2027 Kia Telluride Earns 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Rating

For 2026, IIHS has further strengthened its testing criteria to emphasize rear-seat passenger protection and enhanced crash avoidance performance. The updated testing protocols include more rigorous requirements for rear passenger safety in moderate overlap front crashes, as well as improved performance standards for pedestrian crash prevention and higher-speed vehicle-to-vehicle crash avoidance systems.

To qualify for 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+, vehicles need good ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front and side tests as well as acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels. In addition, winners need standard front crash prevention systems that earn a good rating in the pedestrian test and an acceptable or good rating in the vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 test. If optional front crash prevention systems are offered, they must also meet those criteria.

“Since its introduction, the Telluride has become one of the most defining vehicles for the Kia brand, with safety fundamental to its success,” said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “Achieving this important IIHS designation reinforces the importance we placed on safety throughout its development, while delivering the design, capability and innovation our customers expect from the Telluride.”

The all-new 2027 Telluride marks the second generation of Kia’s flagship three-row SUV, with a larger footprint that provides more interior room and cargo space, improved third-row access and an expanded roster of comfort and technology features. For the first time, Telluride also offers an available turbo-hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque and an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined on the EX FWD trim.

The redesigned Telluride features a more rigid body structure and 10 standard airbags, including a new front-row center airbag positioned between the driver and front passenger. Additional enhancements include illuminated seatbelt buckles in the second row while the third-row seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners. The Telluride also expands its roster of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including Hands on Detection (HoD), Lane Following Assist 2, an In-Cabin Camera and Parking Distance Warning-Forward (in addition to Parking Distance Warning-Reverse).