WEST POINT — The 2017 model of the West Point-produced Kia Sorento has been named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — IIHS — when equipped with optional front-crash prevention.

“The Top Safety Pick Plus from IIHS is recognition of the importance that Kia places on safety for its products,” said Stuart C. Countess, chief administrative officer of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “The achievement of this award for the 2017 Sorento, along with a high quality ranking, is testament to the hard work of all Kia’s team members to meet our customers’ expectations.”

Kia Motors America’s best-selling CUV, the Sorento earned “good” crashworthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system.

“These results are a clear indication that Kia places a high priority on safety by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies and enhancing vehicle structure through the use of advanced high-strength steel,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “We are proud that the Sorento received strong ratings across the board, and having earned the prestigious TSP+ award bolsters our strong safety record and the integrity of our products.”

To qualify for a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, each vehicle must earn “good” ratings in each of the five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses — deaths, injuries and property damage — from crashes on the nation’s roads, states the organization’s website.