The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

2018 Kia Niro Hybrid Wagon Earns IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

ARLINGTON, Va. — The 2018 Kia Niro, a small, hybrid wagon, qualifies for the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety when equipped with optional front crash prevention and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights.

The Niro, which was introduced in the 2017 model year, earns good ratings across the board in IIHS crashworthiness tests, including the newest evaluation, the passenger-side small overlap front test. The good crashworthiness ratings also apply to the Niro Plug-In Hybrid.

Superior-rated front crash prevention is optional on the regular hybrid but standard on the plug-in version. The system avoided collisions in 12 mph and 25 mph IIHS track tests. It also includes a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

The base headlights on both versions of the Niro earn a poor rating. The HID headlights available on higher trim levels of the regular hybrid are rated good. LED headlights available on the plug-in model haven’t been rated yet.

To qualify for the 2018 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must have good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as an acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. It also must earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good headlight rating.