Did I make the right choice?

[KML]

My final 2 picks for a new vehicle this summer came down to the 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum and the 2021 Kia Telluride (since it was out in the market now). A few weeks back I pulled the trigger and placed my order for the 2021 Telluride, Everlasting Silver, SX, Prestige, Nighfall and Tow package (5-6 month wait just like everyone else). I believe I made the best choice based on my research at the time plus the Telly looks way better than the Highlander.

However, after scanning through this forum, I wonder if I really did make the best choice. I have several family members that have Toyota SUV's and in the last 5-8 years they have not spent a penny over oil changes and other scheduled maintenance.

This forum has lots of threads about windshields that crack so easily and even within the first month or so of getting their new Telly. Over the last 10 years I never had to replace the windshield in my Acadia. The next big thread is on the paint that easily chips in the front end and people are looking at installing protective film. My Acadia is white and even living in the Midwest, the front end paint still looks new. The other topic is on batteries that die just shortly after leaving the lot. There's other issues discussed in this forum but these are the big 3.

I make it sound like I should just go buy another Acadia but the truth is I loved the look of the Acadia but in the last 5 years I've spent a small fortune keeping the engine and drivetrain operational. I'm in the shop at least every 6 months for one thing or another - really became a piece of crap vehicle.

Are the Telly windshield, paint and battery issues just a few odd cases from the first year models or are more of you experiencing these types of issues with your new 2021 Telluride? Any Kia dealers in this forum? I would love to get your feedback. I wouldn't be happy, but I won't mind losing my $1000 deposit if it avoids me from buying a lemon .

(Sorry for a lengthy message. Was not my original intent.)

 

[Karen]

My final 2 picks for a new vehicle this summer came down to the 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum and the 2021 Kia Telluride (since it was out in the market now). A few weeks back I pulled the trigger and placed my order for the 2021 Telluride, Everlasting Silver, SX, Prestige, Nighfall and Tow package (5-6 month wait just like everyone else). I believe I made the best choice based on my research at the time plus the Telly looks way better than the Highlander.

However, after scanning through this forum, I wonder if I really did make the best choice. I have several family members that have Toyota SUV's and in the last 5-8 years they have not spent a penny over oil changes and other scheduled maintenance.

This forum has lots of threads about windshields that crack so easily and even within the first month or so of getting their new Telly. Over the last 10 years I never had to replace the windshield in my Acadia. The next big thread is on the paint that easily chips in the front end and people are looking at installing protective film. My Acadia is white and even living in the Midwest, the front end paint still looks new. The other topic is on batteries that die just shortly after leaving the lot. There's other issues discussed in this forum but these are the big 3.

I make it sound like I should just go buy another Acadia but the truth is I loved the look of the Acadia but in the last 5 years I've spent a small fortune keeping the engine and drivetrain operational. I'm in the shop at least every 6 months for one thing or another - really became a piece of crap vehicle.

Are the Telly windshield, paint and battery issues just a few odd cases from the first year models or are more of you experiencing these types of issues with your new 2021 Telluride? Any Kia dealers in this forum? I would love to get your feedback. I wouldn't be happy, but I won't mind losing my $1000 deposit if it avoids me from buying a lemon .

(Sorry for a lengthy message. Was not my original intent.)

I know what you mean! I bought my Telluride SXP last year in September and have had no issues with it. Then I started reading this forum and it makes me nervous about purchasing mine. This is my first Kia and I have always owned Toyota 4Runners. I think they are playing catch up on production and forgoing the QC.

 

[KML]

I know what you mean! I bought my Telluride SXP last year in September and have had no issues with it. Then I started reading this forum and it makes me nervous about purchasing mine. This is my first Kia and I have always owned Toyota 4Runners. I think they are playing catch up on production and forgoing the QC.

I know, right! Glad to hear you have been issue free since last year.

 

[alexdrums]

A defective windshield will be replaced for free by Kia, as will the battery under warranty. The Telluride will not be as reliable as a Toyota, but for a first/second year vehicle it is doing remarkably well. If you want the most reliable car possible, yes you made a mistake. If you want a badass looking/working and practical SUV that might have a couple of issues here and there—no you didn’t.

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[KML]

A defective windshield will be replaced for free by Kia, as will the battery under warranty. The Telluride will not be as reliable as a Toyota, but for a first/second year vehicle it is doing remarkably well. If you want the most reliable car possible, yes you made a mistake. If you want a badass looking/working and practical SUV that might have a couple of issues here and there—no you didn’t.

Thanks for your feedback. I know the issues mentioned will most likely be covered by the warranty but if the windshield breaks or the battery dies while on a family trip 200 miles from home, that would be annoying and not right for a new vehicle - a $50,000 vehicle. Agree with the badass looks - that's why I ordered it

Should issues happen, I'm just not looking forward to hearing from my friends and family "told you so...." as most everyone said "your buying a Telluride? a Kia? Why?" I very much want to prove them wrong as I believe Kia is scaring the crap out of the competition that have been building SUV's for 15+ years.

 

[jeffo65]

I have had my 2020 Telluride since April 1, 2019. I have almost 20,000 miles on mine and have not had any of the issues that you mention. My decision also came down to the Highlander and Telluride. I believe I made the correct choice.

 

[RyanATX]

The GDI engine is my biggest concern, Toyota’s are known to last 300-400k miles, not going to keep my telluride that long but I don’t expect a GDI to last beyond 150-200k, with carbon build up I just don’t know how that’s possible

 

[KML]

I have had my 2020 Telluride since April 1, 2019. I have almost 20,000 miles on mine and have not had any of the issues that you mention. My decision also came down to the Highlander and Telluride. I believe I made the correct choice.

I definitely like hearing you've had no issues. Thanks for your reply.

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[ccorry21]

My final 2 picks for a new vehicle this summer came down to the 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum and the 2021 Kia Telluride (since it was out in the market now). A few weeks back I pulled the trigger and placed my order for the 2021 Telluride, Everlasting Silver, SX, Prestige, Nighfall and Tow package (5-6 month wait just like everyone else). I believe I made the best choice based on my research at the time plus the Telly looks way better than the Highlander.

However, after scanning through this forum, I wonder if I really did make the best choice. I have several family members that have Toyota SUV's and in the last 5-8 years they have not spent a penny over oil changes and other scheduled maintenance.

This forum has lots of threads about windshields that crack so easily and even within the first month or so of getting their new Telly. Over the last 10 years I never had to replace the windshield in my Acadia. The next big thread is on the paint that easily chips in the front end and people are looking at installing protective film. My Acadia is white and even living in the Midwest, the front end paint still looks new. The other topic is on batteries that die just shortly after leaving the lot. There's other issues discussed in this forum but these are the big 3.

I make it sound like I should just go buy another Acadia but the truth is I loved the look of the Acadia but in the last 5 years I've spent a small fortune keeping the engine and drivetrain operational. I'm in the shop at least every 6 months for one thing or another - really became a piece of crap vehicle.

Are the Telly windshield, paint and battery issues just a few odd cases from the first year models or are more of you experiencing these types of issues with your new 2021 Telluride? Any Kia dealers in this forum? I would love to get your feedback. I wouldn't be happy, but I won't mind losing my $1000 deposit if it avoids me from buying a lemon .

(Sorry for a lengthy message. Was not my original intent.)

As far as reliability, I imagine you know Kia’s in the top 10 of most reliable brands (now besting even Honda, which was a surprise to me as a current Honda owner) /link/

It also really depends on what your needs are. Kia is hitting the sweet spot for me because of its warranty, better reliability ratings, overall looks, and most importantly the third row seat. I just can’t spend all that money on a three row SUV and have to cringe when asking adults to sit back there. To me, that’s the Achilles heel of the Highlander...that and I can’t stand it’s external redesign ().
I think you made the right choice, but it’s also true that it’s a slight gamble, given how new the Telly is, and how relatively new Kia is to having a knockout vehicle

 

[PBeeman]

I don’t have mine yet, but I’ve seen many on the road and not one had a cracked windshield.

 

[KML]

As far as reliability, I imagine you know Kia’s in the top 10 of most reliable brands (now besting even Honda, which was a surprise to me as a current Honda owner) /link/

It also really depends on what your needs are. Kia is hitting the sweet spot for me because of its warranty, better reliability ratings, overall looks, and most importantly the third row seat. I just can’t spend all that money on a three row SUV and have to cringe when asking adults to sit back there. To me, that’s the Achilles heel of the Highlander...that and I can’t stand it’s external redesign ().
I think you made the right choice, but it’s also true that it’s a slight gamble, given how new the Telly is, and how relatively new Kia is to having a knockout vehicle

I must have missed the rating - Top 10 and better than Honda - wow. I'm an old Honda owner as well - that car just ran and ran with no issues. My wife voted for the Highlander at the beginning of our new vehicle hunt but after a Telluride test ride, she was sold on Kia. I was surprised she changed her mind . We have dogs and the Highlander cargo area just fit our travel crate but was pushing right up on the rear tailgate glass. The Telluride is a bit larger and I won't have to put down the 2nd row every time I need to put in the crate.

Thanks for your feedback. Hearing directly from Telly owners helps confirm my choice.

 

[NDBlackEX]

I think there's a small group of people on this forum who have had some issues with their cars but remember, this forum is only a smaller percentage of Telluride owners. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone buying a Kia but I'm willing to try something different. I've gone the GM route several times and I guess I'm to the point where I think I'd trust the reliability of Kia over a GM car at this point. I had to start seeing a chiropractor after I was done with GM ownership. The weight of all the extra cash in my wallet was throwing my back out of whack.

I drove some used Sedonas with under 20k during my search. They both had issues so that makes me nervous but the Telluride is a new generation of vehicle for Kia so, hopefully they're better quality.

All I know is, the Toyota Highlander may last 20 years but I don't think I could stand to look at it for 20 minutes.

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[KML]

I think there's a small group of people on this forum who have had some issues with their cars but remember, this forum is only a smaller percentage of Telluride owners. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone buying a Kia but I'm willing to try something different. I've gone the GM route several times and I guess I'm to the point where I think I'd trust the reliability of Kia over a GM car at this point. I had to start seeing a chiropractor after I was done with GM ownership. The weight of all the extra cash in my wallet was throwing my back out of whack.

I drove some used Sedonas with under 20k during my search. They both had issues so that makes me nervous but the Telluride is a new generation of vehicle for Kia so, hopefully they're better quality.

All I know is, the Toyota Highlander may last 20 years but I don't think I could stand to look at it for 20 minutes.

LOL I hear you about Highlander. I told my wife when I selected the Telluride that "it is more me."

I've been all over the different car makers for new vehicles. Everyone had issues that cost me money after the 5 year warranty. That's why I selected Kia with their 10 year warranty. This was a major factor in my decision. My Kia dealer actually offers a lifetime powertrain warranty (as long as they are in business......) and all I have to do is have them do the scheduled maintenance.

Thanks for your comment.

 

[KML]

The GDI engine is my biggest concern, Toyota’s are known to last 300-400k miles, not going to keep my telluride that long but I don’t expect a GDI to last beyond 150-200k, with carbon build up I just don’t know how that’s possible

Let's hope the GDI engine last the top end of your estimate. 120,000 miles works for me.

 

[Peezie]

I already know myself and will want a new car after 4-5 years. If I can keep this car 6-7 years with out no major issues and hit 125-135k Im happy. I know its probably a low expectation but Ive set it at that knowing that it not a Toyota. I would have honestly bought a 4Runner if the safety and infotainment system wasnt so dated.

 

[KML]

I already know myself and will want a new car after 4-5 years. If I can keep this car 6-7 years with out no major issues and hit 125-135k Im happy. I know its probably a low expectation but Ive set it at that knowing that it not a Toyota. I would have honestly bought a 4Runner if the safety and infotainment system wasnt so dated.

I use to change vehicles every 5 years but lately I like to pay off ASAP and have no payments for the next 5+ years. My current Acadia is 10 years old with only 88,000 miles. I would like the same from Kia and the 10 year powertrain warranty should help in the later years.

Thanks for your reply.

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[NDBlackEX]

I would have honestly bought a 4Runner if the safety and infotainment system wasnt so dated.

Hey now, you take that back!

I read somewhere that they're adding auto reverse to the tape deck for 2021.

 

[PassingTime]

When I started looking for a new car in this class about 20 months ago. I literally drove and compared every SUV in this class and several in the larger class SUV's and several classified as luxury SUVs. I had the time and I thought it would be a good time to to that as I never in 50 plus years of car buying I never have done anything like that. I came within days of buying a Subaru until I double checked my list and realized I had not driven quite everything. I had started by thinking I was going to buy a Toyota, my wife has a Camry and it has been trouble free albeit noisy and uncomfortable for me. Boy was I disappointed in the ride, the noise, the technology. Luckily the yearly new car show opened that week and I decided to do a walk through and that is when I saw my first Telluride up close. I left the show and went to the KIA dealer who had just received his first T. I did probably one of the first test drives in this area of the 2020 model and immediately knew this was going to be the one to get. IMO after driving virtually every other SUV this is the best choice and it has a warranty better than most. So now I am waiting for mine to be built.

 

[NDBlackEX]

When I started looking for a new car in this class about 20 months ago. I literally drove and compared every SUV in this class and several in the larger class SUV's and several classified as luxury SUVs. I had the time and I thought it would be a good time to to that as I never in 50 plus years of car buying I never have done anything like that. I came within days of buying a Subaru until I double checked my list and realized I had not driven quite everything. Luckily the yearly new car show opened that week and I decided to do a walk through and that is when I saw my first Telluride up close. I left the show and went to the KIA dealer who had just received his first T. I did probably one of the first test drives in this area of the 2020 model and immediately knew this was going to be the one to get. IMO after driving virtually every other SUV this is the best choice and it has a warranty better than most. So now I am waiting for mine to be built.

Similar to my story. I never cared much for the 3 row crossover segment. I figured that if you needed 7 passenger seating, vans and full size SUVs were much more comfortable. Vans are the best value and most comfortable. 3rd rows were mostly unusable outside of young kids in the crossovers.

I met the Telluride at the auto show and drove one of the first two the local dealer had afterward. It was so much more spacious than most 3 row crossovers. I then, loving the car but not knowing if I could trust Kia, went on a test driving rampage to see if it could be topped.

I was down to the Telly, Odyssey and Traverse in that order. Odyssey nearly won, most bang for your buck and a killer stereo in the Elite but I wanted something different. The Traverse is roomy and looks good but it didn't feel like a $40k+ vehicle inside and I thought the minivan sized rear doors ought to slide. I'd also danced with Chevy in the past and well, we crashed into the stage and took out the band. I think their quality has only gotten worse since then.

 

[MarcinTexas]

@KML I have owned two Honda's, a Cadillac, Mazda, Nissan, Mercury and a Chevy. The two most unreliable cars I have owned was my 2005 Cadillac CTS 3.6 Sport and my wife's current car - a 2011 Honda Odyssey EXL. The most reliable has been my 2015 Chevy SS and 1996 Mercury Cougar. I buy cars and tend to keep them 8-10 years - so reliability is important. But so is the warranty. Thankfully we purchased an 8-year warranty on our Odyssey. During the warranty period we had nearly $18K of work done on it. We kept it because it was paid for and we kept thinking - surely this is the last major repair we will have to cover. I say all that to point out that you can have winners and losers with any brand. The thing that sealed the deal for the Telluride SXP we have on order was looking at the competition (interior quality and overall design) and the warranty. After the experience we have had with the Odyssey - I wouldn't buy another car without an extended warranty - and I sure as heck wouldn't buy another Honda. If you look at the quality ratings - Honda keeps slipping while Hyundai/KIA/Genesis keep rising. The overall design of the Telluride is world class for the price point. And it is assembled very well.

As for the cracked windshield - that was a known issue for some early production Tellurides and KIA replaced the windows for free and changed the manufacturing/parts for the windshield and it hasn't been an issue since.

Every car will have issues - life isn't risk free. But at this point - I would rather buy a vehicle from a company that is pulling out all the stops to win new buyers than one that mails in their design effort (Honda/Toyota) and expects you to buy their product because in the 80's and 90's they had better quality than anyone else in the world. Honestly - I think Hyundai/KIA/Genesis is aiming to take the quality crown from the Japanese. Every new deign they put out is worlds better in overall design and quality than the previous effort and just about everything else in its class.