The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) selected vehicles from Chrysler, General Motors and Kia to receive its "Top Safety Pick" awards in the mid-size SUV category.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee joins the 2010 Dodge Journey, 2010 Dodge Avenger, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, and the 2010 Jeep Patriot as 2010 Top Safety Picks, according to IIHS.

"The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first production vehicle to launch since our alliance with Fiat and a 'Top Safety Pick' is a great way to start our 2011 product offensive," said Scott Kunselman, senior vice president of engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. "IIHS' recognition of five products underscores Chrysler Group's engineering capability and leadership in occupant protection."

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain received the highest possible rollover protection rating of "Good" in the first IIHS rollover tests of mid-size SUVs.

"The Equinox and Terrain are in an elite group of vehicles that have achieved the highest ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, and that have electronic stability control to help drivers avoid serious crashes," said IIHS president Adrian Lund. 

The 2010 Equinox and Terrain also have received the highest possible five-star front- and side-impact ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2011 Kia Sorento is the third Kia vehicle to be named a "Top Safety Pick" this year, joining the 2010 Forte and 2010 Soul. The 2011 Sorento, which went on sale earlier this year, earned "Good" ratings in frontal, side, rear and rollover impact crash safety tests.

"The 2011 Sorento is an example of Kia's ongoing and rapid vehicle expansion, demonstrating that buyers can have an affordable, well-equipped and attractive CUV without sacrificing impressive levels of crash protection," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America.

To view the complete list of IIHS' Top Safety Picks for 2010, click here.