As if the world has not recognized it enough, the Kia Telluride added yet another feather in ts cap as it bagged the 2020 World Car of the Year recognition from the World Car Awards organization.
In a livestreamed ceremony, the mid-size luxury SUV was hailed as the best among vehicles launched for the 2020 model year, winning the battle against two Mazda models in the final three: the Mazda3 hatchback and the CX-30 crossover SUV.
The Telluride’s combination of luxury, value, design, and driving ability won it for the Korean company.
“It is a great honor for us to see the Telluride named 2020 World Car of the Year,” said Thomas Schemera, executive vice president at Kia Motors Corporation. “This is one of the hardest-fought competitions in the global automotive industry, proving that the Telluride is a truly outstanding vehicle.”
He added, “This accolade is testament to the talents and efforts of a worldwide team, who all strive to create desirable, high-quality, and practical cars that drivers love.”
The arrival of the Telluride marks Kia’s entry into the midsize luxury SUV segment. Since its official launch in the market, the model has made waves in North America.
This year’s winner of the World Car of the Year title was chosen from a list of 29 vehicles hailing from all over the world. The jury was composed of 86 jurors from 24 countries, who all voted to determine the winner.
The Telluride succeeds Jaguar’s all-electric I-Pace as the titleholder.
Aside from the World Car of the Year recognition, the organization also meted out other awards during the ceremony.
The Porsche Taycan was awarded World Performance Car of the Year, winning over other Porsche models, 911, 718 Cayman GT4, and the Spyder. This marks Porsche’s sixth win in the category.
The Taycan also won the World Luxury Car prize, overcoming its sibling Porsche 911 and perennial rival Mercedes-Benz EQC.
In the World Urban Car category, Kia bagged another win with the Soul EV, defeating the Mini Electric and Volkswagen T-Cross. Meanwhile, the Mazda3 won over the Peugeot 208 and Porsche Taycan to bag the World Car Design of the Year plum.
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