The new Kia Sportage has been designed to score a 5-Star rating in Euro NCAP's crash tests and maximum scores in the USA's two crash test programmes. The all-new platform and bodyshell employs a much greater proportion high strength and extra-high strength steels than the previous model.

Structural improvements include stronger and straighter longitudinal side members in the engine bay floor; an enhanced B-Pillar design that links to upper and lower cross-members to form an internal rollover hoop; reinforced floor members in the trunk floor and a rerouted and better protected fuel filler pipe.

In most European countries, new Sportage will be fitted with six airbags as standard. Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags (linked to the new rollover sensors in the ESC system as well as the impact sensors) offer head protection for all occupants.

Active head restraints for the front seats of all models are standard in most European countries and protect occupants against whiplash injuries.