Reasons why I probably will now NOT buy a Telluride

[mecheng1]

I was excited to replace our 2016 Sorento SX with a new Telluride, but have run into potential deal breakers.

1) I simply wanted a Telluride SX with the Prestige package and a second row bench seat. We like the bench seat because it has a center armrest with cup holders and cubby for kids stuff. We also like to keep the third row folded but retain the convenience of 3 second row places. But NO, you cannot have that.
To have that, you have to order the EX which involves giving up HUD, surround cameras, integrated garage door openers in the rear view mirror ( called Homelink? maybe) dual sunroof, 20in wheels, auto rain sensing wipers, etc etc.. So WHY
I just wanted an SX with second row bench. Our Sorento even has that.

2) Living in Florida I wanted remote start. But NO again. We had a dealer installed remote start on our Sorento and it consists of a key small fob. Works great out to about 500 ft or so.
But what do they offer on this new Telluride?, some type of funky phone app. No thank you.

Now apparently the Palisade offers remote start integrated into the main key fob. Press a button and it starts. So there seems to be no reason why Kia cannot do the same.

Anyway, consider me not to be the early adopter I had planned to be.

 

[Buckeye-TRide]

Yeah I mean, it’s a KIA, and you aren’t going to get everything for $45k. If you look at every other car it competes with the Telluride looks better, has a nicer interior, ride better, has a longer warranty, and has more or equal standard features than everyone else. There is a remote start on the app and a lot of other brands don’t offer a bench on the top trims. It really comes down to what’s more important to you. I get a lot of looks in this thing (far more than you’d ever get in a Sorrento) because it a legitimately cool family hauler. Nothing else in the category is even close for the price so the trade offs are worth it. Enjoy your Sorento!

 

[westcoastTelly]

You could trade those captains seats for the bench seat to an EX owner in a heart beat , remote start will probably be a a soft wear upgrade in the near future , the GV80 will be around the corner soon as well

 

[johnwashere2]

You could trade those captains seats for the bench seat to an EX owner in a heart beat , remote start will probably be a a soft wear upgrade in the near future , the GV80 will be around the corner soon as well

The app they have now works ok. It just takes awhile to get in and fire it up - lots of times is says car is unlocked and can’t do it , so I have to do a refresh. The whole process takes around 40 - 60 seconds but they have been doing small app updates recently.

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[ATL3630]

I actually prefer the ability to start via an app. That way I can start my car in my office or when my airplane lands. Limitless range!

 

[Michi-Tell]

Strong preference for remote start on-fob here. If they can do that via a software update that would be a BIG plus for me.

 

[jw_tx21]

I was excited to replace our 2016 Sorento SX with a new Telluride, but have run into potential deal breakers.

1) I simply wanted a Telluride SX with the Prestige package and a second row bench seat. We like the bench seat because it has a center armrest with cup holders and cubby for kids stuff. We also like to keep the third row folded but retain the convenience of 3 second row places. But NO, you cannot have that.
To have that, you have to order the EX which involves giving up HUD, surround cameras, integrated garage door openers in the rear view mirror ( called Homelink? maybe) dual sunroof, 20in wheels, auto rain sensing wipers, etc etc.. So WHY
I just wanted an SX with second row bench. Our Sorento even has that.

2) Living in Florida I wanted remote start. But NO again. We had a dealer installed remote start on our Sorento and it consists of a key small fob. Works great out to about 500 ft or so.
But what do they offer on this new Telluride?, some type of funky phone app. No thank you.

Now apparently the Palisade offers remote start integrated into the main key fob. Press a button and it starts. So there seems to be no reason why Kia cannot do the same.

Anyway, consider me not to be the early adopter I had planned to be.

Good points - hope they do offer bench option down the road. Sounds like it's just not the car for you at this time. I did drive the EX, and it is a very nice vehicle, but I sympathize with your desire for the added luxuries of the SX package.

 

[EROCK]

I was excited to replace our 2016 Sorento SX with a new Telluride, but have run into potential deal breakers.

1) I simply wanted a Telluride SX with the Prestige package and a second row bench seat. We like the bench seat because it has a center armrest with cup holders and cubby for kids stuff. We also like to keep the third row folded but retain the convenience of 3 second row places. But NO, you cannot have that.
To have that, you have to order the EX which involves giving up HUD, surround cameras, integrated garage door openers in the rear view mirror ( called Homelink? maybe) dual sunroof, 20in wheels, auto rain sensing wipers, etc etc.. So WHY
I just wanted an SX with second row bench. Our Sorento even has that.

2) Living in Florida I wanted remote start. But NO again. We had a dealer installed remote start on our Sorento and it consists of a key small fob. Works great out to about 500 ft or so.
But what do they offer on this new Telluride?, some type of funky phone app. No thank you.

Now apparently the Palisade offers remote start integrated into the main key fob. Press a button and it starts. So there seems to be no reason why Kia cannot do the same.

Anyway, consider me not to be the early adopter I had planned to be.

That funky phone app works great for me!

______________________________

 

[EROCK]

I actually prefer the ability to start via an app. That way I can start my car in my office or when my airplane lands. Limitless range!

I’m a touring musician and am away from my car for sometimes 2 months at a time..I would have people go start my car just to run the engine every now and again...now I don’t need anybody to do that for me I started my Telluride in CA while I was in FL!! Worked perfect

 

[ElCangriz]

I was excited to replace our 2016 Sorento SX with a new Telluride, but have run into potential deal breakers.

1) I simply wanted a Telluride SX with the Prestige package and a second row bench seat. We like the bench seat because it has a center armrest with cup holders and cubby for kids stuff. We also like to keep the third row folded but retain the convenience of 3 second row places. But NO, you cannot have that.
To have that, you have to order the EX which involves giving up HUD, surround cameras, integrated garage door openers in the rear view mirror ( called Homelink? maybe) dual sunroof, 20in wheels, auto rain sensing wipers, etc etc.. So WHY
I just wanted an SX with second row bench. Our Sorento even has that.

2) Living in Florida I wanted remote start. But NO again. We had a dealer installed remote start on our Sorento and it consists of a key small fob. Works great out to about 500 ft or so.
But what do they offer on this new Telluride?, some type of funky phone app. No thank you.

Now apparently the Palisade offers remote start integrated into the main key fob. Press a button and it starts. So there seems to be no reason why Kia cannot do the same.

Anyway, consider me not to be the early adopter I had planned to be.

Totally get you but #FunFact All Tellurides come with remote start through the KIA Access App

 

[Gwyn]

Sound like you are not ready to buy, if you don't need to and want better options, I would wait until fall. You get to see everything that comes out over summer and you get better pricing.

If my preorder falls through, then there is no need for me to get a SUV until fall, so I will just wait until then.

 

[robt83]

I was excited to replace our 2016 Sorento SX with a new Telluride, but have run into potential deal breakers.

1) I simply wanted a Telluride SX with the Prestige package and a second row bench seat. We like the bench seat because it has a center armrest with cup holders and cubby for kids stuff. We also like to keep the third row folded but retain the convenience of 3 second row places. But NO, you cannot have that.
To have that, you have to order the EX which involves giving up HUD, surround cameras, integrated garage door openers in the rear view mirror ( called Homelink? maybe) dual sunroof, 20in wheels, auto rain sensing wipers, etc etc.. So WHY
I just wanted an SX with second row bench. Our Sorento even has that.

2) Living in Florida I wanted remote start. But NO again. We had a dealer installed remote start on our Sorento and it consists of a key small fob. Works great out to about 500 ft or so.
But what do they offer on this new Telluride?, some type of funky phone app. No thank you.

Now apparently the Palisade offers remote start integrated into the main key fob. Press a button and it starts. So there seems to be no reason why Kia cannot do the same.

Anyway, consider me not to be the early adopter I had planned to be.

@mecheng1,

In response to issue #1, I actually have a 2nd-row bench in mine. While you can't order it that way from the factory, I was able to have it done at the dealership as a "dealer option". If you're getting told no by the dealership, try another dealership because it IS possible to get a 2nd-row bench. The mounting points are the same in all Tellurides, regardless of trim, so it's just a matter of swapping the seat type. While I can't say for certain, I would guess my dealership merely took a model on the lot that had a 2nd-row bench and swapped them.

In response to issue #2, it's simply the way the auto industry is going. You can fight it, but it's a losing battle as more and more auto makers are moving away from key fob remote start and going to a phone app. You might find it less convenient than a physical fob, but at least you still have the function and perhaps with time, you'll get used to it. Plus, with the app, you don't have to worry about being within a certain range, you get confirmation that you car has actually received the remote signal, and you can set the climate controls, so there are definite benefits to it.

At the end of the day, you're obviously the only one who can say what YOU will be satisfied with. In my opinion, however, your issues aren't true deal breakers, and you'd be missing out on a best-in-class vehicle by letting them be.

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[westcoastTelly]

mecheng1,

In response to issue #1, I actually have a 2nd row bench in mine. While you can't order it that way from the factory, I was able to have it done at the dealership as a "dealer option". If you're getting told no by the dealership, try another dealership because it IS possible to get a 2nd row bench. The mounting points are the same in all Tellurides, regardless of trim, so it's just a matter of swapping the seat type. While I can't say for certain, I would guess my dealership merely took a model on the lot that had a 2nd row bench and swapped them.

In response to issue #2, it's simply the way industry is going. You can fight it, but it's a losing battle as more and more companies are moving away from key fob remote start and going to a phone app. You might find less convenient than a physical fob, but at least you still have the function and perhaps with time, you'll get used to it. Plus, with the app, you don't have to worry about being within a certain range, and you also get confirmation that you car has actually received the remote signal, so there are benefits to it.

At the end of the day, you're obviously the only one who can say what you'll be satisfied with. In my opinion, however, your issues aren't deal breakers, and you'd be missing out on a best-in-class vehicle by letting them be.

WINNER !

 

[mecheng1]

If it seemed like I was criticising the Telluride then I really was not. And had no intention to upset any KIA fanboys or hurt any feelings. The SUV previous to our Sorento was a BMW X550 with close to 500 hp, ...great!, ........except when it was in the shop. So I am thoroughly sold and impressed now with Kia quality, value , and reliability but still try to be objective and will buy any vehicle regardless of manufacturer. I do not envisage buying anything except a Palisade or Telluride.
However, my point was that I will not be an early adopter now because I would prefer to order the exact build I want when the Manufacturer offers the 2nd row bench seat in the SX, rather than let my trusty dealer do a dealer lot swap. That's all. I suspect that if there is demonstrated to be a demand for 2nd row bench seat in the SX Kia will probably oblige. But if you guys would prefer to allow the dealer to swap seats around so be it. But I wonder when they pull out the bench seat in the EX and swap in the captain's chairs from the SX will both vehicles have the same carpet, same penetrations, for mounting bolts, wiring loom for ventilated seats in the EX? So when the lucky purchaser of the donor EX which has had it's bench seat removed and replaced with a couple of captains chairs gets his car from the dealer will he have the appropriate heated and ventilation seat controls ? I ask because I don't know where they are located and if new dual mode switches are required.

Anyway point 2 was about remote start. The Palisade has integrated remote start in the key fob, I guess as well as the app. Surely it's easier to start from your key fob than mess with your phone. Unless you need to start your car in Florida from California, I totally get that. I can do that with our Roombas.

So apparently from these posts there is no demand for having a factory installed second row bench seat in the SX.

 

[mecheng1]

I actually prefer the ability to start via an app. That way I can start my car in my office or when my airplane lands. Limitless range!

Yes, I totally get that too.

 

[ucinn]

If it seemed like I was criticising the Telluride then I really was not. And had no intention to upset any KIA fanboys or hurt any feelings. The SUV previous to our Sorento was a BMW X550 with close to 500 hp, ...great!, ........except when it was in the shop. So I am thoroughly sold and impressed now with Kia quality, value , and reliability but still try to be objective and will buy any vehicle regardless of manufacturer. I do not envisage buying anything except a Palisade or Telluride.
However, my point was that I will not be an early adopter now because I would prefer to order the exact build I want when the Manufacturer offers the 2nd row bench seat in the SX, rather than let my trusty dealer do a dealer lot swap. That's all. I suspect that if there is demonstrated to be a demand for 2nd row bench seat in the SX Kia will probably oblige. But if you guys would prefer to allow the dealer to swap seats around so be it. But I wonder when they pull out the bench seat in the EX and swap in the captain's chairs from the SX will both vehicles have the same carpet, same penetrations, for mounting bolts, wiring loom for ventilated seats in the EX? So when the lucky purchaser of the donor EX which has had it's bench seat removed and replaced with a couple of captains chairs gets his car from the dealer will he have the appropriate heated and ventilation seat controls ? I ask because I don't know where they are located and if new dual mode switches are required.

Anyway point 2 was about remote start. The Palisade has integrated remote start in the key fob, I guess as well as the app. Surely it's easier to start from your key fob than mess with your phone. Unless you need to start your car in Florida from California, I totally get that. I can do that with our Roombas.

So apparently from these posts there is no demand for having a factory installed second row bench seat in the SX.

I doubt you will get the prestige in a bench. The SX without prestige would have the same leather as the EX. the interior wouldn't match in either vehicle with the prestige package (nappa leather)

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[Buckeye-TRide]

If it seemed like I was criticising the Telluride then I really was not. And had no intention to upset any KIA fanboys or hurt any feelings. The SUV previous to our Sorento was a BMW X550 with close to 500 hp, ...great!, ........except when it was in the shop. So I am thoroughly sold and impressed now with Kia quality, value , and reliability but still try to be objective and will buy any vehicle regardless of manufacturer. I do not envisage buying anything except a Palisade or Telluride.
However, my point was that I will not be an early adopter now because I would prefer to order the exact build I want when the Manufacturer offers the 2nd row bench seat in the SX, rather than let my trusty dealer do a dealer lot swap. That's all. I suspect that if there is demonstrated to be a demand for 2nd row bench seat in the SX Kia will probably oblige. But if you guys would prefer to allow the dealer to swap seats around so be it. But I wonder when they pull out the bench seat in the EX and swap in the captain's chairs from the SX will both vehicles have the same carpet, same penetrations, for mounting bolts, wiring loom for ventilated seats in the EX? So when the lucky purchaser of the donor EX which has had it's bench seat removed and replaced with a couple of captains chairs gets his car from the dealer will he have the appropriate heated and ventilation seat controls ? I ask because I don't know where they are located and if new dual mode switches are required.

Anyway point 2 was about remote start. The Palisade has integrated remote start in the key fob, I guess as well as the app. Surely it's easier to start from your key fob than mess with your phone. Unless you need to start your car in Florida from California, I totally get that. I can do that with our Roombas.

So apparently from these posts there is no demand for having a factory installed second row bench seat in the SX.

Agree with your point about swapping the seats into a prestige package SX. The mismatched leather would be awful and having heated and cooled buttons that do nothing would drive me mad. For whatever reason captains chairs are a higher end option and not many, if any, brands offer them on the top trim for vehicles in this class. The Sorento and some smaller SUVs like the CX9 have them, but I believe it’s because the 3rd row is really only for small children or occasional use while the Pilot, Telluride, and others can fit 6’4” adults in relative comfort.

 

[mecheng1]

I doubt you will get the prestige in a bench. The SX without prestige would have the same leather as the EX. the interior wouldn't match in either vehicle with the prestige package (nappa leather)

That is what I would expect too.
Can't see this dealer swap thing being viable.

 

[robt83]

If it seemed like I was criticising the Telluride then I really was not. And had no intention to upset any KIA fanboys or hurt any feelings. The SUV previous to our Sorento was a BMW X550 with close to 500 hp, ...great!, ........except when it was in the shop. So I am thoroughly sold and impressed now with Kia quality, value , and reliability but still try to be objective and will buy any vehicle regardless of manufacturer. I do not envisage buying anything except a Palisade or Telluride.
However, my point was that I will not be an early adopter now because I would prefer to order the exact build I want when the Manufacturer offers the 2nd row bench seat in the SX, rather than let my trusty dealer do a dealer lot swap. That's all. I suspect that if there is demonstrated to be a demand for 2nd row bench seat in the SX Kia will probably oblige. But if you guys would prefer to allow the dealer to swap seats around so be it. But I wonder when they pull out the bench seat in the EX and swap in the captain's chairs from the SX will both vehicles have the same carpet, same penetrations, for mounting bolts, wiring loom for ventilated seats in the EX? So when the lucky purchaser of the donor EX which has had it's bench seat removed and replaced with a couple of captains chairs gets his car from the dealer will he have the appropriate heated and ventilation seat controls ? I ask because I don't know where they are located and if new dual mode switches are required.

Anyway point 2 was about remote start. The Palisade has integrated remote start in the key fob, I guess as well as the app. Surely it's easier to start from your key fob than mess with your phone. Unless you need to start your car in Florida from California, I totally get that. I can do that with our Roombas.

So apparently from these posts there is no demand for having a factory installed second row bench seat in the SX.

@mecheng1

Whoa there, man. We’re all friendly here. My Telluride is my first KIA ever, so I’m hardly a fanboy. You posted on a Telluride forum, which is intended for discussion, and I was merely discussing your options with you. No need to get feisty.

It helps that you mentioned you’re coming from a BMW. It makes the picture clearer because BMWs (and other luxury brands, in general) let you option your car any which way you want it. The expense of a bespoke car is evident in the price you ultimately pay as the consumer, but the upside is that you can get exactly what you want how you want.

With KIA and other “value” brands, that’s just not that case. They offer specific trims with little-to-no factory options. Doing so streamlines production efficiencies, which in turn keeps manufacturing costs down, which in turn makes it possible for them to offer affordable prices on great cars.

Would it be great to have the flexibility to option a Telluride (or any KIA for that matter) exactly how you want? Of course! It’s just not how they do business.

 

[edward g]

You could trade those captains seats for the bench seat to an EX owner in a heart beat , remote start will probably be a a soft wear upgrade in the near future , the GV80 will be around the corner soon as well

i have a sx and can strat truck with apple phone