IRVINE, Calif. — Kia announced that the Optima midsize sedan and Sportage SUV were named among the 10 Most Awarded Cars of 2017 by Kelley Blue Book. The list identifies the 10 vehicles KBB has recognized most often this year. In addition, the South Korean factory earned distinction as one of KBB’s 10 Most Awarded Brands of 2017.

“Kia is known for superior design, quality engineering and intuitive technology. Kia continues to rack up the recognition from the auto industry,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning for Kia Motors America. “This latest honor from Kelley Blue Book reconfirms the Optima and Sportage as outstanding offerings in their segments and acknowledges Kia’s world-class vehicle lineup.”

Over the course of this year, the Kia Optima was named one of Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000 and was listed among KBB’s Best Family Sedans. The Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid were among the Best Hybrids Under $40,000. During that same period, the Kia Sportage grabbed Small SUV Best Buy honors as well as claiming spots on KBB’s 12 Best Family Cars and 10 Best SUVs Under $25,000 lists.

“The fact that Kia is on our prestigious list of the 10 Most Awarded brands and two Kia models made our equally prestigious 10 Most Awarded Cars list demonstrates quite clearly that the Kia brand belongs in the top echelon of carmakers competing in the North American market,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for KBB.com. “Kia continues to excel in offering cars and SUVs with a high level of both quality and value.”