2023 Telluride S Makeover, Part 1

[Synergy]

I picked up our second Telly that we have purchased over the last 4 years. I really like the upgraded tech and interior display in the 2023. The new headlights look fantastic as well.

For my part 1 makeover, I painted the wheels black because the 2023 black with silver looks very strange, almost like an EV wheel. I also painted the calipers blue which compliments the Hypersonic Grey color and de-badged the rear emblems.

 

[Toiz]

Did you paint or wrap the lower door trim?

 

[Synergy]

Did you paint or wrap the lower door trim?

Yes, I bought a silver trim delete (aka Nightfall) pre-cut vinyl kit and I was able to do the lower part myself BUT hence my reference to Part 1 Makeover because Part 2 will be a professional vinyl shop wrapping the silver pieces. Trying to do that yourself with the kit is very challenging especially if you want it perfect.

 

[clow]

What is your goal with the debadging? Are you going to replace it or just leave it blank? Looks very weird to me with nothing on the back. Wheels definitely look better all black. Not sure what Kia was thinking!

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[Synergy]

What is your goal with the debadging? Are you going to replace it or just leave it blank? Looks very weird to me with nothing on the back. Wheels definitely look better all black. Not sure what Kia was thinking!

Yes I'm likely going to add a black one. For the moment I kind of like the stealth look.

 

[corsair]

Living with the silver S just like you, I see what Kia was thinking with the silver wheels. With the rest of the grey/chrome trim the wheels fit in and actually complement the gray lines that run low on the door and both bumpers. It’s a gray thread that makes sense. I either like it now or convinced myself I do because I spent so much money on it.

But, once you start making one of those items black, it makes sense to make the rest black, too.

 

[Maxton]

I debadge all my cars as well, I plan to remove the "Telluride" letters but I'm going to leave the emblem. I think the lettering cheapens the car, less is more. Generally speaking, luxury cars don't have names written out all over the car, they usually have a letter/number combo like G500, X7, VG80, etc. Its clearly evident in the Genesis line, Audi, BMW, Infiniti etc.

Some folks want "Telluride" written on the front, back, and even stickers on the sides. Personally, it screams "Look, I got the cheaper car".

I would personally go with black caliper paint. Last thing I want is to bring attention to how small our brakes are haha. Attention grabbing colors are great for big brake kits.