Kia's Telluride SUV Named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

Kia's Telluride SUV was named one of the best new vehicles of the year in the U.S.

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The eight-seater was chosen as the winner of the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award, while GM's Corvette won the Car of the Year award and mid-size pickup truck Jeep Gladiator the Truck of the Year.

It is the first time Kia has won the award since its inception in 1994.

The Telluride was selected over the other two finalists -- Hyundai's Palisade and Lincoln's Aviator -- for its "magical combination of design, features and functionality".

"The Telluride's interior layout and design would meet luxury SUV standards, while its refined drivetrain, confident driving dynamics and advanced technology maintain the premium experience", said one of the award organizers. "Traditional SUV brands take note: there's a new star player on the field".

The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year are a set of awards announced in January every year during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, based on votes by some 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada who test-drive new vehicles through the year. But the auto show has been moved to June this year.