The 2021 Kia Telluride continues to impress. It also still manages to be everyone’s favorite SUV this year. With increased popularity among consumers, it’s no wonder the Kia Telluride is a top 10 car favorite. Even more impressive is this Kia’s ability to earn such accolades for a second straight year. And that’s saying something.

The 2021 Kia Telluride just keeps winning

Every year, more than 250 vehicles compete for driveway space at American homes. And to help narrow down the competition, Consumer Reports does all the testing, evaluations, and reviews to compile the organization’s “10 Top Picks.”

The best cars of the year featured on this list have been proven among the critics and consumers. These rankings are based on those vehicles that do the best in performance, ownership satisfaction, reliability, dynamic safety, and crash testing. It’s the second straight year that the impressive Kia Telluride finds itself on this very list. 

Why is the Kia Telluride so popular?

Consumer Reports says last year’s Kia Telluride raised the bar and set a new standard for midsized, three-row SUV excellence. Now in only its second year, the 2021 Kia Telluride continues to perform well in almost every category.

It proves itself in competence, with a spacious cabin and broad visibility. Consumer Reports says it performed well in road testing offers a truly upscale interior experience that’s on par with luxury models. The reviewers used terms like “supple” and “secure” when describing just how smooth this SUV handles, too. 

Even the harshest critics are bragging

Do you know who else likes the 2021 Kia Telluride? Everyone — it seems basically everyone else likes this SUV. Earning high marks with Consumer Reports is only half of the story. 

U.S. News also rates this year’s model among its top five. With a score of 8.4 out of 10, the critics named the Kia Telluride a finalist for the Best 3-Row SUV for the Money. Among the three-row contenders, U.S. News ranks it second. And among midsize SUVs in general, the Telluride comes in third. 

Edmunds says Kia’s latest version of the Telluride does nearly everything “a little better than the rest.” From the luxurious cabin to the comfortable third row, these critics continue to be impressed all around.

Much like the other reviews, Edmunds lends much of the Telluride’s success to its smooth ride, a robust menu of equipment, and top-notch tech and safety features. 

What’s new for the 2021 Kia Telluride?

If you think you missed out on all the excitement with last year’s model, don’t worry. You’ll be able to sample the best the Kia Telluride has to offer and a little more this year, although it’s hard to imagine how Kia could improve on such a stellar introduction last year.

A few small upgrades can be expected, including the remote engine starter button added to the key fob. The trailer towing wiring harness is now a seven-pin variation.

But what the 2020 Kia Telluride didn’t achieve in style, the 2021 Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition will. New this year, the Nightfall Edition spruces up the appearance of this SUV with black-painted wheels and trim accents. 

It’s not uncommon for various vehicle reviews to sometimes contradict each other. There are just some pros and cons that differ depending on who’s writing the review.

But in the case of the Kia Telluride, everyone appears to be on the same page. The 2021 Kia Telluride is absolutely worth a look and, according to Consumer Reports, is one of the 10 Top Picks to park in your driveway this year.