Low end KIA and Hyundai didn't have engine disabler in the past, so they were easy to steal. High trim levels of the Korean twins are no easier to steal than any other make. The KIA Telluride is made in West Point Georgia. Palisades are still made in Korea. Some talk of the Korean made ones having a better job of painting. 
Hyundai/KIA have the same parent company and do share some of the same parts. 
I don['t know if you are aware of this but Hyundai is a big name in steel manufacturing. They were one of the first makers to use high strength steel that can be both lighter and stronger than ordinary stuff. Less weight means better gas mileage.