USA - The 2016 Kia Optima Sedan achieves the highest safety award the TSP+ from the IIHS.

2016 Optima is First Kia to Earn the Prestigious Safety Award Under New, More Rigorous Standards

Kia Motors America’s (KMA) best-selling nameplate, the all-new 2016 Optima, has earned the highest designation possible – Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) – from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional front crash prevention.  

The rating reflects top scores in each of five crashworthiness tests as well as the integration of active safety technology to aid in crash prevention.  The 2016 Optima earned “good” crashworthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system.

“The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety sets some of the highest standards of crashworthiness, and the Top Safety Pick Plus designation is a significant achievement for the Kia brand and for our best-selling vehicle,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA.  

“We are pleased that the all-new Optima received strong ratings across the range of rigorous tests set forth by IIHS.  This rating validates the efforts of our engineers and the priority we place on safety for our consumers.” 

To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require each vehicle to earn “good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention.

The 2016 Optima takes convenience to the next level with a long list of available technologies across the model line.  Standard on every Optima is a rear-camera display¹  while SX and SXL trims offer an available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor.

Available driver-aid technology, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Parking Assist System (RPAS), Front Collision Warning System (FCWS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) – which, under appropriate conditions, will bring the vehicle to a complete stop to potentially avoid a collision or reduce damage – makes the task of driving easier and more convenient.