Kia Seltos and Telluride Win Truck Rodeo Awards
Shoppers comparing compact and midsize SUVs get a hands-on ranking from journalists who drove 26 trucks, SUVs and crossovers.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Car Types
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Kia America won two awards at the 2026 Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo, with the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX AWD taking the Compact Sports Utility Vehicle category and the 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige taking the Mid-Size Sports Utility Vehicle category. The competition evaluated 26 trucks, SUVs and crossovers, with over 50 members of the Texas Auto Writers Association voting in each category.
Why it matters
For households shopping for a compact or three-row midsize SUV, the results give a hands-on comparison from journalists who drove the vehicles on off-road and street courses rather than only on paper. The awards highlight how the 2027 Seltos and Telluride are positioned for families who want all-wheel drive, turbocharged power, or added off-road capability.
The 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX AWD won the Compact Sports Utility Vehicle category, and the 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige won the Mid-Size Sports Utility Vehicle category. The competition evaluated 26 trucks, SUVs and CUVs, and Kia America's dealer network includes nearly 800 dealers in the U.S.
The players
Kia America
The U.S. arm of Kia Motors, headquartered in Irvine, California, which sells the Seltos and Telluride through a network of nearly 800 dealers and was named one of TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2026.
Texas Auto Writers Association
A group of automotive journalists based in Texas whose members judge new vehicles through hands-on competitions such as the annual Truck Rodeo.
The details
Participants put the vehicles through designated off-road and street courses and assessed them across a range of criteria with everyday driving in mind. Voting took place within each category, so the winners reflect the preferences of the evaluators in that segment. The Seltos is offered with available turbocharged power and all-wheel drive, while the Telluride adds a three-row layout and increased off-road capability on its X-Pro trim.
Timeline
The 2026 Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo awards were held in 2026.
Kia America's press release announcing the awards was published on November 2, 2026.
The Home Front
Compact and midsize SUVs remain among the most common family vehicles in the United States, so segment-level awards carry weight for households comparing purchases. Peer rodeo competitions like the Texas Auto Writers Association event give buyers a side-by-side view that complements manufacturer specifications.
If you are shopping for a compact or midsize SUV, test drive the 2027 Seltos or Telluride alongside other finalists in your budget and confirm which trim includes the all-wheel drive or off-road features you need. Compare the three-row layout of the Telluride against your household's seating and cargo needs before scheduling a dealer visit.
The takeaway
Peer-judged comparisons like the Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo can help you narrow a shortlist before you commit to a purchase. Ask your dealer to walk you through the drivetrain and trim options on any model you are considering.
Further reading
For more on how different body styles fit family needs, browse our Car Types coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fuelcellsworks.
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