IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Telluride is Kia's winningest and most awarded vehicle in the past year and the first sport-utility vehicle to win the "Triple Crown" of the auto industry's most prestigious accolades: 2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year from North American Car of the Year (NACTOY)¹; MotorTrend SUV of the Year; and a Car and Driver 10Best.  

The sweep caps an incredible 2019 for the Telluride, which captured not only the three most illustrious automotive industry awards, but also numerous "Best of" honors and top accolades from other prestigious online, print and video outlets.

"Winning this 'Triple Crown' of prizes is a spectacular achievement for the Telluride," said Michael Cole, president, Kia Motors America (KMA), "and also for Kia Motors America. This is not just the unprecedented achievement of a terrific vehicle, but it's also a high-water mark for the brand and places Kia at the forefront of global automakers."

NACTOY jurors voted Telluride number one based on months of test drives, comparisons and other evaluations. Criteria for MotorTrend's premier award are best in safety, efficiency, value, design, engineering and performance of intended function. Car and Driver 10Best winners are the magazine's top vehicles in an array of categories, including value, driving dynamics and mission fulfillment.

In addition to being the Kia vehicle that has collected the most awards within its first year on the market, the Telluride is also one of KMA's best-selling vehicles. Since going on sale in early 2019, nearly 60,000 Tellurides have been sold and demand continues to outpace supply. Conceived, designed, and developed in the U.S. specifically for the U.S. market, the Telluride is proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia, and is the first Kia vehicle to be exported from the United States.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America has been the highest ranked mass market brand in initial quality for five consecutive years according to J.D. Power². and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

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*The Telluride, Sorento and Optima (excluding Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year is a trademark of North American Car and Truck of the Year Corporation.
² Kia received the lowest rate of reported problems among mass market brands in the J.D. Power 2015-19 U.S. Initial Quality Studies of new vehicle owners' experiences with their own vehicle after 90 days of ownership. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

SOURCE Kia Motors America