NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
The 2025 Kia Sportage scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 48 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid AWD presents a solid federal-data safety picture for shoppers, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 and placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is backed by five-star overall NHTSA crash protection and a record of just one recall campaign.
The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid AWD received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, both based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Kia Sportage ranks 94 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 48 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 94 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Kia Sportage?
The 2025 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Sportage Hybrid AWD in federal safety data. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 82/100 in the 2024 model year to 87/100 in 2025, a five-point gain within the same Strong band. That improvement is driven primarily by the crash protection component, which contributes 66 of a possible 70 points, reflecting the 5-star overall, 5-star frontal, and 5-star side NHTSA ratings. The rollover score of 4 out of 5 stars, combined with a 17 percent rollover risk figure, is the one area where NHTSA found room below the ceiling. The avoidance tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 points is worth noting: forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on trim, and lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard, but the scoring indicates this area does not match the crash-protection strength. The defect record sub-score of 16 out of 20 points reflects the single recall campaign, which targets trailer hitch components across a multi-year and multi-variant population. The 48 owner complaints, while unverified, include alleged electrical system and forward collision avoidance concerns that align with the avoidance tech sub-score and are worth monitoring as the model year ages.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Kia Sportage perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid AWD achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes top marks of 5 out of 5 stars for both frontal and side crash protection. While strong in these areas, the Sportage Hybrid AWD's rollover rating was 4 out of 5 stars, reflecting a 17 percent rollover risk in NHTSA's assessment. The dynamic tip-test for this model yielded a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20724
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
The 2025 Kia Sportage carries one NHTSA recall campaign. It involves trailer hitches on certain 2023-2025 Sportage PHEV and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the DATA block for this campaign. Shoppers should verify remedy completion for their specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database.
TRAILER HITCHES25V874000
Risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has logged 48 unverified owner complaints for the 2025 Kia Sportage, including alleged reports of 3 crashes and 6 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (20 reports), Electrical System (15), and Forward Collision Avoidance (8). All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
48 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Kia Sportage?
The 2025 Kia Sportage has been issued a significant recall concerning its trailer hitch. For any prospective owner, verifying the completion of this remedy via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool is a critical first step. This recall, like all open recalls, transfers with the vehicle's ownership. Each individual Sportage's status will vary, underscoring the importance of this specific check.
- The 2025 Sportage Hybrid AWD Safety Index rose five points year-over-year, from 82 in 2024 to 87 in 2025, the highest specific gain visible in the available prior-year comparison.
- NHTSA's single recall for this model year targets trailer hitch components across certain 2023-2025 Sportage PHEV and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles, making VIN-level remedy verification essential before purchase.
- The avoidance tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the weakest component of the 87-point index, and 8 of the 48 unverified owner complaints allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system specifically.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 17 percent rollover risk is the only crash-test category below the maximum, though the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Kia Sportage places
The 2025 Kia Sportage qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Kia Sportage safety questions
Was the 2025 Kia Sportage crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Kia Sportage, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Kia Sportage crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Kia Sportage earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Sportage have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Kia Sportage. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Kia Sportage?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 48 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Kia Sportage. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sportage years
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20724), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sportage 2025.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 94 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.