Telluride vs Palisade vs Traverse - Thoughts

[TellTastic]

So,

I'll preface by saying that I know there have been many posts discussing the twins, but as I wait to purchase a telly, I wanted to open up discussion on what made you go for a telly (since most are probably biased at this point) vs another vehicle in the 3rd row segment.

Props to GM, we have an Equinox and love it, but the back seats don't get air. There are no vents in the back at all, except for under the front seats and the air flow is poor. Our adult passengers, as infrequent as it is, complain when in the back. That's fine, but we have a little one that roasts back their. When we bought the SUV, the airflow back their was an afterthought as little one wasn't in the picture.

Anyway, we figured we'd upgrade to a third row (Ford was never an option). We looked at the Traverse 3LT, and I'll hand it to them, that is a stylish exterior (the new. the old models were blech to us). But, we found the interior lacking. Especially the second / third row seats as the upholstery was cheap and uncomfortable. For the price and features offered, Hyundai and Kia was the better bang for the buck.

So, I have listed our cons between the two vehicles. Most of this is nitpicking, but that sometimes makes or breaks the purchase.

Telly CONS

• Love the front end, but not the biggest fan of the tail end
• No remote start on key fob ('21)
• Except the moss and the graphite grey (looking at ex), none of the colors get my attention
• Black gloss piano trim around console - fingerprint and scratch prone
• Steering wheel center material (with badging) feels cheap
• No auto 3rd row up/down
• Not sure about those Oh-Sh** handles by the drier / passenger knee and console (thoughts?)
• The body line in the hood was right in my line of sight and just tripped me up during the test drive
• Don't like the look of the roof rack bars

Palisade CONS

• Hideous front end grill and not the biggest fan of the tail end
• Electronic / button gear selector switch feels sluggish and unusual
• Phone charger right next to cup holders - residual liquid creep
• Cup holders aren't dedicated - fear the 'pop out' holders may break
• None of the colors get my attention
• Inside trim paneling felt less 'luxurious' than telly
• Black gloss piano trim around infotainment system - fingerprint and scratch prone
• Don't like the look of the roof rack bars
• The Hyundai add-on packages (convenience, premium, drive guidance) come at a $$
  • as compared to Kia, of which, the amenities are 'included' depending on trim level

 

[jw_tx21]

So,

I'll preface by saying that I know there have been many posts discussing the twins, but as I wait to purchase a telly, I wanted to open up discussion on what made you go for a telly (since most are probably biased at this point) vs another vehicle in the 3rd row segment.

Props to GM, we have an Equinox and love it, but the back seats don't get air. There are no vents in the back at all, except for under the front seats and the air flow is poor. Our adult passengers, as infrequent as it is, complain when in the back. That's fine, but we have a little one that roasts back their. When we bought the SUV, the airflow back their was an afterthought as little one wasn't in the picture.

Anyway, we figured we'd upgrade to a third row (Ford was never an option). We looked at the Traverse 3LT, and I'll hand it to them, that is a stylish exterior (the new. the old models were blech to us). But, we found the interior lacking. Especially the second / third row seats as the upholstery was cheap and uncomfortable. For the price and features offered, Hyundai and Kia was the better bang for the buck.

So, I have listed our cons between the two vehicles. Most of this is nitpicking, but that sometimes makes or breaks the purchase.

Telly CONS

• Love the front end, but not the biggest fan of the tail end
• No remote start on key fob ('21)
• Except the moss and the graphite grey (looking at ex), none of the colors get my attention
• Black gloss piano trim around console - fingerprint and scratch prone
• Steering wheel center material (with badging) feels cheap
• No auto 3rd row up/down
• Not sure about those Oh-Sh** handles by the drier / passenger knee and console (thoughts?)
• The body line in the hood was right in my line of sight and just tripped me up during the test drive
• Don't like the look of the roof rack bars

Palisade CONS

• Hideous front end grill and not the biggest fan of the tail end
• Electronic / button gear selector switch feels sluggish and unusual
• Phone charger right next to cup holders - residual liquid creep
• Cup holders aren't dedicated - fear the 'pop out' holders may break
• None of the colors get my attention
• Inside trim paneling felt less 'luxurious' than telly
• Black gloss piano trim around infotainment system - fingerprint and scratch prone
• Don't like the look of the roof rack bars
• The Hyundai add-on packages (convenience, premium, drive guidance) come at a $$
  • as compared to Kia, of which, the amenities are 'included' depending on trim level

I think many posters have written about why they chose the Telluride over other vehicles. Sounds like you need to do some reading in some other threads. Try searching. I really don't know how to respond to your cons... if they are deal breakers for you, then I guess the Traverse is in your future! None of those items on Telluride have been an issue - some are a benefit. Plenty of space, comfort and good design. You get remote start on 2021 models (along with a price increase).

Any specific questions?

 

[TellTastic]

. Sounds like you need to do some reading in some other threads. Try searching.

I think it’s cute when someone says ‘try searching’.

You may be a ‘sustaining member’, but I don’t really think your response provided any merit to my post. Think you glossed over it. Pretty sure I mentioned that I know there are other posts out there that highlight similar discussions. In fact, I think that was my first sentence.

I wanted to provide my thoughts and see what others had to say. Especially since I also said we like the Telly.

no vehicle is perfect, so what don’t you like about it now that you have one

 

[jw_tx21]

I think it’s cute when someone says ‘try searching’.

You may be a ‘sustaining member’, but I don’t really think your response provided any merit to my post. Think you glossed over it. Pretty sure I mentioned that I know there are other posts out there that highlight similar discussions. In fact, I think that was my first sentence.

I wanted to provide my thoughts and see what others had to say. Especially since I also said we like the Telly.

no vehicle is perfect, so what don’t you like about it now that you have one

There's a thread for that question too. I didn't intend to provide any merit to your post. There's a thread titled 2021 Chevy Traverse with some owner thoughts too. I don't focus on the negatives... I keep focused on the positive. But, I'm sure someone else will be happy to provide a better comparison for you. You can't go wrong with either of the three! Happy travels.

______________________________

 

[TellTastic]

Happy travels.

Same

 

[NDBlackEX]

I liked the Traverse overall but the one I had picked out was a 3LT and while it drove and rode nice, had a great stereo, I couldn't get over the fact that it didn't feel like a $40k+ vehicle inside. The dash looks similar to an equinox or Cruze. No 2nd row cupholders. (Well, weird ones in the doors) The rear doors were also huuuuuuge.

It's also much roomier than the Kia/Hyundai because it is much bigger. I got to thinking that size wise it compared more to a minivan than other 3 row crossovers. Then I thought, would I rather buy this or a loaded Odyssey for a little less money? I would rather drive the odyssey for a number of reasons. So then my decision came down to the Odyssey (better value than Telluride) or the Telluride. I decided to go the road less traveled and buy something different. Still practical but less practical and more interesting. That's how I chose the Telluride.

 

[TellTastic]

I couldn't get over the fact that it didn't feel like a $40k+ vehicle inside. The dash looks similar to an equinox or Cruze.

Right on!
I fully agree in the fact that it's quality and lack of amenities doesn't match the high cost price tag. The dash paneling lacked the soft touch intricacies that other comparable vehicles have. Certainly a bigger vehicle but I found a happy medium with the ~4-5 feet additional inside cabin room that the telly has over the palisade.
Still can't bring myself to get a minivan, regardless of how awesome and comfortable they may be!

 

[NDBlackEX]

Still can't bring myself to get a minivan, regardless of how awesome and comfortable they may be!

I know there's a stigma attached to minivans... Dollar for dollar there's no comparison to the comfort, features and space in a van. It kind of amazes me that people plunk down $45k on these SUVs without even considering a van. I have friends who haul teens and adults around in their suvs and they're all just crammed in. Won't even think about a van because they're not as cool even though it makes more sense. I figure I'd rather be smart than cool when there's a $40k decision to make. That's a lotta dough! You want cool, buy a sports car. These big vehicles are people haulers when you get down to it. But, to each their own! I'm done with my minivan pitch... Haha

______________________________

 

[TellTastic]

I know there's a stigma attached to minivans... Dollar for dollar there's no comparison to the comfort, features and space in a van.

I certainly get that! We've rented vans every once and a while and they ride so comfortably! We actually seriously contemplated it, but only for a minute. Maybe a little further down the road, haha

 

[MarcinTexas]

So,

I'll preface by saying that I know there have been many posts discussing the twins, but as I wait to purchase a telly, I wanted to open up discussion on what made you go for a telly (since most are probably biased at this point) vs another vehicle in the 3rd row segment.

Props to GM, we have an Equinox and love it, but the back seats don't get air. There are no vents in the back at all, except for under the front seats and the air flow is poor. Our adult passengers, as infrequent as it is, complain when in the back. That's fine, but we have a little one that roasts back their. When we bought the SUV, the airflow back their was an afterthought as little one wasn't in the picture.

Anyway, we figured we'd upgrade to a third row (Ford was never an option). We looked at the Traverse 3LT, and I'll hand it to them, that is a stylish exterior (the new. the old models were blech to us). But, we found the interior lacking. Especially the second / third row seats as the upholstery was cheap and uncomfortable. For the price and features offered, Hyundai and Kia was the better bang for the buck.

So, I have listed our cons between the two vehicles. Most of this is nitpicking, but that sometimes makes or breaks the purchase.

Telly CONS

• Love the front end, but not the biggest fan of the tail end
• No remote start on key fob ('21)
• Except the moss and the graphite grey (looking at ex), none of the colors get my attention
• Black gloss piano trim around console - fingerprint and scratch prone
• Steering wheel center material (with badging) feels cheap
• No auto 3rd row up/down
• Not sure about those Oh-Sh** handles by the drier / passenger knee and console (thoughts?)
• The body line in the hood was right in my line of sight and just tripped me up during the test drive
• Don't like the look of the roof rack bars

Palisade CONS

• Hideous front end grill and not the biggest fan of the tail end
• Electronic / button gear selector switch feels sluggish and unusual
• Phone charger right next to cup holders - residual liquid creep
• Cup holders aren't dedicated - fear the 'pop out' holders may break
• None of the colors get my attention
• Inside trim paneling felt less 'luxurious' than telly
• Black gloss piano trim around infotainment system - fingerprint and scratch prone
• Don't like the look of the roof rack bars
• The Hyundai add-on packages (convenience, premium, drive guidance) come at a $$
  • as compared to Kia, of which, the amenities are 'included' depending on trim level

Telly Pros (over the Palisade):
- auto up/down on all four windows - Palisade doesn't have this
- Slightly more interior room due to boxier design and the under floor area is larger due to the lack of power folding third row
- Real Shift Lever - I hate push button transmissions - call me old school
- Styling - I like the side profile of the palisade - but I fear the front and rear styling will not age as well as the more classically designed Telluride.
- Better wheel options on top trim - the black wheels do it for me on the Telluride

 

[SVoigt]

So,

I'll preface by saying that I know there have been many posts discussing the twins, but as I wait to purchase a telly, I wanted to open up discussion on what made you go for a telly (since most are probably biased at this point) vs another vehicle in the 3rd row segment.

Props to GM, we have an Equinox and love it, but the back seats don't get air. There are no vents in the back at all, except for under the front seats and the air flow is poor. Our adult passengers, as infrequent as it is, complain when in the back. That's fine, but we have a little one that roasts back their. When we bought the SUV, the airflow back their was an afterthought as little one wasn't in the picture.

Anyway, we figured we'd upgrade to a third row (Ford was never an option). We looked at the Traverse 3LT, and I'll hand it to them, that is a stylish exterior (the new. the old models were blech to us). But, we found the interior lacking. Especially the second / third row seats as the upholstery was cheap and uncomfortable. For the price and features offered, Hyundai and Kia was the better bang for the buck.

So, I have listed our cons between the two vehicles. Most of this is nitpicking, but that sometimes makes or breaks the purchase.

Telly CONS

• Love the front end, but not the biggest fan of the tail end
• No remote start on key fob ('21)
• Except the moss and the graphite grey (looking at ex), none of the colors get my attention
• Black gloss piano trim around console - fingerprint and scratch prone
• Steering wheel center material (with badging) feels cheap
• No auto 3rd row up/down
• Not sure about those Oh-Sh** handles by the drier / passenger knee and console (thoughts?)
• The body line in the hood was right in my line of sight and just tripped me up during the test drive
• Don't like the look of the roof rack bars

Palisade CONS

• Hideous front end grill and not the biggest fan of the tail end
• Electronic / button gear selector switch feels sluggish and unusual
• Phone charger right next to cup holders - residual liquid creep
• Cup holders aren't dedicated - fear the 'pop out' holders may break
• None of the colors get my attention
• Inside trim paneling felt less 'luxurious' than telly
• Black gloss piano trim around infotainment system - fingerprint and scratch prone
• Don't like the look of the roof rack bars
• The Hyundai add-on packages (convenience, premium, drive guidance) come at a $$
  • as compared to Kia, of which, the amenities are 'included' depending on trim level

What Marcin said <G>, I was SERIOUSLY looking at the Traverse and a couple of others before I finally took a look at the Telluride, in fact I looked at the Palisade first and liked it too, but for some of the same reasons you state liked the Telluride better once I got in it. The Traverse just didn't seem to offer the same quality or amenities that the Telluride did for the same money. I was seriously looking in December and all the big three had large rebates going to get them off the lot before the end of the year. Looking at the same types of trim levels (I settled on the EX) the Telluride just offered more for less money, even with the rebates in place. Another thing that I really liked over the Traverse was that the Kia had HD radio which in my opinion sounds much better than regular radio. (Downside was that you got your data JUST from HD radio so when out of range you lose data) I think that Kia should have made data from either HD or Sat available. As to being tied to UVO, for many that is a HUGE NO, but to me it wasn't a big deal, I've never had remote start or lock/unlock and it doesn't bother me. I've used the remote start ONCE and that was just to try it out while I was showing it off to a friend. The driver grips that you speak of. I am 6-1 and a LARGE person. They don't get in my way at all, my knees don't rest against them and my legs have plenty of room to move around, which I have to do on longer trips due to having bad knees. I just find the ride quality and comfort of the vehicle excellent. ( I downsized when I retired from a Tahoe.) Good luck with your choice.

 

[TellTastic]

Telly Pros (over the Palisade):
- auto up/down on all four windows - Palisade doesn't have this
- Slightly more interior room due to boxier design and the under floor area is larger due to the lack of power folding third row
- Real Shift Lever - I hate push button transmissions - call me old school
- Styling - I like the side profile of the palisade - but I fear the front and rear styling will not age as well as the more classically designed Telluride.
- Better wheel options on top trim - the black wheels do it for me on the Telluride

I actually didn't know the automatic windows did that. Thanks for the info.
I agree with all others. I do like the side profile of the palisade but the telly is a very close second. It was the telly grill / more aggressive front and boxy design that one me over on the styling factor.

What Marcin said <G>, I was SERIOUSLY looking at the Traverse and a couple of others before I finally took a look at the Telluride, in fact I looked at the Palisade first and liked it too, but for some of the same reasons you state liked the Telluride better once I got in it. The Traverse just didn't seem to offer the same quality or amenities that the Telluride did for the same money. I was seriously looking in December and all the big three had large rebates going to get them off the lot before the end of the year. Looking at the same types of trim levels (I settled on the EX) the Telluride just offered more for less money, even with the rebates in place. Another thing that I really liked over the Traverse was that the Kia had HD radio which in my opinion sounds much better than regular radio. (Downside was that you got your data JUST from HD radio so when out of range you lose data) I think that Kia should have made data from either HD or Sat available. As to being tied to UVO, for many that is a HUGE NO, but to me it wasn't a big deal, I've never had remote start or lock/unlock and it doesn't bother me. I've used the remote start ONCE and that was just to try it out while I was showing it off to a friend. The driver grips that you speak of. I am 6-1 and a LARGE person. They don't get in my way at all, my knees don't rest against them and my legs have plenty of room to move around, which I have to do on longer trips due to having bad knees. I just find the ride quality and comfort of the vehicle excellent. ( I downsized when I retired from a Tahoe.) Good luck with your choice.

I would figure by now that most all infotainment systems would maintain HD radio functionality, but it surprises me that not all do. No stranger to GMC's phone app that has some (if not all) of the same features as UVO, this isn't a big deal for me. My 'Nox isn't app capable, but both of my current vehicles have remote start on the fob.

Never used the GMC app for much of anything, let alone the remote start, but the wife likes the ability to use the fob. I think it's just one of those things that will take time to get used to, like vehicles integrating keyless / push button starts and push button transmissions. Apps are 'the thing' right now.

I'm glad to hear about the driver grips being no biggy. We're smaller, and they didn't bother the knees during the test drive, but they looked a little out of place. The ride comfort in this vehicle is excellent. Same for the Palisade, but we felt more comfortable in the Telly. More so than the Traverse....which had a 'familiar' feel in the driver seat coming from a current GM user.

Kia was offering rebates?

______________________________

 

[2020Telly]

Telly Pros (over the Palisade):
- auto up/down on all four windows - Palisade doesn't have this
- Slightly more interior room due to boxier design and the under floor area is larger due to the lack of power folding third row
- Real Shift Lever - I hate push button transmissions - call me old school
- Styling - I like the side profile of the palisade - but I fear the front and rear styling will not age as well as the more classically designed Telluride.
- Better wheel options on top trim - the black wheels do it for me on the Telluride

1 more- the Palisade does not have as many trims. They only recently added the 7-passenger option to their middle trim. With 4 trims the Telluride can offer a bit more customization. And for example the lowest trim Palisade does not have a proximity key whereas that is standard on all Tellurides.

 

[TellTastic]

1 more- the Palisade does not have an lower priced captains chairs equivalent like the 7-passenger Telluride options unless something change for the 2021. If you want 7 passenger you must go to the top trim Pallisade otherwise it’s only 8-passenger.

Actually, and correct me if I’m wrong, but you get the captains chairs in the SEL trim (EX Telly).
That’s what we’d be looking at. The 8 seat bench option adds $900. Which is interesting, because in the Telly, we’s need to get the EXP for the captains second row.

 

[2020Telly]

Actually, and correct me if I’m wrong, but you get the captains chairs in the SEL trim (EX Telly).
That’s what we’d be looking at. The 8 seat bench option adds $900. Which is interesting, because in the Telly, we’s need to get the EXP for the captains second row.

I was wrong, Hyundai added a 7-passenger option to the middle trim but made it standard and then flipped the bench to a option. Previously the lower two trims had leatherette with a middle bench and the only 7-passenger option was the nappa leather in the top trim. 7-passenger is now standard and no charge to switch to 8-passenger on the 2020 Pallisade SEL.

In the Telluride S 7-passenger is standard and adding a bench is $100, and now on the Telluride EX 8-passenger with bench is standard but if you get the Premium Package for $1,495 more you get 7-passenger. Which seems weird to me because I wanted the captains chairs and on the S it appears to be less expensive and standard, but because it is an upgrade on the higher trims you pay more for it with the EX and SX.

Regardless, the value you get from a Telluride S with 7-passenger seating runs circles around a comparably equipped Traverse, Highlander and even Palisade and with the captains chairs and the space in the third row, you can run those circles inside the Telluride.

 

[TellTastic]

In the Telluride S 7-passenger is standard and adding a bench is $100, and now on the Telluride EX 8-passenger with bench is standard but if you get the Premium Package for $1,495 more you get 7-passenger.

It is a slight bummer that you have to pay $1500 extra to get the 7pax captains in the EX. From what we were able to test, there is a significant difference in the leatherette feel in the LX / S compared to the leather in the EX / SX.

The captains is what we're after, so we're looking at the EXP. We don't see the need to step up to the SX trim level. Ironically, the dealer says the SX are the most popular trim levels to go.

______________________________

 

[2020Telly]

It is a slight bummer that you have to pay $1500 extra to get the 7pax captains in the EX. From what we were able to test, there is a significant difference in the leatherette feel in the LX / S compared to the leather in the EX / SX.

The captains is what we're after, so we're looking at the EXP. We don't see the need to step up to the SX trim level. Ironically, the dealer says the SX are the most popular trim levels to go.

When I purchased, the S was the only 7-passenger option other than the SX for more. In fairness, the EX Premium Package does give you more than just Captain's Chair. You also get low profile roof rails and 20" rims. If it were an option when I was buying I might have sprung up to $4K more to jump up from an S to an EX-P to get more bells and whistles. (Plus I haven't seen the leather in person so I'm ignorant to what I'm missing and I acknowledge that I have kids so the tougher leatherette holds up better for me than leather would). I was also able to claim an S that was en route before things got hot. So I'm super happy.

 

[TellTastic]

When I purchases, the S was the only 7-passenger option other than the SX for more. In fairness, the EX Premium Package does give you more than just Captain's Chair. You also get low profile roof rails and 20" rims. If it were an option when I was buying I might have sprung up to $4K more to jump up from an S to an EX-P to get more bells and whistles. But I was able to claim an S that was en route before things got hot. So I'm super happy.

That's true, you do get more. I find it strange that they drop to 18" on the EX trim, but offer the 20"s in the EXP.

Not too fond of the 'look' of those roof rails. I wonder if it's possible to swing a trade with the dealer for running boards in exchange for the roof rails. I doubt it, but it's a thought .

Glad to hear that you're happy! The EX comes with some of the safety and convenience features we're also after, so it's the EXP or bust for us!

 

[2020Telly]

Not too fond of the 'look' of those roof rails

Don’t confuse roof rails with crossbars. The roof rails are the silver things that are fixed to the roof. The crossbars are optional from Kia are the ugly tall bars that attach to the roof rails. You can buy low profile crossbars.

 

[TellTastic]

Don’t confuse roof rails with crossbars. The roof rails are the silver things that are fixed to the roof. The crossbars are optional from Kia are the ugly tall bars that attach to the roof rails. You can buy low profile crossbars.

Ahhhh! Good data to know! Thanks for the heads up!