Moderate overlap front: original test
Rating applies to 2007-09 models
Tested vehicle: 2008 Kia Sorento LX 4-door 4wd
The Kia Sorento was introduced in the 2003 model year. All 2007 and later Sorento models include frontal airbag and seat belt modifications to improve occupant protection in frontal offset crashes. A driver knee airbag was added at the same time.
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 Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the B-pillar and roof rail. Plus the driver's seat tipped toward the door. |

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well.

Smeared red greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head hit the B-pillar during rebound. The head also hit the roof rail before moving back against the head restraint.

Forces on the lower right leg and foot were high enough to indicate the possibility of injuries.
Side: original test
Rating applies to 2003-09 models
Tested vehicle: 2008 Kia Sorento LX 4-door 4wd with standard front and rear head curtain airbags
The Kia Sorento was introduced in the 2003 model year. Although engineering changes were made to improve frontal crashworthiness beginning with 2007 models, these changes were not expected to affect side-impact performance.
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 |

View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.

View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbag and damage to the occupant compartment.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side curtain airbag.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side airbag.
Head restraints & seats
Seat type: Manual cloth seats AHR
Overall evaluation | |
---|---|
Dynamic rating | |
Seat/head restraint geometry |
About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.