Need a backup plan - Recommended alternative makes/models to Telluride SXP?

[rkj001]

I am anticipating that I may get tired of waiting for my SX AWD-P/T order to transfer from Kdealer to KFOS. I was hoping that would happen during the Oct KFOS window since my dealer previously got 4-5 SX AWD allocations in previous months and I was #8 on list for an SX AWD allocation at end of Aug, but they only got 2 SX AWD allocations for Sept, so now who knows how long it will take. I will definitely keep watching Failcat and looking for opportunities there, but I am starting to think about alternative makes and models.

Does anyone have detailed experience comparing GMC Acadia Denali and/or Cadillac XT6 to Telluride SXP? Any other recommendations for similar price range given typical discounts that can be found? Based on some things I have read on the various forums, I am also wondering about other possible issues with Kia's such as production quality control, quality of service department, etc.

 

[Mweiland]

Interested in a SXPT with night back in either black or black copper?

 

[rkj001]

In this thread, I am primarily interested to hear from folks that have detailed experience comparing GMC Acadia Denali and/or Cadillac XT6 to Telluride SXP as well as any other recommendations for makes/models in similar price range given typical discounts that can be found. As I mentioned, in addition to the difficulties in purchasing a Telluride configured as desired, I also have some concerns about overall Kia build quality, quality of service department, reliability, etc. that are giving me some second thoughts.

My specific Telluride order configuration is SX AWD P/T (not interested in Nightfall) in Gravity Gray and black nappa leather interior.

 

[sbmtka]

In this thread, I am primarily interested to hear from folks that have detailed experience comparing GMC Acadia Denali and/or Cadillac XT6 to Telluride SXP as well as any other recommendations for makes/models in similar price range given typical discounts that can be found. As I mentioned, in addition to the difficulties in purchasing a Telluride configured as desired, I also have some concerns about overall Kia build quality, quality of service department, reliability, etc. that are giving me some second thoughts.

My specific Telluride order configuration is SX AWD P/T (not interested in Nightfall) in Gravity Gray and black nappa leather interior.

Is cargo capacity a serious consideration or is it more about tech/features? The Acadia/XT6 is much smaller than the Telluride (~12-13 cu.ft. of cargo room vs 21 cu.ft. in the Telluride behind the 3rd row).

We too are still having concerns about the overall Kia "ecosystem" and I'm wondering how much of that is valid vs. just a product of the wait and additional time to over-think things. The Telluride is good enough to get a loyal Honda family to potentially switch brands but I'm nervous about the long-term reliability and dealer/service network.

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[bcjenkins]

Why wouldn't you look at the Hyundai Palisade? The Calligraphy trim starts at ~$48K and there's more competition from dealers on it. For me, I enjoyed the interior but my wife couldn't get past the front exterior styling.

 

[rkj001]

Good to know about the reduced cargo capacity of Acadia/XT6. I need to do a more thorough comparison.

Neither my wife or I can really get past the front exterior of the Palisade.

 

[Cmsharp]

The Acadia was much smaller. Third row is a joke. Volkswagon Atlas seemed like the closet match in size/seating, but the interior felt spartan.

 

[MarcinTexas]

In this thread, I am primarily interested to hear from folks that have detailed experience comparing GMC Acadia Denali and/or Cadillac XT6 to Telluride SXP as well as any other recommendations for makes/models in similar price range given typical discounts that can be found. As I mentioned, in addition to the difficulties in purchasing a Telluride configured as desired, I also have some concerns about overall Kia build quality, quality of service department, reliability, etc. that are giving me some second thoughts.

My specific Telluride order configuration is SX AWD P/T (not interested in Nightfall) in Gravity Gray and black nappa leather interior.

This is the exact configuration I have on order. I looked at the Acadia Denali and XT6 as optional replacements...the problem with both of them is the size. The third row and storage behind is much smaller than the Telluride. With three kids between 9 and 15 - we needed something larger. I will say both of those are nice options and this summer good deals could have been had on both. I was tempted - but ultimately I decided to hold out for the Telluride. I really like the XT6 for what it is...but getting one with with the options I wanted (even with the discounts would have cost $10K more) than the SXP/T I have on order at MSRP.

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[KML]

I am anticipating that I may get tired of waiting for my SX AWD-P/T order to transfer from Kdealer to KFOS. I was hoping that would happen during the Oct KFOS window since my dealer previously got 4-5 SX AWD allocations in previous months and I was #8 on list for an SX AWD allocation at end of Aug, but they only got 2 SX AWD allocations for Sept, so now who knows how long it will take. I will definitely keep watching Failcat and looking for opportunities there, but I am starting to think about alternative makes and models.

Does anyone have detailed experience comparing GMC Acadia Denali and/or Cadillac XT6 to Telluride SXP? Any other recommendations for similar price range given typical discounts that can be found? Based on some things I have read on the various forums, I am also wondering about other possible issues with Kia's such as production quality control, quality of service department, etc.

I too questioned ordering my Telluride back in August after reading the threads in this forum but realized there's a gamble on any new vehicle. Kia does have a 10 year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and my Kia dealer includes a lifetime (as long as they are in business) powertrain warranty with all new vehicle purchases. You can't beat that!

I'm trading in my 2010 Acadia for the 2021 SXP/N/T. The Acadia is a great looking SUV but for the last 5 years, as soon as the 5 year warranty period was up, I spent a small fortune trying to keep it alive. Timing belt was $3,500 alone - known issue but I didn't know it at the time, then air conditioning unit, struts, door electrical panel, and sounds like the muffler could be next ...... time to say good-bye to GMC.

I'm looking forward to getting my Telly in 3 weeks.

 

[PassingTime]

Good to know about the reduced cargo capacity of Acadia/XT6. I need to do a more thorough comparison.

Neither my wife or I can really get past the front exterior of the Palisade.

Suck up the $1300 add on for the Nightfall Sh*t and jump to the front of the line!

 

[GregS]

My research was anchored from consumerreports.org, which is comprehensive and thorough, with a weighting towards price and overall value. I assume most folks who would join this forum would check that out already, but I thought it worth mentioning. Then I rounded out my purchase decision based on other sources, like this forum, and reviews on the web. I ended up waiting for my specific T-ride trim from a Denver dealer for 6 weeks, then finally gave in and paid $3K over MSRP for the exact vehicle I wanted from a KS dealership I found on cars.com, and paid $420 to have it delivered to my home. Good luck.

 

[YEH]

Unlike the Atlas (among the worst), the Telluride has been faring better in Consumer Reports reliability feedback from owners.

The closest thing to the Telluride sans the Palisade is the Ascent (but T4 and more drab looks), but there have been issues with Subie as well, and don't think that they are being discounted too much like others in the segment (Atlas, etc.).

There's also the Pilot (also drab looks + drab interior), but it also had its issues, (in particular, the transmission); think most of the kinks have been worked out by now.

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[noles1983]

My buddy is a professional mechanic that works for the City of San Antonio, he says to run away from the Acadia. They apparently have huge issues with engine/drivetrains. The truth is, literally every other vehicle in the class is in one way, shape, or form, inferior to the Telluride overall. The Atlas more room, but a garbage interior. The CX-9 has a wonderful interior, but a near useless 3rd row. Acadia? Hard pass for reliability issues. There is a reason those things are dirt cheap in comparison. Toyota and Honda have fallen behind in regards to features and technology. They have been coasting on their reliability reputation for far too long.

 

[gman1868]

Why not try to use failcat to find a dealer that has something you want that isn't claimed? Takes some work but others have had success.

 

[jinrsvl]

The Acadia was much smaller. Third row is a joke. Volkswagon Atlas seemed like the closet match in size/seating, but the interior felt spartan.

I looked at them all and will second this comment. If interior space is a consideration, the Atlas is a VERY strong option let down only by the interior design.

 

[MarcinTexas]

I looked at them all and will second this comment. If interior space is a consideration, the Atlas is a VERY strong option let down only by the interior design.

The Atlas and Explorer are competing for the most hard plastic with sharp edges and hollow sounds in an SUV interior. The Atlas at least has a more cohesive design than the Explorer.

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[Frankie Knuckles]

I too questioned ordering my Telluride back in August after reading the threads in this forum but realized there's a gamble on any new vehicle. Kia does have a 10 year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and my Kia dealer includes a lifetime (as long as they are in business) powertrain warranty with all new vehicle purchases. You can't beat that!

I'm trading in my 2010 Acadia for the 2021 SXP/N/T. The Acadia is a great looking SUV but for the last 5 years, as soon as the 5 year warranty period was up, I spent a small fortune trying to keep it alive. Timing belt was $3,500 alone - known issue but I didn't know it at the time, then air conditioning unit, struts, door electrical panel, and sounds like the muffler could be next ...... time to say good-bye to GMC.

I'm looking forward to getting my Telly in 3 weeks.

This^