New Improvements Make the 2024 Kia Telluride an Even More Desirable Option

Midsize SUV stands strong against tougher IIHS crash tests.

The highly sought-after 2024 Telluride from Kia has recently been honored by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with their most prestigious recognition. The ever-popular family SUV, which boasts impressive sales numbers, was granted the coveted Top Safety Pick+ title by the IIHS. Meanwhile, the top-selling 2024 Sportage also received recognition in the form of a Top Safety Pick rating.

Following the recent introduction of more rigorous safety standards by the IIHS, vehicles must now attain significantly higher marks in crash tests in order to enhance the safeguarding of both occupants and pedestrians. A ‘Good’ grade has become mandatory in the side impact assessment, while a ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ score is now imperative in the updated pedestrian front collision prevention test.

The IIHS currently administers this evaluation during both daylight and nighttime in order to confirm the effectiveness of pedestrian protection systems. Furthermore, the IIHS has enhanced its moderate front overlap assessment by adding a second dummy placed behind the driver’s chair.

According to the IIHS, the Sportage and Telluride have both demonstrated exceptional performance, providing the “highest level of protection for both vehicle and occupants and vulnerable road users.”

Even the base model Sportage LX comes equipped with an extensive range of safety measures. These include forward collision avoidance technology, which has the capability to detect cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. In addition, standard features also consist of lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, driver attention warning, and lane-following assist. As part of the model year update for 2024, rear airbags have been integrated into the package.

The Telluride LX, which is also the starting model, stands out with its extensive features, including Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Highway Driving Assist 1.5, and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go capability.

“We are in full support of the IIHS’s efforts to improve road safety, and we share their dedication to meeting their stricter standards. Safety remains a top priority for us, and we are committed to making continuous progress in this crucial area every day, as demonstrated by the 2024 Telluride,” stated Steve Center, Chief Operating Officer of Kia America.

The issue of road safety remains a pressing concern in the United States, as thousands of fatalities are reported each year. Despite numerous efforts to address problems such as speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving, a concerning number of American lives are still being claimed in accidents.

When it comes to buying a car, most individuals take into account factors such as style and value. However, the significance of safety should not be overlooked. In fact, according to research conducted by the IIHS, there is a direct correlation between higher crash safety ratings and lower risk of fatalities in accidents. Therefore, considering the recorded score for crash safety is imperative.