Is Telluride the next great cult-like following vehicle?

[JimJamz2]

As a former Jeep owner one of the things I loved about it is that you don’t just own a car...you join a lifestyle fraternity. VW bug and Subaru have similar loyal followings.

Telluride seems to have some of those traits...highly popular (to the point of being difficult to purchase) ...somewhat unique styling...and has a certain personality that separates it from the world full of generic SUVs. Does it have what it takes to reach cult-like following status?

 

[CAsuKiHy]

In my country SUV we call Jeep, so any SUV that being big car is called Jeep, so if BMW X5 rolls if you’re not sure to say it’s X5 you say what kind of Jeep is that. This little guy telluride still needs to prove it’s self, and this guy will always be KIA. Jeep and US cars used to be a norm for quality and we will have autonomous cars before this SUV becomes cult. Just my 2c

 

[Tim-in-CA]

Take me to your leader

 

[Tellmeride]

In my country we call SUVs, trucks.

As a proud member of this cult, I would like to find out who my Supreme Leader is.

______________________________

 

[whyidie]

[devils advocate]

I don't see it happening. No offroad capability so that crowds out. The driving dynamics are a step up from a Pilot. Design wise its nice, but not quirky enough like the bug...which is why we all love the Telluride, its not too out there.

Subarus made their name by being a humble yet capable car, really ahead of the AWD curve. In terms of how they marketed themselves, they were practically the opposite of the "bull in mud" commercial.

So what is the Kia ethos ? Judging by Kias commercials/end product "looks rugged but isn't, passengers thrilled, driver satisfied". Its a sweet, rugged looking, well appointed - minivan. I don't mean that as a slight, just saying it doesn't offer a lot more capability.

Don't get me wrong, I'll proudly fly the flag, but I don't know that cults are built around sweet looks, great interior, and average driving dynamics/offroad capabilities. I'd say Kia is trending towards Hondas vs Toyota.

They'll be ubiquitous but not cultish.

[/devils advocate]

 

[13_FST]

[devils advocate]

I don't see it happening. No offroad capability so that crowds out. The driving dynamics are a step up from a Pilot. Design wise its nice, but not quirky enough like the bug...which is why we all love the Telluride, its not too out there.

Subarus made their name by being a humble yet capable car, really ahead of the AWD curve. In terms of how they marketed themselves, they were practically the opposite of the "bull in mud" commercial.

So what is the Kia ethos ? Judging by Kias commercials/end product "looks rugged but isn't, passengers thrilled, driver satisfied". Its a sweet, rugged looking, well appointed - minivan. I don't mean that as a slight, just saying it doesn't offer a lot more capability.

Don't get me wrong, I'll proudly fly the flag, but I don't know that cults are built around sweet looks, great interior, and average driving dynamics/offroad capabilities. I'd say Kia is trending towards Hondas vs Toyota.

They'll be ubiquitous but not cultish.

[/devils advocate]

This is extremely well said.

I doubt that there will be a premium over MSRP when the supply increases to satisfy the demand.

 

[Logic717]

This is extremely well said.

I doubt that there will be a premium over MSRP when the supply increases to satisfy the demand.

Agreed with this and banking on it. I’m just waiting for demand to stabilize and will be targeting the non-prestige SX

 

[Joflo0705]

I think it could be if they made some special edition models, a more offroad capable one would be cool, and i think if kia made a preformance model with fatter tires like the x5 and the 3.3t it would make an even bigger splash. They should deff raise the price on it to make it more exclusive. I think kia has a chance to turn its name around if the keep bangin out rides like this.

______________________________

 

[Tellmeride]

A sports division would be a brilliant move. Aka M performance. Telly M with 500hp, 21” w/325 rear rubber, special M colors... damn that would be hot.

 

[Dandy]

I doubt it or really any new car will become cult like, unless it is really unique. Of the newer cars on the road, I could see the KIA Soul having some unique following down the road, or the MINI, but that is unfair because there is already a cult following for the classic Minis - love my classic.

In a couple the examples you used - Jeep, which really references the Willys/Wranglers - VW Bug they had created a cult following LONG ago. Jeep is trying hard to stay as true to the Jeep look/function/lifestyle as they can while still meeting new safety regs. This is largely why the "new" VW Bug and the "new" MINI look so different from the originals, that styling would never meet safety regs. Back in the days of the Willys, originally Wranglers and Bugs there were not as many vehicles available causing them to really stand out. It would take one car that is truly unique in todays market to create a cult like following. Let's face it, this 3 row mid-sized SUV segment is FULL and there are more people jumping into the pool. I don't feel a mainstream, mass produced car will have what it takes to create this.

 

[jazzyone]

[devils advocate]

I don't see it happening. No offroad capability so that crowds out. The driving dynamics are a step up from a Pilot. Design wise its nice, but not quirky enough like the bug...which is why we all love the Telluride, its not too out there.

Subarus made their name by being a humble yet capable car, really ahead of the AWD curve. In terms of how they marketed themselves, they were practically the opposite of the "bull in mud" commercial.

So what is the Kia ethos ? Judging by Kias commercials/end product "looks rugged but isn't, passengers thrilled, driver satisfied". Its a sweet, rugged looking, well appointed - minivan. I don't mean that as a slight, just saying it doesn't offer a lot more capability.

Don't get me wrong, I'll proudly fly the flag, but I don't know that cults are built around sweet looks, great interior, and average driving dynamics/offroad capabilities. I'd say Kia is trending towards Hondas vs Toyota.

They'll be ubiquitous but not cultish.

[/devils advocate]

“No off road capability”? Uh, what do you mean? You obviously didn’t read this...

The Kia Telluride Has Some Serious Off-Road Chops

I didn't expect the Kia to get far on one of the toughest trails in North Carolina. It made it to the top—but not without some drama.

www.popularmechanics.com

 

[Karam.31]

What's makes a car cult like? That is... You love it. Everyone who has this car loves it. Everyone who has seen it wants it. Every review is positive. It is already at the top of the suv rankings but yet it's not mainstream yet or may never be because it's a "kia". Ignorant? maybe. Narrow minded? Probably. Too soon? Sure. Cult it may, cult it will be, cult it is.

______________________________

 

[jazzyone]

What's makes a car cult like? ..............Everyone who has seen it wants it..........Sure. Cult it may, cult it will be, cult it is.

"Everyone who seen it wants it BUT can't get it".....Right now I feel like I was lucky to be in front of the line to get the very first iPhone before anyone else could get it..... ......Sorry for those who are waiting!

 

[whyidie]

“No off road capability”? Uh, what do you mean? You obviously didn’t read this...

The Kia Telluride Has Some Serious Off-Road Chops

I didn't expect the Kia to get far on one of the toughest trails in North Carolina. It made it to the top—but not without some drama.

www.popularmechanics.com

I did, but the first time I saw it I chalked it up to driver skill....give that guy a Pilot and he could do the same thing if he didn't care about scuffing things up a little. I've seen some FWD only vehicles navigating up roads that were rated 4WD only, nevermind AWD.

Having read the article a second time the part below does look rough! Still a little skeptical until someone who knows a lot more about offroading than I do can give me the rundown on AWD locking diff.

 

[jazzyone]

Why you skeptical...just believe! The author was surprised by the off-road prowess of the Telluride many times going up the trail. The only that failed was a flat tire!

Here another example...The 'Ride chassis is really stiff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79VYA-VgkJI&feature=youtu.be

 

[whyidie]

Why you skeptical...just believe! The author was surprised by the off-road prowess of the Telluride many times going up the trail. The only that failed was a flat tire!

Here another example...The 'Ride chassis is really stiff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79VYA-VgkJI&feature=youtu.be

Great site, will be spending some time on that channel! Telluride seemed to handle it a lot better than the CRV :

______________________________