further enhancements include illuminated seatbelt buckles for the second row and pre-tensioners for the third-row seatbelts.

The redesigned Telluride also expands its suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). New features include Hands on Detection (HoD), an updated Lane Following Assist 2, an In-Cabin Camera, and Parking Distance Warning-Forward, which complements the existing Parking Distance Warning-Reverse.

Beyond safety, the 2027 Telluride offers a larger footprint, providing increased interior room and cargo space, alongside improved third-row access. For the first time, an available turbo-hybrid powertrain is offered, delivering a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque, with an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined for the EX FWD trim.

Kia's Growing Safety Recognition

The 2027 Kia Telluride joins four other Kia models that have earned the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating. These include the 2026 Kia K4, the 2026 EV9, the 2026 Sorento (for models built after September 2025), and the 2026 Sportage (for models built after May 2025).

According to SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, the Telluride has been a significant vehicle for the Kia brand, with safety being a core element of its design. He noted that achieving this IIHS designation highlights the emphasis placed on safety during the vehicle's development, alongside delivering the design, capability, and innovation expected from the Telluride.

For consumers prioritizing vehicle safety, the 2027 Kia Telluride safety rating from the IIHS provides an independent assessment of its crashworthiness and crash prevention capabilities. This latest recognition positions the Telluride as a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment, particularly for those seeking a vehicle that meets the IIHS's updated and more rigorous safety standards.