The Kia Sorento has been awarded the highest-possible safety rating by Euro NCAP. The entire Sorento lineup, including the upcoming Plug-in Hybrid, achieved the maximum five-star rating from Europe's leading independent safety testing organisation.

The Sorento achieved 82% for adult occupant protection, 85% for child occupant protection, 63% for pedestrian protection, and 87% in the 'Safety Assist' category.

Euro NCAP praised the Sorento for passenger compartments that remained stable in the event of a collision, as well as its ability to offer good protection for all critical body areas in the side barrier test. The Sorento also scored highly for child occupant protection.

Seat and head restraint tests demonstrated good passenger protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision. The Sorento's Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system also helped the car avoid impacts during testing for the 'Safety Assist' category.

The car's safety rating was reinforced by the Advanced High Strength Steel bodyshells that underpin each Sorento SUV, with torsional rigidity that is 12.5% higher than the perceived 'safety leader' in the Sorento's segment.

Every car is fitted with seven airbags, including a new front centre airbag, a new innovation that provides additional head protection for front-seat occupants. All Sorento models are equipped as standard with Kia's Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Stability Control systems to help drivers maintain control under braking and cornering.