Move over, usual suspects.

Kia's bold U.S. strategy continues with the 2020 Telluride, its biggest SUV yet and one aimed squarely at families in the U.S. market, where bigger is often viewed as better by consumers.

And it’s already making waves, earning rave reviews and no doubt making the competition nervous, especially after taking home the NACTOY Utility of the Year award in January 2020.

Read on for a full report on how it stands up to the usual front-runners among three-row SUVs.

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The Telluride is by all measures a well-designed vehicle, featuring a bold yet sleek-looking exterior, and a roomy and versatile interior.

The Kia front grille boasts one of the most attractive designs in the SUV landscape. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, while higher trims feature 20-inch wheels.

Inside is where the Telluride shows its true colors and really earns its nearly universal praise, with the Kia model giving off true luxury vibes for a much-lower starting price.

If we’re talking about Hyundai SUVs, most of the focus in recent months is on the Palisade, Hyundai’s new full-size three-row model that was a finalist for the NACTOY Utility of the Year. But the good news for Hyundai, and the SUV-buying public, is that even if the Palisade isn’t the best fit for all consumers, there’s plenty of strength throughout Hyundai’s SUV lineup.

Once such example is the midsize Santa Fe, which got a full redesign in 2019 and sees minor changes for 2020. I recently spent some time in a Santa Fe, and I’m back with a full report on how it compares in this highly competitive segment.

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The exterior design of the Santa Fe is svelte and elegant, yet still a bit imposing at the same time.

I was impressed with the quality of the materials used on the interior, which was approaching near-luxury territory on the Limited trim level that I tested. Highlights included a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel and extremely comfortable leather seating. You also get heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, push-button start, manual rear sunshades, and a long and attractive panoramic sunroof

While the end game will be fully electric cars and automated vehicles for the masses, in the meantime most of the American public are likely to take baby steps in terms of the technological and planet-friendly changes that are coming to our daily driver vehicles.

Therefore, hybrids continue to have their place in the market, including on the luxury level, where many folks are seeking green credentials in addition to luxury, comfort and high-tech features.

For that crowd, enter Exhibit A: The 2020 Lexus NX 300h, a compact hybrid SUV that brings a lot to the table.

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Hybrids aren’t usually associated with stylish looks (they tend to be more about the fuel mileage, period, with design as an afterthought). But with the bold signature Lexus grille, and a creased side silhouette that stands out from the competition, the NX 300h delivers in terms of looks.

In the U.S., the vehicle trend in recent years has been “bigger is better”. Sedans are disappearing every year, and large SUVs appear to be growing on trees.

Even companies that had traditionally were not focused on the larger SUV category are now dipping their toes in the water. Once such company is Hyundai, which debuted its 2020 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV during 2019.

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The Palisade is the largest SUV ever offered by Hyundai, jumping to the top of their lineup above the Santa Fe, Kona and Tucson. And it’s an impressive debut, to say the least.

A corporate cousin to the Kia Telluride (another impressive debut for the 2020 model year in this segment), the Palisade offers an attractive design, both on the exterior and the roomy interior setup.

Every automaker has its niche. For some it’s power. Others are known for smooth handling. And some have a reputation of being reliable.

When it comes to the Volvo lineup, what comes to most people’s minds is their dedication to safety and technology, areas where Volvo has been an industry trailblazer for many years — and it’s a reputation they strive hard to maintain. 

They are also among the automakers leading the push for changes in the auto industry, with recent announcements about fully-electric vehicles and a pledge to help combat climate change by going carbon neutral.

I recently spent some time in a 2019 Volvo XC90 — the Swedish automaker’s three-row SUV — and I’m back with a full report.

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Let’s get the superficial out of the way, and just say that the XC90 has a high-class design, in and out.

In addition to being focused on safety and a green approach, we must not forget that Volvo is a luxury brand. And you’ll immediately recognize that.

The XC90’s exterior has a unique Volvo design, especially up front and in rear. It’s one of the few brands you really can’t mix up with its competitors, even in an era of similar vehicles in many segments — a testament to Volvo’s originality.