Help me decide if the Telluride is a good fit.

[Trailblazer]

I work in a Kia dealership as a warranty admin. I had been eyeing the Tellurides since they first started coming in. But once I finally drove one I fell madly in love and bought one. It really is a smooth and comfortable ride. Way different from the previous Kia's I've owned. And it has great handling. Great turning radius, easy to park and maneuver. And it's very quiet. I love that feel higher up like I'm in a big vehicle without the clunky-truck feeling. I've owned it 3 weeks now and I'm STILL catching myself saying "damn that's a smooth ride!" LOL!

You really need to find one to test drive. I totally understand why and how the dealers cant keep them on the lot. Everybody wants one. Currently my dealership has 3 on the lot, none of which are for sale (mine, a coworkers, and our general managers demo.)

Thank you for taking the time to share details. Driving around the block is way different from interstate and tight turns in parking lots. . Do you feel like the seats are higher than other crossovers? I’m wondering how easily elderly or shorter people can get in.

 

[Trailblazer]

I don't know one company that would not have some people that says that. I know people that work for apple, that would never buy an apple product. I know people that work with microsoft that would never use windows. I know people that work with intel that would never buy an intel product. I know car salesmen that work for honda that own toyotas and would never buy a honda. It really does not shock me. And at no point would I consider their opinion in buying a car.
Why?
When you are 3 inches away from a product, you see all the flaws that when you are 3 feet away you would never notice.

If you allow yourself to dive deep enough into any product, you will find problems. Subaru, honda, toyota, hyundai, kia, ford, chevy, ect.... If you make people that building the car not wanting to drive them a requirement, you would not drive a car.

Great point!

 

[Trailblazer]

If you are looking for comfort / quiet ride you will find it in the Telluride. I went to lunch with some coworkers the other day and they both commented that they wanted to stay in the car and go to sleep when we got back.
my last car was a crv and the telluride definitely feels bigger but it's not in your face big.

I test drove a 2018 highlander hybrid and can say theres no comparison with regards to how the interior "feels".
That said I am worried about a few things related to quality that may make you lean towards other options:

1. being the 1st year guinea pig
2. quality and durability of interior finishes. you can see my other thread about an issue with the arm rest leather discoloration. Also the leather at the corners appears sketchy. I missed all these things during the test drive.
3. potential long term issues with GDI engine.
4. Kia quality vs Toyota quality.

My only complaints other than #2 (dealer is ordering a new arm rest), is the FM reception seems worse than my old crv.
My favorite feature so far that I wasn't expecting is the cruise control. it makes my long stop and go commute a little more enjoyable.

My favorite car ever was my 2005 Murano that went through two of my kids and ran great when we sold it with 240,000 miles. I’ve narrowed my choices to the Highlander, Telluride or the Murano. I don’t have to have the 3rd seat, but darn the Telluride looks great. Currently I’m in a older Lincoln Navigator that still looks & drives great, but I’m ready for the new technology.

 

[Vietvet]

I am not an auto engineer but what I glean is this..


Not all NEW..

Tried and true Sorrento fram...

Motor is a reworked older type that is Direct FI..

Load Leveler is same as Chevy and Volvo shocks..

There is a lot of well working mechanics in the T-Ride.

Issues seem to be in the Electronic Gee Gaws and that is an issue with ALL car companies. There were even issues when the Tri-Five Chevys (55-56-57) came out even though the changes were mostly Body/interior. The T-Ride has only been out a while... I am willing to wait and see... Do I have skin in this game? Yup..you betcha...hopefully soon to be delivered...SX AWD Prestige with tow. I have 6 weeks into the wait and hoping no more than 6 more. I promise not to bitch if I find a loose screw or have electronic problem that requires a trip to the dealer.

I have to wonder... How many of us have dumped about a quarter Mill on a new home only to find....OMG...it isn't perfect and needed the builder to come back. Did that make the home uninhabitable and did you sell it?? Even our kids don't all come perfect from the "factory" at times...