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The Kia Telluride was named the 202 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North America Car of the Year jury on Monday.

According to Kia, this is the first time the Kia brand has won this award.

“We are immensely proud of Telluride capturing North American Utility of the Year,” said Sean Yoon, CEO of Kia Motors North America. “It solidifies years of effort on behalf of every Kia employee to build vehicles consumers desire and industry experts value. Winning the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year is an honor that marks Kia’s arrival in the top tier of the world’s automotive manufacturers.”

The jurors voted Telluride number one after months of deliberation, including test drivers, comparisons and other evaluations. To be eligible for the award, vehicles must be all-new or substantially new and must be available at dealerships close to announcement of the awards. The Telluride in selected in a field of 12 semi-finalists and three finalists in the utility category.

“The Kia Telluride makes owning an SUV look cool while offering the smooth ride and rich interior of a luxury vehicle without the luxury price,” said Kirk Bell, NACTOY secretary-treasurer.

The 2020 Telluride is made exclusively at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point.