2022 Kia Telluride! What to expect.

[b-real]

body color matched trim on the SX trim (like Kia offers on their other vehicles) instead of the cheap looking black plastic

 

[hfTELLY]

body color matched trim on the SX trim (like Kia offers on their other vehicles) instead of the cheap looking black plastic

What other vehicle has that?? Guess I haven’t paid much attention. If it’s not plastic then what it’s it?

 

[b-real]

What other vehicle has that?? Guess I haven’t paid much attention. If it’s not plastic then what it’s it?

Attached is a Sorento EX and SX for reference. It's still plastic, but painted the same color as the body rather than the rough black plastic that always eventually fades. All car manufactures these days seem to do the black plastic trim along the wheel wells and rocker panels, with color matched trim being either an option or std on the higher trim levels. I have just been shocked that Kia does this on other models but not their new flagship. I thought (or at least was hoping) that they would change this for the '21 model.

 

[hfTELLY]

Attached is a Sorento EX and SX for reference

Yeah that would be nice if they offered it. I think the plastic helps protect from scratches.

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[b-real]

Yeah that would be nice if they offered it. I think the plastic helps protect from scratches.

Meh. My current Sorento is the SX and doesn't have an issue with scratches, same with my F150. I think its either a sourcing or cost issue. And when you sell every single vehicle you produce before it even rolls off the assembly line there really isn't any incentive to make improvements.

 

[hfTELLY]

Meh. My current Sorento is the SX and doesn't have an issue with scratches, same with my F150. I think its either a sourcing or cost issue. And when you sell every single vehicle you produce before it even rolls off the assembly line there really isn't any incentive to make improvements.

Good point. Well they shouldn’t go backwards from here. There should only be even better improvements in the upcoming years. Maybe not next year but probably the next 2-5 years.

Next year you’ll probably see the entertainment package with TVs in there.

 

[b-real]

Good point. Well they shouldn’t go backwards from here. There should only be even better improvements in the upcoming years. Maybe not next year but probably the next 2-5 years.

Next year you’ll probably see the entertainment package with TVs in there.

Entertainment package is already shown as an option for the '21 model if you go on Kia's website and build one. $1,500 but still says coming soon so no details.

 

[hfTELLY]

Entertainment package is already shown as an option for the '21 model if you go on Kia's website and build one. $1,500 but still says coming soon so no details.

Yeah that's why I said maybe next year; since it says coming soon.

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[2020Telly]

Entertainment package is already shown as an option for the '21 model if you go on Kia's website and build one. $1,500 but still says coming soon so no details.

It's likely the same thing that is being offered on the Sedona for the same price. Discussed on this thread: 2021 telluride rear entertainment system option?

 

[hfTELLY]

It's likely the same thing that is being offered on the Sedona for the same price. Discussed on this thread: 2021 telluride rear entertainment system option?

I bet it is the same one... Looks kind of cheesy though. But nowadays many people have their own tablets anyways. And mine has the LTE function so I can tune into whatever instead of having to download media to watch before you leave home. Might not be too popular of an option except for people who want to brag.

 

[2020Telly]

I bet it is the same one... Looks kind of cheesy though. But nowadays many people have their own tablets anyways. And mine has the LTE function so I can tune into whatever instead of having to download media to watch before you leave home. Might not be too popular of an option except for people who want to brag.

If there is some level of integration/control from the main infotainment system there might be some value, but $1,500 for two tablets and a trunk installed DVD player . . . I'll pass. That will break before I get $1,500 worth of use and the quality of tablets are only getting better and cheaper. Add a broadband hotspot and decide local storage with headphones for the kids, the peace and quiet will far outweigh any advantage of having to be the DJ from the infotainment and drive.

 

[Batman3365]

2022 want list:

1. REAL AWD system (BMW x5)
2. More horsepower and torque! "Better throttle response. 365hp would do just right " (Will be trying that PCT performance chip in my 2021)
3. 16+ speaker Harman Kardon System with Better Subwoofer (BMW x5 HK 16 speaker system is shweet)
4. Larger screen, 12.3 minimum
5. Wider wheels, at least 275s
6. Dual side twin pipes
7. Headlights that turn with direction of steering wheel
8. Wheel options
9. Single long panoramic roof

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[G-659689]

2022 want list:

1. REAL AWD system (BMW x5)
2. More horsepower and torque! "Better throttle response. 365hp would do just right " (Will be trying that PCT performance chip in my 2021)
3. 16+ speaker Harman Kardon System with Better Subwoofer (BMW x5 HK 16 speaker system is shweet)
4. Larger screen, 12.3 minimum
5. Wider wheels, at least 275s
6. Dual side twin pipes
7. Headlights that turn with direction of steering wheel
8. Wheel options
9. Single long panoramic roof

I’m liking that list there. Especially the twin pipes and nice speaker system. I love hearing some good bass. More HP is def necessary too.

 

[hfTELLY]

2022 want list:

1. REAL AWD system (BMW x5)
2. More horsepower and torque! "Better throttle response. 365hp would do just right " (Will be trying that PCT performance chip in my 2021)
3. 16+ speaker Harman Kardon System with Better Subwoofer (BMW x5 HK 16 speaker system is shweet)
4. Larger screen, 12.3 minimum
5. Wider wheels, at least 275s
6. Dual side twin pipes
7. Headlights that turn with direction of steering wheel
8. Wheel options
9. Single long panoramic roof

I’m liking that list there. Especially the twin pipes and nice speaker system. I love hearing some good bass. More HP is def necessary too.

 

[MikeB]

2022 want list:

1. REAL AWD system (BMW x5)
2. More horsepower and torque! "Better throttle response. 365hp would do just right " (Will be trying that PCT performance chip in my 2021)
3. 16+ speaker Harman Kardon System with Better Subwoofer (BMW x5 HK 16 speaker system is shweet)
4. Larger screen, 12.3 minimum
5. Wider wheels, at least 275s
6. Dual side twin pipes
7. Headlights that turn with direction of steering wheel
8. Wheel options
9. Single long panoramic roof

The only way to get dual exhaust is to go with a small spare tire like most cars have, And get rid of the full size spare tire.

 

[MarcinTexas]

It's a safe bet that Honda is coming out with a redesigned Pilot for 2022 since they are offering a special edition trim for 21 which they've done the final year of vehicle generations for over a decade.

Let's talk about the current gen Pilot here for a second if we're talking about Honda not wanting to go back to square one. They did just that with this gen. It's built completely different from the boxy version that came prior to 2016. I'm not talking styling here, I'm talking architecture. The styling is obvious. Honda has not been afraid to tear something down and rework it if it's not right or competitive. See the 2012-2013 civic. They've also been slowly adding to their SUV lineup with the HRV and Passport (the Element is rumored to come back as well) just as Kia has with the Telluride and Seltos. They're going with the suv trend like everyone else and I'm not surprised to see them redesign their 3 row so quickly considering the segment has been booming the last 3-5 years.

The "opportunity" is certainly there to make a better Pilot and have it be a hit. If they come out totally fresh for 2022, they'll likely have the freshest 3 row for a couple years. The Traverse/Acadia, Ascent and Atlas are mid cycle right now, Explorer, Telluride, Highlander are 1st or 2nd year. The Pathfinder, CX9 and Durango are really the only other aging platforms and their piece of the pie is small and they're slow to refresh. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer could be entering the segment as well but I'd expect more of an off road vibe than the rest of the class.

I'd expect that Honda's going to do their thing styling wise. They probably won't shake things up too much. They don't need to, they've got a good reputation to stand on, Kia is still trying to build a good reputation. The architecture is the big thing and where Kia really nailed the Telluride. Styling is subjective and the tech and value (depending on trim) really are just on par with the competition despite what many will say. *Debate me on that if you'd like, Telluride has a few things that are class exclusive but feature some options only on the top trim that are available on competitors lower trims and competitors offer things you can't get on the Telluride.* The Telluride just offers more space and comfort for its size than anything else out there. It's all in how it's built. I will say that once there are incentives available for Telluride, the value will really kick up a notch, especially on the higher trims.

Now, will Honda kick their next gen Pilot up a notch and will it be ready next year? We will have to see. There certainly is opportunity there and if they do a good enough job, they'll be flying off the lots and they just may steal some business from Kia. It should be an interesting year or two in this segment.

*They definitely need to improve the styling on the Pilot before I would consider one and I'm a Honda guy. I think it looks more like a minivan than the Odyssey.

As to tech being on par with the competition...one of the big things for me was HUD. This is still a feature lagging on most of the competition. For example - the Explorer doesn't offer it even on the top trim. If you want it - you have to go get a Lincoln Aviator. That sucks. Another big one was the exterior cameras - the left and right cameras that come on with your blinker are genius. Game changers in terms of driver safety. Also - the ventilated second row seats...another feature that will be a huge hit for my teenagers in the south Texas summers. I would argue that some features they don't offer that others do are the ones that aren't used a ton by buyers of other cars. Self parking for example. My car has that and I have used it twice in five years...just to show other people how it works. A pointless feature if you ask me. But I do use my HUD in my daily driver every day. So given the choice - I would take a feature that I will use every day. As for Honda - they have a nice HUD in their Acura cars and even on the Accord. I don't know why they don't offer it in their Elite trimmed Honda's. It is a safety feature that should be standard on top trims. I seriously doubt they will offer it on the new Pilot because they will want to reserve that for the all new Acura MDX. This type of thinking that is typical for Japanese and US manufacturers....keep certain options reserved for their luxury brands. H/K/G have avoided that pretty well. HUD is a prime example. They could have kept that for the GV80 - but they didn't...instead offered it on their mainstream vehicle. Little things like that give H/K the edge in my opinion. They are hungry for sales and to change their reputation. Honda and Toyota expect you to buy their cars because of their reputation, not because of packaging, materials quality or features. I think Honda has the most to lose here. They are a small company and have had lots of quality problems over the last decade...and their quality scores reflect that. The other think H/K have done is make sure their tech is easy to use. A common observation by the auto reviewers is just how easy the H/K infotainment is to use compared to the competition. I have owned two Hondas in the last ten years. An Accord that was flawless and an Odyssey that was total crap. We had over $18K in warranty work done during the life of the Honda Care + 8-year warranty on a van that cost $41K back in 2011. While no car is perfect - at this point - I would rather buy from a company that is hungry for sales and going out of their way to design cars that are packed with features designed to win over consumers than a car from a brand that is resting on their bullet proof reliability in the 90's and 00's.

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[DarkMossJustin]

As to tech being on par with the competition...one of the big things for me was HUD. This is still a feature lagging on most of the competition. For example - the Explorer doesn't offer it even on the top trim. If you want it - you have to go get a Lincoln Aviator. That sucks. Another big one was the exterior cameras - the left and right cameras that come on with your blinker are genius. Game changers in terms of driver safety. Also - the ventilated second row seats...another feature that will be a huge hit for my teenagers in the south Texas summers. I would argue that some features they don't offer that others do are the ones that aren't used a ton by buyers of other cars. Self parking for example. My car has that and I have used it twice in five years...just to show other people how it works. A pointless feature if you ask me. But I do use my HUD in my daily driver every day. So given the choice - I would take a feature that I will use every day. As for Honda - they have a nice HUD in their Acura cars and even on the Accord. I don't know why they don't offer it in their Elite trimmed Honda's. It is a safety feature that should be standard on top trims. I seriously doubt they will offer it on the new Pilot because they will want to reserve that for the all new Acura MDX. This type of thinking that is typical for Japanese and US manufacturers....keep certain options reserved for their luxury brands. H/K/G have avoided that pretty well. HUD is a prime example. They could have kept that for the GV80 - but they didn't...instead offered it on their mainstream vehicle. Little things like that give H/K the edge in my opinion. They are hungry for sales and to change their reputation. Honda and Toyota expect you to buy their cars because of their reputation, not because of packaging, materials quality or features. I think Honda has the most to lose here. They are a small company and have had lots of quality problems over the last decade...and their quality scores reflect that. The other think H/K have done is make sure their tech is easy to use. A common observation by the auto reviewers is just how easy the H/K infotainment is to use compared to the competition. I have owned two Hondas in the last ten years. An Accord that was flawless and an Odyssey that was total crap. We had over $18K in warranty work done during the life of the Honda Care + 8-year warranty on a van that cost $41K back in 2011. While no car is perfect - at this point - I would rather buy from a company that is hungry for sales and going out of their way to design cars that are packed with features designed to win over consumers than a car from a brand that is resting on their bullet proof reliability in the 90's and 00's.

Love the HUD feature. It's one of the best parts, perhaps the best part, of the Prestige package.

 

[MarcinTexas]

I thought the Telluride already has 3rd row AC ceiling vents. Please tell me they do. I ordered a Telluride after driving a Palisade, since I've yet to see a Telluride on the lot. Kia's site shows them when you view the interior.

As already stated - it does have 3rd row A/C ceiling vents. You want a $50K three row cross over that doesn't have them...go by a Mazda CX-9. Not only is the third row space cramped compared to the Telluride (as is the cargo space) but your third row passengers don't have their own vents. That is a massive oversite by Mazda. The poor third row space and lack of vents was one of the primary reasons we skipped the CX-9 despite its beautiful interior materials and good handling.

 

[jenfowler78]

Just for fun, this is my list, and I'm taking into consideration this wouldn't be a major refresh for 2022...

• puddle lights
• lights on approach w/proximity key (configurable option)
• adaptive headlights
• auto-dimming side mirrors (stole that idea from above)
• backlit buttons on mirror (play nicely with the other brightness controls for dash lights)
• wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
• cupholder lights
• option for larger towing capacity (bigger engine, trans, whatever's needed)
• More COLORS -- a nice deep blue, a brighter red, something bright and colorful but still on the luxury end of the colors.
  
  
• better gas mileage / hybrid option would be nice, too.

 

[tazzytazzy]

Just for fun, this is my list, and I'm taking into consideration this wouldn't be a major refresh for 2022...

• puddle lights
• lights on approach w/proximity key (configurable option)
• adaptive headlights
• auto-dimming side mirrors (stole that idea from above)
• backlit buttons on mirror (play nicely with the other brightness controls for dash lights)
• wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
• cupholder lights
• option for larger towing capacity (bigger engine, trans, whatever's needed)
• More COLORS -- a nice deep blue, a brighter red, something bright and colorful but still on the luxury end of the colors.
  
  
• better gas mileage / hybrid option would be nice, too.

Yes to all these! I think adaptive headlights and puddle lights would put it up there with bmw/mercedes for sure. Auto dimming side mirrors would be icing on the cake. My mom's caddy from the 1990s had these and we're so nice.