Men’s Journal – September 2019

MSRP (FROM)

$31,690

0–60

7.2 sec.

MPG

23

HORSEPOWER

291

TOWING CAPACITY

5,000 lbs

THIRD ROW WIDTH

55.3 in.

CARS

WENTY-FIVE years ago,

Kia launched in the U.S.

with a handful of dealer-

ships and a sedan remark-

able only for its bargain

price. But it wasn’t until t his summer t hat

the brand truly arrived. That’s courtesy of

the Telluride, a big, three-row crossover,

designed and built here for Americans.

The Telluride is Kia’s largest vehicle,

but it’s by no means slovenly. The design

team, based in California, sharpened

the edges of the massive family-hauler

archetype, and, as if pulling it into focus,

returning the sport-ute to its burly roots.

Curved lines are hard to f ind.

The Telluride’s on-road performance is

nearly as sharp. Though the powertrain isn’t

remarkable for the class—the only option

is a 291-horsepower V6—it handles with

a taut road-feel that belies its footprint.

Steering is direct, and the eight-speed

automatic transmission is deft. With the

clubby interior’s matte wood and quilted,

double-stitched leather, you might feel

like you’re in an Audi.

There are also plenty of options most

crossovers don’t have: Upgrade to the

all-wheel-drive model and you can hit

a differential lock to conquer a snowy

driveway. A self-leveling air suspension

evens out the car for better stability with

loads. Safety tech, like lane-keeping and

blind-spot assist, come standard.

I parked the Telluride at my house for

a week and each night dog walkers and

stroller pushers came by, making hand

visors against its windows. Yes, sir, that’s

a Kia. And yeah, it’s really good. Q

T

032 SEPTEMBER 2019 MEN’S JOURNAL

Notebook

With a big new crossover hit, a brand known for hiding in the middle starts leading the pack.

by JESSE WILL

It’s a Kia. Really