2020 KIA SOUL EARNS 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS STATUS FROM INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY
Redesigned Urban Runabout Achieves Top Safety Ratings
- Soul’s optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist systems earned “Superior” rating in testing
- Recent accolade increases the total number of Kia models included in the 2019 IIHS Safety Awards to 11
IRVINE, Calif., July 2, 2019 — The completely redesigned 2020 Kia Soul has earned Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The TSP+ designation was awarded to Soul models equipped with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist1 systems and LED headlights2. On the heels of the Stinger’s recent TSP+ rating, the Soul’s new accolade increases the total number of Kia vehicles with 2019 Top Safety Pick3 or Top Safety Pick Plus4 ratings to 11 when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.
“Sales have shown that the newly designed Soul is hitting all the right marks with car shoppers,” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America (KMA). “The Soul’s unmatched style, driving refinement, and invigorating technology are key factors that have drawn consumers to Kia’s urban car, and this latest safety award is yet another reason the Soul should be considered a top contender in the compact car segment.”
To qualify for a 2019 TSP+ rating, a vehicle must earn “Good” ratings in six crashworthiness tests – driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint – as well as an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention and a “Good” headlight rating. The Soul earned “Good” ratings for all six crashworthiness tests, and a “Superior” rating for the optional front crash prevention systems, which helped it avoid collisions in the IIHS’s 12-mph and 25-mph track tests. The “Good” rating for the headlights applies to LED projector headlights only.
For 2020, the Soul continues to transcend unmatched style, peppy performance, thrilling technology, and urban practicality. With a versatile lineup that includes the LX, S, X-line, GT-Line, EX, GT Turbo, and Soul EV, there’s truly a Soul for everyone.
About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*
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* El Telluride, Sorento y Optima (excluyendo el híbrido y el híbrido enchufable) se ensamblan en los Estados Unidos a partir de piezas de origen estadounidense y global.
1 Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) is standard on Soul S, EX, and GT-Line trims. Forward Collision-Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-ped) is standard on Soul GT-Line Turbo. These systems are not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
2 Optional on Soul EX, standard on GT Turbo
3 2019 Rio sedan models with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlights; applies to sedans only. (FCA and LED headlights available on S trim); 2019 Rio 5-door models with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlights; applies to sedans only. (FCA and LED headlights available on S trim); 2019 Soul gasoline models with optional Autonomous Emergency Braking and HID headlights (AEB available on Plus trims. HID available on Plus and Exclaim trims); 2019 Cadenza models with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlights. (FCA and LED headlights standard on Limited and Technology trims).
4 2019 Forte sedan models when equipped with optional LED headlights (available on S and EX trims); 2019 Niro models with optional autonomous emergency braking and HID headlights (HIDs and AEB standard on Touring trim, AEB optional on LX and EX trims); 2019 Niro PHEV models with HID headlights (standard on EX trim); 2019 Optima gasoline models with LED headlights (standard on SX trims); 2019 Sorento models with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlights (FCA standard on EX trims and higher. LEDs available on SX V6 trims and standard on SX-Limited V6 trims); 2019 Stinger models equipped with Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian Detection (standard on Stinger Premium, GT1 and GT2 trims) and LED headlights (applies to static LED headlights on Stinger Premium, GT, and GT1 trims).