The 2003 Kia Sorento mid-size SUV has earned five-stars, the federal government's highest side-impact safety rating, for the front seat occupant and rear-seat passengers in new side impact crash tests, according to information released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Sorento was one of only three new models in a group of vehicles tested recently by NHTSA to receive the five-star ratings in side impact crash protection. The other two models were the Mercedes C240 and the Volvo XC90.

The side crash tests are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that provides consumers with safety information about the two most dangerous injury-causing crashes. NHTSA tested Kia's all-new 2003 Kia Sorento 4x4 in a simulated intersection-type collision with a 3,015 pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into a standing vehicle.

"The Sorento's five-star rating for front seat occupant and rear seat passengers in side-impact collisions is a tremendous achievement and a real- world confirmation of Kia's engineering ability and our efforts to maximize occupant safety in our products," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's president and chief operating officer. "With a NHTSA five star rating, more standard equipment and a powerful V6 engine, the Sorento stands out as a smart buy in the competitive SUV market."

Since its launch in August 2002, the Sorento has been a hot-selling vehicle for Kia, with more than 28,000 units sold to date.

Like all Kia models, the Sorento is covered by the company's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five- year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.