Kia K4 and EV9 Receive IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards

Kia reports the 2026 K4 and EV9 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings under stricter crash tests, including rear-seat safety and collision prevention systems.

Kia has placed two models directly into the highest safety tier: the 2026 K4 sedan and EV9 electric SUV have earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, the institute’s most demanding safety designation. With these additions, the brand now has four vehicles carrying this status, joining the previously recognized Sorento and Sportage.

This recognition comes as IIHS continues to tighten its evaluation criteria. The updated standards place a clear focus on rear-seat protection, introducing an additional dummy in crash tests and making injury measurements for rear passengers — including head, neck, and chest — a required part of the assessment. At the same time, stricter requirements now apply to crash avoidance systems, pedestrian protection, and headlight performance.

Against this backdrop, achieving TSP+ carries more weight than before. The rating requires a “Good” score in key crash tests, including the revised moderate overlap front test, which now evaluates rear passenger safety. This specific test has become a decisive factor, with several models failing to retain awards after the methodology changed.

The Kia K4, starting at $22,290, combines affordability with a set of standard driver assistance features such as lane keeping assist and forward collision avoidance capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The EV9, meanwhile, strengthens Kia’s position in the electric segment. The three-row SUV comes equipped with Highway Driving Assist 2, designed to maintain distance and lane positioning on certain highways.

The expansion of Kia’s TSP+ portfolio reflects a broader industry shift. Automakers are increasingly adapting to new safety priorities that move beyond driver protection to include all occupants. IIHS has highlighted that rear-seat safety has historically lagged behind, making it a central focus of current evaluations.

In practice, this shift is making the award harder to achieve. As criteria become more demanding, fewer vehicles qualify for TSP+, and each new model earning the designation signals compliance with a significantly higher level of safety standards.