NHTSA: 2014 Kia Sorento Earns 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score

A move to a new platform not only helped improve the driving experience in the 2014 Kia Sorento, it also made a crucial difference in frontal crash protection by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While the previous model received a 4-star rating in that scenario, the 2014 Kia Sorento achieved a 5-star mark that, combined with a 5-star side-crash rating and 4-star rollover rating, helped it achieve its first 5-star Overall Vehicle Score in the government’s New Car Assessment Program. Which has been a surprisingly difficult feat for a few Sorento rivals.

Of course, with a seven-seat capacity and a length of 184.4 inches, the 2014 Kia Sorento actually won’t have a direct competitor until November. That’s when customers will be able to choose the mainstream’s only other similarly sized three-row crossover, the 2014 Nissan Rogue, which will offer a small third row despite its 182.3-inch length. And the new Rogue’s ability to bring home a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score is no fait accompli; the 2013 model couldn’t do it. In fact, here’s a list of select compact crossovers, with their Overall Vehicle Scores, to separate the ol’ wheat from the chaff:

• 2014 Kia Sorento—184.4 inches, three rows, 5 stars
• 2014 Honda CR-V—178.3 inches, two rows, 5 stars
• 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport—184.8 inches, two rows, 5 stars
• 2014 Mazda CX-5—179.3 inches, two rows, 5 stars
• 2014 Subaru Forester—180.9 inches, two rows, 5 stars
• 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander—183.3 inches, three rows, not rated
• 2013 Chevy Equinox—187.8 inches, two rows, 4 stars
• 2014 Ford Escape—178.1 inches, two rows, 4 stars
• 2013 Nissan Rogue—183.3 inches, two rows, 4 stars

 “Built on an all-new platform, the redesigned Sorento utilizes Kia’s advanced safety equipment and technologies to provide a high level of occupant protection for drivers and their families as measured by the U.S. government,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director of product planning for Kia Motors America. “Already a compelling entry in the compact CUV category, earning a 5-Star rating from NHTSA makes the Sorento an even stronger contender within its segment while underscoring Kia’s overall commitment to delivering safety and exceptional value to our customers.”