Considering a purchase - EX v S, 2020 v 2021?

[sherbert137]

Hi all - I've been obsessing over this purchase for a couple weeks now, and have called about 45 dealerships on the west coast trying to find the best deal (see below). We're in a pickle because our current lease is up on 8/23, so we need to have a plan in place before or shortly thereafter. Let me set the scene:

• Our current Nissan Rogue, which is a nice car but too small, expires soon, so we need to move on or buy it out
• The Telluride is a highly ranked car, and meet all of our wants and wishes... in the EX trim.
• We're ideally looking for captains chairs, which on the EX requires the premium package.
• I love the amber running lights, currently only on SX although rolling out to 2021 EX Premiums as well (source).
• Dealers throughout the west coast are selling these cars at substantial markups, often 3-10k over MSRP, which I'm not willing to pay. This all seems to stem from the 2020 production line being shut down, therefore supply limited, as well as the award and media frenzy (almost exclusively discussing the SX Prestige package, which we would not be purchasing)
• I've located 5 dealerships in the entire west coast that are offering these cars at MSRP, and only 1 has an EX model coming at the end of July. It's a 2020 model.

Long story short, is the EX worth the additional $3k for over the S for amenities such as leather, backup cam, tri-zone AC controls, installed sun shades (we have kids), quiet mode, etc... I'm having a really tough time with this, and am hoping some current owners can shed some light on the situation to alleviate my decision process.

Also, is it worth waiting for the production to ramp back up for a 2021 EX with the premium package at MSRP in the fall? Do you see that being a feasible option?

All insights are welcome. Thank you!

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Hi all - I've been obsessing over this purchase for a couple weeks now, and have called about 45 dealerships on the west coast trying to find the best deal (see below). We're in a pickle because our current lease is up on 8/23, so we need to have a plan in place before or shortly thereafter. Let me set the scene:

• Our current Nissan Rogue, which is a nice car but too small, expires soon, so we need to move on or buy it out
• The Telluride is a highly ranked car, and meet all of our wants and wishes... in the EX trim.
• We're ideally looking for captains chairs, which on the EX requires the premium package.
• I love the amber running lights, currently only on SX although rolling out to 2021 EX Premiums as well (source).
• Dealers throughout the west coast are selling these cars at substantial markups, often 3-10k over MSRP, which I'm not willing to pay. This all seems to stem from the 2020 production line being shut down, therefore supply limited, as well as the award and media frenzy (almost exclusively discussing the SX Prestige package, which we would not be purchasing)
• I've located 5 dealerships in the entire west coast that are offering these cars at MSRP, and only 1 has an EX model coming at the end of July. It's a 2020 model.

Long story short, is the EX worth the additional $3k for over the S for amenities such as leather, backup cam, tri-zone AC controls, installed sun shades (we have kids), quiet mode, etc... I'm having a really tough time with this, and am hoping some current owners can shed some light on the situation to alleviate my decision process.

Also, is it worth waiting for the production to ramp back up for a 2021 EX with the premium package at MSRP in the fall? Do you see that being a feasible option?

All insights are welcome. Thank you!

Welcome aboard! And thank you for signing up. I'm glad you found us!

 

[smithwales1]

I've located 5 dealerships in the entire west coast that are offering these cars at MSRP

Hi. I’m not sure I can help you with your decision, but I’m also on the west coast. Can you pls list the dealers you found offering MSRP? Thank you and good luck!

 

[TellTastic]

Hi. We haven’t purchased yet, but we’re looking at the EX-P. To us, it’s a no brainer to wait for the ‘21s for the remote start key fob, running lights and LED headlamps. We also want captains chairs, which are standard in the S but the leather (IMO) is much nicer than the SOFINO. Not ‘happy’ about the ~1500 premium add on, but whatever. Plus, the infotainment Additions including nav, the sunshades for the kids (we do to), and the climate control additions.
The EX meets our needs and wants.
fortunately, we can wait. Unfortunately, it seems like you’re in a pickle with a soon-to-expire lease

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[NDBlackEX]

I think the EX is worth the extra money. That's my opinion. I'm getting an EX-P. I was looking at the S but liked some of the features of the EX. The taillights are so blah in the lower trims, that's probably what pushed me over the edge. I usually keep my cars a while so I decided to get more options so I wasn't left wishing I'd gone up a trim.

 

[82angel]

I was debating the same things and landed on the EX-P (the LED headlights reallllly sold me bc the Halogens were getting Crushed in the safety reviews and I need the captain chair bc kids ). Only problem is that I’m in FL and I’m not seeing much in terms of FWD coming across yet (I don’t think I need AWD and would be happy with the extra gas mileage of FWD). And I’m not into the crazy Over MSRP markups that the local dealerships are doing. I’d rather fly/drive or order from somewhere/ship than give thousands of dollars to a dealership just because. Best of luck!

 

[Luvcats69]

Hi all - I've been obsessing over this purchase for a couple weeks now, and have called about 45 dealerships on the west coast trying to find the best deal (see below). We're in a pickle because our current lease is up on 8/23, so we need to have a plan in place before or shortly thereafter. Let me set the scene:

• Our current Nissan Rogue, which is a nice car but too small, expires soon, so we need to move on or buy it out
• The Telluride is a highly ranked car, and meet all of our wants and wishes... in the EX trim.
• We're ideally looking for captains chairs, which on the EX requires the premium package.
• I love the amber running lights, currently only on SX although rolling out to 2021 EX Premiums as well (source).
• Dealers throughout the west coast are selling these cars at substantial markups, often 3-10k over MSRP, which I'm not willing to pay. This all seems to stem from the 2020 production line being shut down, therefore supply limited, as well as the award and media frenzy (almost exclusively discussing the SX Prestige package, which we would not be purchasing)
• I've located 5 dealerships in the entire west coast that are offering these cars at MSRP, and only 1 has an EX model coming at the end of July. It's a 2020 model.

Long story short, is the EX worth the additional $3k for over the S for amenities such as leather, backup cam, tri-zone AC controls, installed sun shades (we have kids), quiet mode, etc... I'm having a really tough time with this, and am hoping some current owners can shed some light on the situation to alleviate my decision process.

Also, is it worth waiting for the production to ramp back up for a 2021 EX with the premium package at MSRP in the fall? Do you see that being a feasible option?

All insights are welcome. Thank you!

The S also has backup camera and quiet mode. For what you get it's not worth paying extra for the EX in my opinion

 

[TellTastic]

The S also has backup camera and quiet mode. For what you get it's not worth paying extra for the EX in my opinion

The S is an exceptional value if it meets your needs. And yes, it does have a backup cam.
I guess it’s up to you as to whether or not you think it’s worth the extra $. For us, we intend to keep the vehicle for a while and the leather was one of the S to EX upgrades that sold us.

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[NDBlackEX]

The S is an exceptional value if it meets your needs. And yes, it does have a backup cam.
I guess it’s up to you as to whether or not you think it’s worth the extra $. For us, we intend to keep the vehicle for a while and the leather was one of the S to EX upgrades that sold us.

I sat in the S a few days ago. I snapped this picture of the top of the seat. The longevity and quality of the Sofino seats is of concern to me. I test drove one once that had about 1000 miles on it and the drivers seat looked like it had about 50,000 miles on it.

 

[TellTastic]

I sat in the S a few days ago. I snapped this picture of the top of the seat. The longevity and quality of the Sofino seats is of concern to me. I test drove one once that had about 1000 miles on it and the drivers seat looked like it had about 50,000 miles on it.View attachment 8330

my thoughts exactly. I’m not sure how the leatherette will hold up. That reason alone, imo, is worth the extra $$ if one can afford it. Unfortunately, if you need/want captains chairs like we do, tack on another ~1600 on top. So if $$ is of concern, the S may be the ‘right’ vehicle. Just my .02

Hope this helps OP @sherbert137 ! good luck!

 

[Luvcats69]

I sat in the S a few days ago. I snapped this picture of the top of the seat. The longevity and quality of the Sofino seats is of concern to me. I test drove one once that had about 1000 miles on it and the drivers seat looked like it had about 50,000 miles on it.View attachment 8330

How is the quality of leather any better than sofo? The fit and finish between the two should be identical. Sofo is easier to clean and maintain, especially if you have kids. The leather isn't anything that's luxury car level, so why bother, imo.

 

[TellTastic]

How is the quality of leather any better than sofo? The fit and finish between the two should be identical. Sofo is easier to clean and maintain, especially if you have kids. The leather isn't anything that's luxury car level, so why bother, imo.

Personally, we had a bad experience with a synthetic leather couch. The flaking of the leather over time was too much for me to handle. Also looked more worn down. In the vehicle, the wife sat in both trims and, to her, the leather felt more comfortable. It also breathes more. That’s enough for me.

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[NDBlackEX]

Personally, we had a bad experience with a synthetic leather couch. The flaking of the leather over time was too much for me to handle. Also looked more worn down. In the vehicle, the wife sat in both trims and, to her, the leather felt more comfortable. It also breathes more. That’s enough for me.

I think the leather is thicker material. It feels that way to me when I compare the two.

 

[lazyengineer]

From all the non-official hearsay I can find; there is zero actual difference between a 2021 and a 2020; aside from a few extra color options. No changes in any of the systems such as engine, power train, AWD, or really anything. I have zero confirmation on that, and am curious what we really see once the 2021 actually comes out; as that would be a rather amazing for the 2nd year production to be identical to the first year production. That said, from all accounts, experiences, and observations, the number of "needs to be fixed" items on the 2020 is low; quite remarkably low, actually. My own list of of things I'd change:

1) The child-lock button is placed such that it's easy to inadvertently activate
2) The Lane Keeping Assist alarm settings are too sensitive; making it into a nuisance alarm that people are just going to turn off - which undermines the safety advantage of the system.
3) Apparently the windshields are extra fragile. Not sure what the deal is on that, but I'm getting mine free-factory replaced, as it already had a crack in it, at 10 miles at the dealership when I got it; and apparently they are cracking faster than other brands - or so someone said. Going forward, I lowered my insurance deductible in anticipation of this, just in case (these windshields aren't cheap).
4) It would be nice if they had an angle/tilt monitor display overlaid as well,, in addition to the AWD power distribution display screen.
5) By some Youtube on-line reviews, the AWD power control systems could be better; though maybe not - tough to say and comment on that. I haven't really given mine a workout. Also, remember, for AWD to really shine in off-road usage conditions, one should drop tire pressure down to about 15 PSI, which none of the reviewers do. (as a public service follow-up on that: don't drive it on the road at 15 psi when you're done - so bring a field compressor if you do that).
6) They should have put a MicroSD card slot in the Harmon Kardon sound system, so you can have a media drive in the machine. Only having one data USB plug isn't a great design choice.

All of that is minor and nickpicky; and none of that has been addressed in the 2021 release. Point being, there's little reason I can find to wait for a 2021 model - if you have a 2020 one with what you want before you.

Regarding what trim level, most reviews note that the value savings increases with increased trim level. So while the EX line is crazy-good value for the money. Stepping up to the SX line, gives one the luxury and features of considerably more expensive alternative models, at a KIA price. I'd get the highest package trim level you can afford.