Is there Any SUV with USABLE 3rd Row Close To Fully loaded Telluride near 55K?

[y2jdmbfan]

So I am trying to establish myself a limit before I engage the local dealer with an incoming White / Dune / Nightfall / Prestige that I want. I NEED a usable 3rd row. Have a 7, 5, and 1.5 year old. It has been a logistical nightmare between my wife and I to have to switch cars and what not when she has a late meeting, or I have a late meeting and what not. I am either trading in or selling to Carmax / Carvana, my 2013 Camaro ZL1 with 31,000 miles. For those who aren't familiar, it is the top of the line Camaro you can get, but it is already 8 years old, minimally driven, but I think this is the time to get rid of it. I can get $37,000 from Carvana for it, it's fully paid off, it costs around $55-60 new now, closer to $50 when I got it. . I can't drive it in the winter, it was my toy 3rd car until the spring, but I am trying to be a little smarter with my money these days and don't think having a $40,000 toy sitting in the garage for 5 months of the year makes a whole lot of sense. Right now, I as much as I would love a big BMW X7, I can't spend 75K plus right now on a vehicle, I'd rather trade the Camaro, have a small payment on the Telluride and get my s**t together and give my wife the Telluride in 1-2 years. We have a 2017 Honda Pilot as her DD now with 100K on it.

All that being said, there is nothing in the segment that meets the Telluride that I can find. I WANT all the features the fully loaded Telluride has. Just want to make sure I am not missing something else out there. From what I have read you guys are all pretty honest when it comes to these cars and what they have and don't have. The instant Turbo / pep is the only thing I see as lacking in the drive of the Telluride. I've driven 2 of them now. I would have never considered a Kia until I saw the Car and Driver / motor trend reviews, numerous reviews and this forum.

Sorry for being long winded, but thanks in advance for any insight. Bottom line, I'm will to go up to 55K for the fully loaded Telluride, just wanted to see if there was anything comparable that I may have missed.

 

[SLPV]

Have considered Subaru Ascent. Fits adults in 3rd row and price under $50K.

 

[MG535]

So I am trying to establish myself a limit before I engage the local dealer with an incoming White / Dune / Nightfall / Prestige that I want. I NEED a usable 3rd row. Have a 7, 5, and 1.5 year old. It has been a logistical nightmare between my wife and I to have to switch cars and what not when she has a late meeting, or I have a late meeting and what not. I am either trading in or selling to Carmax / Carvana, my 2013 Camaro ZL1 with 31,000 miles. For those who aren't familiar, it is the top of the line Camaro you can get, but it is already 8 years old, minimally driven, but I think this is the time to get rid of it. I can get $37,000 from Carvana for it, it's fully paid off, it costs around $55-60 new now, closer to $50 when I got it. . I can't drive it in the winter, it was my toy 3rd car until the spring, but I am trying to be a little smarter with my money these days and don't think having a $40,000 toy sitting in the garage for 5 months of the year makes a whole lot of sense. Right now, I as much as I would love a big BMW X7, I can't spend 75K plus right now on a vehicle, I'd rather trade the Camaro, have a small payment on the Telluride and get my s**t together and give my wife the Telluride in 1-2 years. We have a 2017 Honda Pilot as her DD now with 100K on it.

All that being said, there is nothing in the segment that meets the Telluride that I can find. I WANT all the features the fully loaded Telluride has. Just want to make sure I am not missing something else out there. From what I have read you guys are all pretty honest when it comes to these cars and what they have and don't have. The instant Turbo / pep is the only thing I see as lacking in the drive of the Telluride. I've driven 2 of them now. I would have never considered a Kia until I saw the Car and Driver / motor trend reviews, numerous reviews and this forum.

Sorry for being long winded, but thanks in advance for any insight. Bottom line, I'm will to go up to 55K for the fully loaded Telluride, just wanted to see if there was anything comparable that I may have missed.

I have three kids similar in age. Some random observations which may or may not prove helpful to you:

I actually think you might be fine getting something a notch smaller like the Sorento or Highlander, since they come in hybrid or PHEV flavors unlike the Telluride and save a ton on gas.

Before you say they’re too small, consider this: Middle child can move to third row when the oldest outgrows it and the oldest can swap places into the second row.

Third row is surprisingly bad for smaller adults in the Telluride . Our first time with a family member who is 5’2 she said it’s way worse than the theoretically smaller Infiniti QX60 which she’s ridden in on much longer trips and was fine.

Prestige package might be wasted since heated and ventilated second row seats aren’t a benefit to kids in child seats and boosters.

 

[y2jdmbfan]

I have three kids similar in age. Some random observations which may or may not prove helpful to you:

I actually think you might be fine getting something a notch smaller like the Sorento or Highlander, since they come in hybrid or PHEV flavors unlike the Telluride and save a ton on gas.

Before you say they’re too small, consider this: Middle child can move to third row when the oldest outgrows it and the oldest can swap places into the second row.

Third row is surprisingly bad for smaller adults. Our first time with a family member who is 5’2 she said it’s way worse than the theoretically smaller Infiniti QX60 which she’s ridden in on much longer trips and was fine.

Prestige package might be wasted since heated and ventilated second row seats aren’t a benefit to kids in child seats and boosters.

Thanks for the input. Will take a look.

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[2020Telly]

The closest thing I've seen is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum.

(If you aren’t counting the Telluride SXP’s very similar cousin, the Hyundai Palisade SEL or Calligraphy.)

 

[Vad13]

Below is a list of the top 10 best three-row SUVs with the most third-row legroom as per a carvana article in August 2021.

1. Buick Enclave
2. Kia Telluride
3. Honda Pilot
4. Toyota Sequoia
5. GMC Yukon XL
6. Volkswagen Atlas
7. Volvo XC90
8. Chevrolet Traverse
9. Ford Expedition
10. Acura MDX

 

[Tellthemride]

The reason I got the fully loaded Telluride, is because I could not find anything that came close for the technology, luxury, design, interior space and price.

If you make a pro and con list for any competitor, there may be one or two areas where the competition has a leg up, but overall the Telly always won in my comparisons.

 

[y2jdmbfan]

The reason I got the fully loaded Telluride, is because I could not find anything that came close for the technology, luxury, design, interior space and price.

If you make a pro and con list for any competitor, there may be one or two areas where the competition has a leg up, but overall the Telly always won in my comparisons.

I committed to fully loaded White / Dune / Prestige / Nightfall for $2500 over MSRP. I felt it made sense for me. We will see if they come through on their end on Monday. Car isn't at the dealer yet, but is en route and I was able to print the window sticker, they said it is in transit and due before 10/31.

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[2020Telly]

Below is a list of the top 10 best three-row SUVs with the most third-row legroom as per a carvana article in August 2021.

1. Buick Enclave
2. Kia Telluride
3. Honda Pilot
4. Toyota Sequoia
5. GMC Yukon XL
6. Volkswagen Atlas
7. Volvo XC90
8. Chevrolet Traverse
9. Ford Expedition
10. Acura MDX

Some observations on that list, I would not add the Sequoia nor Yukon XL as a comparable as those are larger truck-based SUVs. Similarly, I would exclude the XC90 and MDX as those are luxury SUVs. Sticking with larger mid-sized non-luxury SUVs, if you include the Enclave and Traverse which are cousins, then you have to include the Palisade on a list with the Telluride. I put together the list below that includes the new Pathfinder, which isn't on most lists, and the Highlander, since after-all it is the market leader in this segment. I reluctantly left the Pilot on there, but I took it off my comparable list because I specifically wanted an SUV with a timing chain and the Pilot is the one that still uses a timing belt.

@y2jdmbfan - I was in a similar boat with three kids, although mine are older so I have even less space to work with, (so I could be your future tale in about 7 years). I was also coming from a minivan that I loved for the ridiculous passenger and cargo space. All to say, what you are looking at was very important to me as well. Looking at what's out there compared to early 2019 when I purchased, I can't really say there is still another vehicle that matches the Telluride. In my opinion with 3 kids and dogs a functional third row is very important but not at the sacrifice of other passenger volume and definitely not sacrificing cargo space. I rarely go anywhere of significant distance with my entire family without using a rooftop cargo carrier and/or a hitch mounted cargo basket. I can't imagine if I had a vehicle with less space how much I would have to leave behind. If not for the Telluride, I'd probably back in a minivan. The Telluride by far (IMHO) was the best value then and now. And if you look at that rear cargo volume, consider that there is a compartment cover that can be removed. I performed a test and estimated that with that cover removed, my rear cargo is increased to 24.5 cuft and that allows me to position two massive pieces of luggage WITHOUT folding down the third row. (reference)

I hope this helps. For what it's worth, I have a 7-passenger S mainly because this is my main family vehicle and I wanted something nice but something that could handle the day-to-day abuse with less electronics that could go wrong over time. Since my preferred price point is lower, that list shrinks when you look around $33K for a 7-passenger (with captains chairs). Even more if you want an 8-passenger in the LX range. The Telluride is almost in a class of its own on the lower trims as well. I was able to get my S for less than the price of replacing my minivan and I feel what I've gained makes up for any sacrifices.

	3rd leg (in)	3rd head (in)	3rd shoulder (in)	3rd hip (in)	rear cargo (cuft)	tot. int. pass. Volume (cutft)	overall length (in)	top end MSRP (USD)
Kia Telluride	31.4​	37.8​	55.3​	43.7​	21​	178.1​	197​	46890​
Hyundai Palisade	31.4​	37.2​	55.2​	43.7​	18​	155.3​	196​	47900​
Nissan Pathfinder	28​	37.8​	58.4​	46.7​	16.6​	148​	198​	46190​
Buick Enclave	33.5​	37.62​	57.3​	48.53​	23.6​	157.3​	205​	57100​
Chevrolet Traverse	33.5​	38.2​	57.5​	48.5​	23​	157.3​	204​	51200​
Volkswagen Atlas	33.7​	38.3​	54.9​	45.1​	20.6​	153.7​	198​	50695​
Toyota Highlander	27.7​	36.1​	55​	45.6​	16​	141.3​	195​	47240​
Honda Pilot	31.9​	38.9​	57.6​	44.6​	16.5​	152.9​	196​	50620​

 

[NDBlackEX]

I really do like my Telluride but the quality just isn't there. It reminds me every day that it's a Kia.

I came from Hondas, I'm glad I didn't pony up 50k for this vehicle. I'm hoping the new Pilot ends up being a step up from the current gen so I can move up to one of those when they come out. I do like driving a 3 row suv.

You'll like the Telluride but it's hands down the worst built new car I've ever owned.

 

[Kao]

Wow, NDBlackEX, what has been your biggest issues with your car? Sorry it's been such a disappointment.

 

[2020Telly]

I'm hoping the new Pilot ends up being a step up from the current gen so I can move up to one of those when they come out.

I’m guessing you are waiting for the next gen Pilot because the current has had transmission quality problems? I’m also a fan of Honda, but I wouldn’t say the Pilot has been their best showing in terms of quality.

From what I’ve seen the Honda models that consistently do well in quality and dependability are the ones that use timing chains. The Odyssey, Ridgeline and Pilot all still have timing belts and they tend to not score as high as other Hondas. I’m thinking it could be in part that the timing belts need replacing sooner than owners realize and that causes a problem the higher mileage you go. Of course if you only keep vehicles for 2-3 years you might never see the issues.

______________________________

 

[y2jdmbfan]

We have a 2018 Pilot, I hate how it drives.

 

[NDBlackEX]

Wow, NDBlackEX, what has been your biggest issues with your car? Sorry it's been such a disappointment.

It's had multiple fit and finish repairs, one repaired before I even took delivery, one I've decided to live with because I didn't want my new car to sit for a while while they redid my seat leather.

It's been in the shop multiple times and currently I'm waiting on another appointment to repair a headlight. Since I made the appointment for that, my backup camera has intermittently quit working. Constant daily glitches in infotainment and blind spot sensors. Only 23k, brakes squeal often, our 15 CRV is on the original brakes with 85k and don't make any noise. That car has not required a repair in 6 1/2 years.

In the shop way too much. I've never had this many visits to the dealer in the first 13 months of ownership. It's been a real bummer and a hassle. If I didn't mind being in the shop every 8 weeks or so, I would've taken a chance on something used and spent less money upfront. I do like it a lot but I'd classify it as a hunk of junk as far as build quality is concerned.

 

[y2jdmbfan]

It's had multiple fit and finish repairs, one repaired before I even took delivery, one I've decided to live with because I didn't want my new car to sit for a while while they redid my seat leather.

It's been in the shop multiple times and currently I'm waiting on another appointment to repair a headlight. Since I made the appointment for that, my backup camera has intermittently quit working. Constant daily glitches in infotainment and blind spot sensors. Only 23k, brakes squeal often, our 15 CRV is on the original brakes with 85k and don't make any noise. That car has not required a repair in 6 1/2 years.

In the shop way too much. I've never had this many visits to the dealer in the first 13 months of ownership. It's been a real bummer and a hassle. If I didn't mind being in the shop every 8 weeks or so, I would've taken a chance on something used and spent less money upfront. I do like it a lot but I'd classify it as a hunk of junk as far as build quality is concerned.

Wow, sorry to hear about your bad luck, this is the 1st really negative post I have seen.

 

[NDBlackEX]

I’m guessing you are waiting for the next gen Pilot because the current has had transmission quality problems? I’m also a fan of Honda, but I wouldn’t say the Pilot has been their best showing in terms of quality.

From what I’ve seen the Honda models that consistently do well in quality and dependability are the ones that use timing chains. The Odyssey, Ridgeline and Pilot all still have timing belts and they tend to not score as high as other Hondas. I’m thinking it could be in part that the timing belts need replacing sooner than owners realize and that causes a problem the higher mileage you go. Of course if you only keep vehicles for 2-3 years you might never see the issues.

I'm hoping they change the architecture and maybe put in some hard buttons for the infotainment.

To me, the architecture is what sets the Telluride apart. It's roomy because of its construction. You can option anything in its class out just the same. The Highway Drive Assist is a cut above but it doesn't really have anything that you can't get with a competitor. It does drive nice though.

I can't imagine going back to Kia after owning this one. After starting to notice all the misfitting panels and such on my Telluride, I went over my 18 year old Civic I recently sold and that thing was almost flawless. Pretty sad, we paid $12,500 new for that car and it was built better than our $43k Kia.

If the Pilot gets major revisions and the styling is good (it's not now) I'd definitely look to move on. Otherwise. I'll keep rocking the Telly. I'm not worried about Honda engine and transmission issues, the Telluride has had is fair share of those problems too.

The other thing is that Kia dealers are few and far between. I'm a little hesitant to drive it on a trip where there are few dealers in the area. If you have a breakdown far from home, you may be stuck there for a week not to mention it could take the better part of a day to get a disabled vehicle to a dealer.

______________________________

 

[NDBlackEX]

Wow, sorry to hear about your bad luck, this is the 1st really negative post I have seen.

I notice the fit and finish issues on many Tellurides. Misaligned trim is quite common. Bad gaps are pretty common too.

 

[y2jdmbfan]

I notice the fit and finish issues on many Tellurides. Misaligned trim is quite common. Bad gaps are pretty common too.

Hard to understand your response when you also post stuff like this.

Sport Mode Saturday

Oh boy! Am I going to SPORT MODE SATURDAY. Just recently received and installed the Pedal Commander🥳👍 You can definitely tell the difference from the get GO!😍 @Socal949: Awesome. I'll probably order the Pedal Commander for myself later this year after a few more prioritized purchases. Still...

tellurideforum.org

 

[T’Ride]

It's had multiple fit and finish repairs, one repaired before I even took delivery, one I've decided to live with because I didn't want my new car to sit for a while while they redid my seat leather.

It's been in the shop multiple times and currently I'm waiting on another appointment to repair a headlight. Since I made the appointment for that, my backup camera has intermittently quit working. Constant daily glitches in infotainment and blind spot sensors. Only 23k, brakes squeal often, our 15 CRV is on the original brakes with 85k and don't make any noise. That car has not required a repair in 6 1/2 years.

In the shop way too much. I've never had this many visits to the dealer in the first 13 months of ownership. It's been a real bummer and a hassle. If I didn't mind being in the shop every 8 weeks or so, I would've taken a chance on something used and spent less money upfront. I do like it a lot but I'd classify it as a hunk of junk as far as build quality is concerned.

We have over 7000 kilometres on our ‘21 T’Ride SX and have not had one problem or concern with it. I recommend them to anyone who asks, and have had lots of people remark about all the good things they have read in the press and how good it looks. I will be keeping this one until year four and then plan on buying a new one. Very happy with the fit finish and reliability of our KIA. JD Power gives it a pretty good rating and Consumer reports gives it their highest rating ever.

2021 Kia Telluride Ratings, Pricing, Reviews and Awards | J.D. Power

Looking for an ideal 2021 Kia Telluride? Start here to discover how much people are paying, what's for sale, trims, specs, and a lot more!

www.jdpower.com

 

[Kao]

It's had multiple fit and finish repairs, one repaired before I even took delivery, one I've decided to live with because I didn't want my new car to sit for a while while they redid my seat leather.

It's been in the shop multiple times and currently I'm waiting on another appointment to repair a headlight. Since I made the appointment for that, my backup camera has intermittently quit working. Constant daily glitches in infotainment and blind spot sensors. Only 23k, brakes squeal often, our 15 CRV is on the original brakes with 85k and don't make any noise. That car has not required a repair in 6 1/2 years.

In the shop way too much. I've never had this many visits to the dealer in the first 13 months of ownership. It's been a real bummer and a hassle. If I didn't mind being in the shop every 8 weeks or so, I would've taken a chance on something used and spent less money upfront. I do like it a lot but I'd classify it as a hunk of junk as far as build quality is concerned.

I hate that you've had so many problems. Sounds like you just got a lemon off the line. Overall complaints are few and far between for must of us. But good news is you can sell it or trade in for a pretty decent price if you don't sell it to dealer who knows repair history. I'm not saying you will hide flaws, but if you've had repairs done, someone will buy it used from you.