Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is a mid-size, three-row SUV that quietly became one of America's favorite family haulers. It pairs a smooth 291-hp V6 with a roomy, well-finished cabin and an approachable price, making it feel like a near-luxury vehicle for thousands less. With seating for up to eight, rugged available trims, and a long list of standard tech, it appeals to growing families who want space, comfort, and value without stepping up to a premium badge.

On the road, the Telluride is calm and composed rather than sporty. Its 3.8-liter V6 sends 291 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic, and while it won't pin you to your seat, there's enough muscle to merge confidently and tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional across the lineup. Ride quality is the real strength here: bumps are soaked up nicely, road noise is well controlled, and long highway trips pass without fatigue.

Inside is where the Telluride earns its reputation. The dashboard layout is clean and logical, materials feel a notch above the price suggests, and even mid-level trims come loaded. Higher SX Prestige models add quilted leather, ventilated front and second-row seats, and a genuinely upscale ambiance. The first two rows are spacious and comfortable; the third row is usable by adults on shorter trips and easy for kids, and folding the seats opens up a generous, boxy cargo hold.

Technology is a clear plus. A large touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most trims, and a comprehensive suite of driver aids—including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, and a highway driving assist on top trims—come standard or are widely available. The interface is responsive and easy to learn, avoiding the over-complication found in some rivals.

There are trade-offs. Fuel economy is merely average for the class, with no hybrid option currently offered, so frequent drivers will visit the pump often. The V6 is refined but not particularly efficient, and the lack of an electrified variant is becoming a noticeable gap as competitors add hybrids. Resale prices and demand also mean you'll rarely find steep discounts.