WhiteSX
FOUNDING MEMBER
Took delivery of my SXP AWD w/Tow this past Thurs evening. A few observations over the past two days of ownership. First, some insight on my purchase decision and my previous vehicle for context.
As you can determine from my signature, I’ve been an Audi fan for a bit. That’s not to say it’s been without some quality / reliability issues – it’s pretty much an issue w/all brands. Sometimes things go right. Other times….not so right. Regardless, my perspective on the Telluride is shaped by my experience w/Audi. It’s unavoidable. My last two Audi’s were the A7 and S7. Loved the design and practicality of the hatch given I’m a musician and carry lots of gear. (as I'm sure Stinger owners equally appreciate the practicality of their vehicle) The S7 was somewhat overkill given it’s 450HP twin turbo V8. Lots of tech, with many of the Tellurides’s semi-autonomous driving features introduced on the Audi platform in the 2012 model year. The S7 engine was amazing. W/launch control engaged, you could catapult from a stop to 60 MPH in 3.9 sec. And there’s the rub. There was no way that you could legally enjoy the power of that vehicle on the street. (I can only imagine what Hellcat’s / Demon’s, etc must feel like) Don't get me wrong, loved the S7 experience. Wasn’t a big fan of the near-mortgage lease payment. But, if ya wanna play… Humble and thankful for the means to spend some seat time with the car.
I’m at the stage where I’m planning for retirement, not sure when. But, simplifying my financial life (home / vehicles and such) Knowing the S7 lease was ending in late May, started my search for a new ride last Fall. Decided an SUV would be my direction given the musician thing. Set my budget at $50K. Was considering used certified Prestige 2017/18 Audi Q7’s. (there’s a surprise) But, not many choices at the price point. Shifted focus to the VW Atlas, and other entrants in this space. Came across the Telluride in Mid Feb. Worked a deal with local Kia dealer who’s owned by the same group I purchased a few Audi’s from.
Fast forward to 5/23/19. True to the dealer’s word, my ride was delivered with no major drama. The shop flashed a software update. No clue what it contained.
Have put 250 miles on in the last two days. Some random initial perspectives:
- As an empty nester, I’m good with the captain’s chairs vs bench
- Strong resemblance to German interiors. It’s what drew me to the Kia. Hoping the materials hold up through my ownership
- Love the 10.25” I/T screen.
- Kia nailed the ride dynamics. Cloud- like. Nice
- Not having a 4way adjustable lumbar support is a bit of a fail
- The LKA feature is much better than the Audi. The S7 ping ponged between the lane markers. The Kia doesn’t. Nice
- Wish I could deactivate the audible LKA warnings. (unless I’ve missed something in the setup menus)
- I don’t have much use for HDA. Where I live, highway speed limits seem to be interpreted as merely “suggestions”. Will pretty much get run off the road if you’re not keeping up with traffic.
- SCC performs pretty much the same as the Audi. Nice
- Apple Car play is convenient albeit wonky. Sometimes have to disconnect/reconnect to get Spotify to work as intended
- Wish the wildcard (Star) button was on the steering wheel like my wife’s Q3
- HUD has more content than the 2016 Audi. Nice. But wish the windshield reflector area actually supported the full height adjustment of the HUD image range.
- Visibility is wonderful. The Audi had more blind spots than a 747
- Wish the ambient lighting was brighter. I have it set to full, could definitely use more brightness
- Need some felt in the center arm rest removable tray. Not a fan of things rattling around. Will remedy that soon
- I’m not sure I’m seeing the traffic info in the factory nav. Should I be seeing different color codings on roads? (red / green etc..) Or, do I have to constantly switch to the traffic data screen for real time traffic info under route guidance? (could use your help here)
- The HK sound system is very good. Not categorizing it as a high end system. But, very good. Better than the Bose setup in the S7 (which I added a sub to). I actually prefer not to use the advanced sound settings. But, as we all know, sound is very subjective.
- I’m fine with the climate settings. Ok with the rear not activating on initial startup
- Engine: Naturally, I have to put more foot into it vs the V8 I'm coming from. Very capable. I don't consider the Kia under-powered. Sport mode does the trick for me. Switch to Eco on the highway. Nice.
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