With so many great SUVs on the market, how do you know which one is the best? One way you can judge is by reading overwhelmingly positive reviews from trusted sources like U.S. News. The site just posted its list of the best crossovers for 2021, which includes models like the Honda CR-V and Kia Telluride.

If you’re familiar with the Telluride, its placement on this U.S. News list is probably a no-brainer. For the uninitiated, here’s what you need to know about this new Kia SUV.

Is the Kia Telluride popular?

The Kia Telluride was first released in 2019, and it was met with critical acclaim. Kia’s Director of Communications, James Bell, even called it the Kia “Sell-U-Ride” because of its high sales figures. Telluride units typically stay on dealer lots for as little as one week, which is impressive for a midsize SUV.

At one point, the Kia Telluride was so popular that there was a nationwide shortage. Only 60,000 units were planned for production during 2019, but Kia had to increase it to 100,000. Bell is reportedly not even sure that 100,000 units per year will be enough to meet demands.

New features for 2021

Since the Kia Telluride is so new, it’s mostly unchanged for this model year. A few trims have some new exterior paint options like Black Copper (black) and Sangria (maroon). A seven-pin trailer harness is now standard and LED headlights can be added to the two top Telluride trims.

You can also get a 2021 Kia Telluride with the new Nightfall package. It’s your standard blacked-out exterior package, but the main body can be painted in eight different colors. It doesn’t come with any drivetrain enhancements, but it does include fog lights and bigger wheels.

What makes the Kia Telluride so great?

It’s hard to figure out what features could be added to make the Kia Telluride better than it already is. It has one of the smoothest rides you’ll find in any SUV, and it feels easy to steer. Despite its size, it doesn’t have too wide a turning radius and it keeps its body roll contained.

The Kia Telluride gets its power from a 3.8-liter V6 that makes 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive. The engine has enough power for daily driving and the transmission provides timely shifts.

AWD is available on any trim for $2,000. We wouldn’t say the Kia Telluride is an off-roader, but it’s definitely equipped for hazardous weather. It comes with a skid plate and eight inches of ground clearance plus an available traction management system.

Another factor that contributes to the Kia Telluride’s value is its standard technology. It comes with essentials like smartphone integration and HD Radio, operated by an easy-to-use infotainment system. All Telluride models also come with a full suite of safety features.

This includes forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, driver drowsiness warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also comes with a few features essential for families, like a rear-seat reminder. An intercom that mutes the audio and amplifies the driver’s voice in the back rows is also available.

The Kia Telluride is a great car for families because it’s so spacious. It can seat up to eight riders, and there’s even enough headroom for adults in the third row. The Telluride also has a generous cargo hold, with a maximum of 87 cubic feet available.

The Kia Telluride is also considered to be highly reliable and it has one of the longest powertrain warranties. Given all its great qualities, we expect the Telluride to become even more popular as time goes on.