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2016 Kia Optima Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award


2016 Kia Optima (select to view enlarged photo)
2016 Kia Optima

SEE ALSO: Complete IIHS 2016 Kia Optima Crash Test Results and Ratings

ARLINGTON, Va. — The redesigned 2016 Kia Optima earns the top award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, thanks to good crashworthiness ratings across the board and an optional front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating.

The 2016 Optima is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Sonata, which also is a Top Safety Pick+ winner. The new model's ratings are an improvement over the 2015 Optima, which earned only an acceptable rating in the challenging small overlap test.

The previous generation Optima had no available front crash prevention. The 2016 model's optional system avoided a collision in both the 12 mph and 25 mph IIHS track tests. It also includes forward collision warning that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

To qualify for Top Safety Pick+, vehicles must earn good ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and must have an available front crash prevention system that earns an advanced or superior rating.

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