Car and Driver has spent the last 60 years making a name for themselves as an authority in the automotive industry. From running speed tests using handheld stopwatches in the 1950’s to today’s high-precision GPS testing tech, their Buyer’s Guide team has spent decades perfecting their unique series of rigorous vehicle testing methods.
Since then, their team has created 10 testing categories and collect over 200 data points to ensure they provide a complete and unbiased analysis of the roughly 400 vehicles they test on an annual basis. Everything from a vehicle’s performance, fuel economy, cargo space, safety, and even its seating height are taken into consideration.
Only vehicles that Car and Driver editors had hands-on driving experience with are eligible for an Editors’ Choice award, and this year, five of Kia’s 2021 models stood out from the overwhelming sea of vehicles available in today’s market. These are the vehicles that, in their own words, “we would recommend to our friends and family; the vehicles we think are reliable, safe, and fun to drive.” Let’s find out which Kia models made the cut.
Kia Soul
Subcompact SUV Editors’ Choice Award
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Highs
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Verdict
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Undeniably distinct appearance, interior has generous accommodations, lots of personality for the price.
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The Soul provides funky style and practical space at an affordable price.
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Kia Sorento
Mid-size SUV Editors’ Choice Award
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Highs
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Verdict
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Looks classy and rugged inside and out, lots of powertrain options, pleasant to drive, and comfy to ride in.
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The Sorento is a handsome and satisfying mid-size SUV for folks who don't need the Kia Telluride's extra space.
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Kia Telluride
Mid-size SUV Editors’ Choice Award
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Highs
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Verdict
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Utterly lavish cabin, absolute bargain pricing, great for hauling families.
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For those who need to haul a family and look right, the Telluride is a terrific and affordable choice.
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Kia Rio
Subcompact Car Editors’ Choice Award
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Highs
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Verdict
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Simple yet elegant cabin, ride and handling transcend price point, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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The Rio sedan and hatchback exceed the expectations that most people have for subcompact cars.
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Kia K5
Family Sedan Editors’ Choice Award
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Highs
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Verdict
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Gorgeous outside and in, upscale features at a friendly price, base powertrain has satisfying operation.
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The K5 is a pretty impressive family sedan thanks to an attractive price, upscale features, and a potent 290-hp engine option.
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