How Safe Is The Kia Sportage?
November 11 2020,
The 2020 Kia Sportage ranks high in safety when compared to most midsize SUVs, but what exactly does that mean? Based on safety scores, features, and crash-test ratings, we’ve determined exactly how the Kia Sportage keeps drivers, passengers, and families safe during accidents.
Kia Sportage Earns a Five-Star Safety Rating From NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Kia Sportage its highest rating of five stars. This rating is based on a number of factors:
- Frontal Crash Test Scenario – simulating a head-on collision and evaluating the impact on drivers and passengers
- Side Barrier Crash Test Scenario – evaluating the results of a moving vehicle hitting a stationary test vehicle
- Side Pole Crash Test Scenario – testing the impact of passengers when the test vehicle slides sideways into a stationary object
- Rollover Resistance Test Scenario – simulating a vehicle departing the road and rolling over
With the five-star rating the Kia Sportage has earned, it’s the safest in its class compared to other midsize SUVs. In a series of test crashes, the 2020 Kia Sportage received best ratings for small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side-impact, roof strength, and headlights.
Active Safety Systems on the Kia Sportage
When designing the Sportage, Kia stressed the importance of style, space, and safety. With safety features a top priority, Kia wanted to focus on protecting drivers, passengers, and other motorists on the road.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The ABS operates by preventing wheels from locking up during braking. By avoiding skidding, and maintaining tractive contact with the road surface, your vehicle is able to stop more quickly.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS works with the ABS to help your vehicle stop as quickly as possible. With electronic sensors and an intelligent onboard computer, the BAS saves critical seconds and helps you avoid an accident.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The ESC is a computerized technology that improves vehicle stability. It works with the braking and steering systems to help minimize loss of control and regain traction.
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
The HAC uses sensors to detect when a vehicle is on an incline. It helps maintain brake pressure as drivers switch from brake to gas pedals.
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
The EBD automatically varies the amount of brake force applied to each wheel of the vehicle, based on speed, loading, and road conditions.
With advanced active safety systems in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your Kia Sportage is ready to handle any situation quickly, effectively, and safely.
Passive Safety Systems on the Kia Sportage
The 2020 Kia Sportage is designed with safety features based on materials and mechanisms. With a body made of high-strength steel and advanced airbag and seat belt systems, the Kia Sportage offers a high degree of safety.
Side-Impact Door Beams
When a crash occurs, door beams absorb the energy of the collision. The high-strength steel used in side-impact door beams helps protect passengers at the point of impact.
Extensive Airbag System
Airbags deploy during critical accidents to protect passengers from impact. The Kia Sportage is loaded with driver side, passenger side, side-impact, and curtain airbags and sensors to keep all occupants safe.
3-Point Seat Belts With LATCH Anchors
Car seats can be installed using seat belts or lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). Both methods are safe and can accommodate different weights and designs of car seats.
Optional safety features include LED headlights, high- and low- beam assist, and projector beam lights. All features help drivers enjoy peace of mind when behind the wheel of a 2020 Kia Sportage.
Safety in a Kia Sportage Paired With Safe Driving Habits
The safety features of the 2020 Kia Sportage help keep drivers, passengers, and other motorists safe during an accident, but practicing defensive driving skills is also important. Anticipating the actions of other drivers or pedestrians, being aware of your surroundings, and keeping your options open are all critical to safety. For example:
- Identifying hazards, such as busy roads, intersections, pedestrians, and cyclists
- Observing your environment with scans, mirror checks, and shoulder checks
- Familiarizing yourself with vehicle controls before operation
- Practicing patience and good judgement
- Being aware of new situations and learning new driving skills
By knowing and practicing defensive driving techniques, you’ll be able to keep your family, friends, and others safe.
Why Drive a 2020 Kia Sportage?
The 2020 Kia Sportage is built for adventure but made with quality, care, and safety in mind. It’ll help you tackle running errands in the city to escaping down country roads. Packed with advanced technology and safety features, it gives peace of mind while making everyday driving easy.
