KIA Telluride: 2020 World Car of the Year

The KIA Telluride has been awarded World Car of the Year 2020. This gigantic South Korean SUV is not sold in Europe.

A model from KIA Motor Corporation has once again received the distinction of car of the year. It is not the first time they have achieved this and it probably will not be the last. The price is that of World Car of the Year for the Telluride. In addition, the KIA Soul EV has received the World Urban Car 2020 award.

The award is really determined by expert voting. The competition was against 28 other rivals from around the world, of which only three competed as finalists. On March 3rd this final was announced, and now we know the result of the final vote. The Soul EV, for its part, was competing against only 7 other contenders.

What is the KIA Telluride?

This model was presented in 2016 and officially launched on the market two years later. For many it is an unfamiliar model, since it has not been sold in Spain or anywhere else in Europe. It is the typical Asian model very aimed at the American market for families with a rugged, adventurous character.

Positioned above the Sportage and Sorento, this model has three rows of seats. This SUV, despite not belonging to a Premium brand, could rival models such as the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7. The South Korean crossover is produced at the same North American plant as the Sorento and the Optima.

It is the first vehicle from KIA designed exclusively for the US market. From its first sketch, the aim was to convey muscle and personality through its exaggerated dimensions and powerful, eye-catching shapes. This is what KIA claims. A burly design, wide, with a front in the purest “tiger nose” style of KIA.

Engine to match and hybrid version

It is equipped with a 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 petrol engine (GDI). This longitudinal engine produces 290 CV and has 355 Nm of torque. This model is optionally four-wheel drive, but as standard the engine’s power is sent to the front axle. The gearbox is an 8-speed automatic dual-clutch.

It would be odd if KIA had not presented an electrified version of its model. Nowadays it seems that every new model unveiled will come with an electrified alternative, whether hybrid, PHEV or EV. This Hybrid version combines the combustion engine with an electric motor of around 130 CV for a total of around 400 CV.