Top Safety Pick

2024 Kia Sorento

midsize SUV / 4-door SUV

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front
Moderate overlap front: original test
Side: original test
Side: updated test

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0
Standard system
Front crash prevention: pedestrian
Standard system

Seat belts & child restraints

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Seat belt reminders
LATCH ease of use

Other available safety features

Standard blind spot detection
Standard lane departure warning & prevention
Standard rear automatic braking

Key

Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor

Small overlap front

The small overlap front evaluation consists of a driver-side and a passenger-side component. If the results of the two evaluations differ, then the combined small overlap rating is equal to the lower rating.

Driver-side

Rating applies to 2021-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2021 Kia Sorento S 4-door 4wd

The Kia Sorento was redesigned for the 2021 model year. Driver-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2021 Kia Sorento conducted by Hyundai/Kia.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall driver-side evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTN2013
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	11
Footrest (cm)	7
Left toepan (cm)	6
Brake pedal (cm)	2
Parking brake (cm)	9
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	5
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	1
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	4
Upper dash (cm)	6
Lower instrument panel (cm)	8

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTN2013
Head
HIC-15	83
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.9
Extension bending moment (Nm)	10
Maximum Nij	0.18
Chest maximum compression (mm)	24
Femur (kN)
Left	1.0
Right	0.8
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	3
Right	2
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.56
Right	0.53
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	2.2
Right	0.7
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	35
Right	38

Passenger-side

Rating applies to 2021-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2021 Kia Sorento S 4-door 4wd

The Kia Sorento was redesigned for the 2021 model year. Passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2021 Kia Sorento conducted by Hyundai/Kia.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall passenger-side evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP2017
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	12
Footrest (cm)	7
Right toepan (cm)	4
Center toepan (cm)	3
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	5
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm)	5
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	6
Upper dash (cm)	7
Right lower dash (cm)	6

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP2017
Head
HIC-15	79
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm)	13
Maximum Nij	0.17
Chest maximum compression (mm)	25
Femur (kN)
Left	0.1
Right	0.5
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	0
Right	1
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.39
Right	0.65
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	0.8
Right	1.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	29
Right	54

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP2017
Head
HIC-15	84
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.9
Extension bending moment (Nm)	13
Maximum Nij	0.20
Chest maximum compression (mm)	24
Femur (kN)
Left	0.8
Right	0.9
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	2
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.32
Right	0.43
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	1.5
Right	1.0
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	38
Right	56

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2021-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2021 Kia Sorento S 4-door 4wd

The Kia Sorento was redesigned for the 2021 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2021 Kia Sorento conducted by Hyundai/Kia.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF2017
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	4
Left (cm)	7
Center (cm)	5
Right (cm)	7
Brake pedal (cm)	5
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	0
Right (cm)	1
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-1
Rearward (cm)	-2
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF2017
Head
HIC-15	237
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.0
Extension bending moment (Nm)	8
Maximum Nij	0.26
Chest maximum compression (mm)	31
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	1.3
Femur force - right (kN)	1.8
Knee displacement - left (mm)	2
Knee displacement - right (mm)	2
Maximum tibia index - left	0.44
Maximum tibia index - right	0.41
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	2.3
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	2.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	46
Right	42

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2021-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2021 Kia Sorento S 4-door 4wd

The Kia Sorento was redesigned for the 2021 model year. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2021 Kia Sorento conducted by Hyundai/Kia.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Test ID	VTS2018
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-20.0
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS2018
Head HIC-15	116
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Compression (kN)	-0.6
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	40
Lateral force (kN)	1.2
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	35
Average deflection (mm)	31
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	4.42
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.48
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	1.5
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.2
Combined force (kN)	2.7
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.3
L-M moment (Nm)	53
A-P moment (Nm)	35

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS2018
Head HIC-15	113
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.1
Compression (kN)	-0.4
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	33
Lateral force (kN)	1.9
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	43
Average deflection (mm)	26
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	3.23
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.57
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.5
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.0
Combined force (kN)	1.1
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.4
L-M moment (Nm)	75
A-P moment (Nm)	-20

About the original side crash test

Side: updated test

Rating applies to 2024-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2024 Kia Sorento S 4-door 4wd

The Kia Sorento was redesigned for the 2021 model year. Beginning with 2024 models, reinforcements were added to the B-pillar, door sill and beams. Rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and a rear side airbag were also added to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.) Side 2.0 ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2024 Sorento conducted by Hyundai/Kia.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS2404
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-20.5
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS2404
Head
HIC-15	64
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Compression (kN)	-0.4
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	18
Lateral force (kN)	1.0
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	29
Average deflection (mm)	25
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.98
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.42
Pelvis
Combined force (kN)	4.3

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS2404
Head
HIC-15	68
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.4
Compression (kN)	-0.3
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	14
Lateral force (kN)	0.6
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	30
Average deflection (mm)	22
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	1.83
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.33
Pelvis
Combined force (kN)	2.6

About the side crash test

Headlights

Trim level(s)

All trims

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good on both right curves and fair on both left curves.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right curve, fair on the sharp right and gradual left curves, and inadequate on the sharp left curve.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway, on both left curves and on the sharp right curve.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	All trims
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2024-25 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	92.6 m	None
Straightaway left edge	61.5 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	74.2 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	63.0 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	56.5 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	49.7 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	168.5 m
Straightaway left edge	100.4 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	79.9 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	66.0 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	58.8 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	52.8 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0

Rating applies to all 2024-25 models

System details

standard Forward Collision Avoidance Assist

Overall evaluation

Passenger car target

Test run	Speed reduction	Timely warning?
31 mph/target centered	Collision avoided
31 mph/target off-center	Collision avoided
37 mph/target centered	Collision avoided
37 mph/target off-center	Collision avoided
43 mph/target centered	Collision avoided
43 mph/target off-center	Collision avoided

Motorcycle target

Test run	Speed reduction	Timely warning?
31 mph/target centered	Collision avoided
31 mph/target off-center	Collision avoided
37 mph/target centered	Collision avoided
37 mph/target off-center	Collision avoided
43 mph/target centered	Collision avoided
43 mph/target off-center	Collision avoided

Semitrailer

Only warning is tested with the semitrailer.

Test run	Timely warning?
31 mph/target centered
37 mph/target centered
43 mph/target centered

About the front crash prevention test

Front crash prevention: pedestrian

Rating applies to all 2024-25 models

System details

standard Forward Collision Avoidance Assist

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Includes high-beam assist credit

Crossing child — day

In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

Crossing adult — night

In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle avoided a collision.

Parallel adult — night

In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 37 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 34 mph when using its high beams and a warning was issued 1.4 seconds before impact. When using its low beams, impact speed was reduced by 33 mph and a warning was issued 1.1 seconds before impact.

About the pedestrian front crash prevention test

Seat belt reminders

Rating applies to 2024-25 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Front row
Unbelted occupant alert (audible & visual)
Initiation time
Duration	Long enough (90+ seconds)
Volume
Audio frequency
Second row
Startup status alert (visual)
Initiation time
Duration at least 60 seconds
Belt disengaged alert (audible & visual)
Initiation time
Duration at least 30 seconds
Volume
Audio frequency

Technical measurements for this test

About the seat belt reminder evaluation

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2021-25 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	SX
Seat type	leatherette

This vehicle has 4 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	SX
Seat type	leatherette

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
4
4	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
6
6	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	11
Clearance angle (degrees)	76
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	16
Clearance angle (degrees)	76
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	17
Clearance angle (degrees)	67
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	12
Clearance angle (degrees)	79
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	14
Clearance angle (degrees)	79
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	0-2
Force (lbs)	18
Clearance angle (degrees)	77
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	0-2
Force (lbs)	17
Clearance angle (degrees)	78
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	17
Clearance angle (degrees)	78
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation

Background cabin sound pressure level at 24 km/h	50 dB
Audible signal sound pressure level at 24 km/h	63 dB
Difference between background and signal	13.3 dB
Background cabin sound pressure level at 40 km/h	53 dB
Audible signal sound pressure level at 40 km/h	63 dB
Difference between background and signal	9.7 dB
Dominant audio frequency	1750 Hz