Kia Motors’ 2015 Sorento sport utility vehicle has been named the “Best Family Vehicle” by the Northwest Automotive Press Association, the carmaker said Friday.

Kia Motors America said more than 20 NWAPA journalists evaluated vehicles during the annual two-day “Mudfest” competition held in Washington state on both paved and moderate off-road routes.

The carmaker said the midsize Sorento received high marks for its appealing blend of all-round style, driving capabilities and host of safety features.

In the U.S., more and more families are using crossovers such as the Sorento as family cars, with traditional minivans not generating the kind of interest as they did in the past.

“The U.S.-built Sorento is one of Kia’s most popular vehicles, and has sports dynamics and sophisticated design elements, inside and out,” said Michael Sprague, Kia’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. (Yonhap)