2027 Kia Telluride Earns IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+
2027 Kia Telluride Earns 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award
If safety is near the top of your list when shopping for a new three-row SUV, the 2027 Kia Telluride just gave families another big reason to take a closer look.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride its 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the organization’s highest safety award.
For families searching for a 2027 Kia Telluride near Omaha, Nebraska or Council Bluffs, Iowa, this recognition adds to an already impressive list of reasons to consider Kia’s popular three-row SUV.
How Safe Is the 2027 Kia Telluride?
The 2027 Kia Telluride performed extremely well in IIHS testing, receiving Good ratings in several important safety evaluations, including:
- Small overlap front crashworthiness
- Updated moderate overlap front crashworthiness
- Updated side crashworthiness
- Vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention
- Pedestrian front crash prevention
- Seat belt reminders
“Good” is the highest rating IIHS awards in these individual evaluations.
To earn a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle must meet demanding standards for crash protection, headlights and crash-prevention technology.
That’s especially important for drivers shopping for a family SUV because IIHS has continued to place increased emphasis on protecting occupants throughout the vehicle — including passengers riding in the back seat.
2027 Telluride Earns the Highest IIHS Safety Award
The TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation is the highest award available from IIHS.
For 2026, qualifying vehicles need Good ratings in the small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front and updated side crash tests. They also need Acceptable or Good headlights across all trim levels.
To receive the “+” designation, vehicles must additionally earn a Good pedestrian front crash-prevention rating and an Acceptable or Good rating in the updated vehicle-to-vehicle front crash-prevention evaluation.
The 2027 Telluride met those requirements, putting it among the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners for 2026.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Delivers Impressive Results
Modern vehicle safety isn’t just about what happens during an accident. Technology designed to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision has become increasingly important.
That’s one area where the 2027 Telluride delivered particularly impressive IIHS results.
The Telluride’s standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist earned a Good rating in IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle testing.
During testing involving passenger-car and motorcycle targets, the Telluride avoided collisions in the listed 31 mph, 37 mph and 43 mph scenarios.
The standard system also received a Good pedestrian crash-prevention rating.
For families navigating traffic around Omaha, Council Bluffs and the surrounding metro area, advanced driver-assistance technology can provide an additional layer of confidence behind the wheel.
A Three-Row SUV Built With Families in Mind
There’s a reason the Telluride has become such a popular choice among families.
The redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride combines three-row versatility with modern technology, comfort and an increased focus on safety.
Kia equipped the redesigned Telluride with 10 standard airbags, including a front-row center airbag positioned between the driver and front passenger.
Other safety and driver-assistance technologies available on the Telluride include features such as Lane Following Assist 2, Hands on Detection, an available In-Cabin Camera and Parking Distance Warning-Forward.
It’s the combination of occupant protection and advanced crash-avoidance technology that helps make the Telluride an attractive option for families looking for their next SUV.
Important: Which 2027 Kia Tellurides Earn TOP SAFETY PICK+?
There is an important detail shoppers should know.
The 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award applies specifically to 2027 Kia Telluride models built after June 2026.
According to IIHS, Tellurides built after June 2026 received Good-rated headlights, while models manufactured earlier were equipped with headlights rated Marginal.
Because IIHS requires Acceptable or Good headlights across all trims to qualify for an award, only Tellurides manufactured after June 2026 qualify for the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation.
If having a TOP SAFETY PICK+ qualifying Telluride is important to you, Edwards Kia can help you identify the production date of a specific vehicle before purchasing.
The 2027 Telluride Isn’t the Only Kia Recognized by IIHS
The Telluride’s award also reflects Kia’s broader emphasis on vehicle safety.
With the 2027 Telluride earning TOP SAFETY PICK+, Kia now has five vehicles carrying a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation:
- 2027 Kia Telluride — models built after June 2026
- 2026 Kia K4
- 2026 Kia EV9
- 2026 Kia Sorento — models built after September 2025
- 2026 Kia Sportage — models built after May 2025
That gives shoppers several IIHS-recognized options across Kia’s vehicle lineup.
What Else Is New With the 2027 Kia Telluride?
Safety isn’t the only story surrounding the redesigned Telluride.
The second-generation 2027 Kia Telluride brings a fresh design, additional passenger and cargo space, improved third-row access and new technology.
There’s also another major addition to the lineup: the Telluride Hybrid.
The available turbo-hybrid powertrain produces a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque, giving Telluride shoppers another powertrain option alongside the traditional gasoline model.
For drivers who need the space and flexibility of a three-row SUV but also want to explore hybrid technology, the Telluride Hybrid makes the redesigned lineup even more interesting.
Shop the 2027 Kia Telluride Near Omaha at Edwards Kia
If you’ve been searching for a 2027 Kia Telluride for sale near Omaha, it’s worth making the short drive across the river to Edwards Kia in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
The Telluride offers the passenger room families need, the technology drivers want and now the recognition that comes with earning the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.
At Edwards Kia, our team can help you:
- Compare 2027 Kia Telluride trim levels
- Explore gasoline and hybrid Telluride options
- Find available AWD models
- Compare available features and technology
- Identify Tellurides that qualify for the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award
- Value your current trade
- Explore available financing and lease options
Whether you’re coming from Council Bluffs, Omaha or elsewhere in the surrounding Nebraska and Iowa communities, Edwards Kia can help you find the Telluride that fits your family.
Browse our available 2027 Kia Telluride inventory online or visit Edwards Kia at 3600 S. Expressway St. in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
2027 Kia Telluride Safety FAQ
Is the 2027 Kia Telluride an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+?
Yes. The 2027 Kia Telluride earned the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the organization’s highest safety award. The award applies to vehicles manufactured after June 2026.
Why do only some 2027 Kia Tellurides qualify?
IIHS states that Tellurides manufactured after June 2026 are equipped with Good-rated headlights. Earlier 2027 models were equipped with headlights rated Marginal and therefore do not qualify for the award.
How did the 2027 Kia Telluride perform in IIHS crash tests?
The 2027 Telluride received Good ratings in the small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front and updated side evaluations.
Does the 2027 Kia Telluride have automatic emergency braking?
The 2027 Telluride’s standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system earned Good ratings from IIHS in its vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front crash-prevention evaluations.
Is the Kia Telluride a three-row SUV?
Yes. The Kia Telluride is a midsize three-row SUV designed to provide passenger and cargo versatility for families.
Where can I find a 2027 Kia Telluride near Omaha?
Edwards Kia is located at 3600 S. Expressway St. in Council Bluffs, Iowa, just across the Missouri River from Omaha. Shoppers can browse available Telluride inventory online or visit the dealership to compare available models.
Links:
2027 Kia Telluride for sale near Omaha/Council Bluffs
IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ applies to 2027 Kia Telluride models built after June 2026. Vehicle equipment, specifications, availability and features may vary by trim and configuration. See IIHS and Kia for complete award criteria and vehicle information.
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