New Member Intro (Telluride Product Planner answering product-related questions)

[Tuxedo Tellie]

Hello everyone!

I am a Kia corporate employee and started reading the threads on this website to gather reactions/feedback on the Telluride.

I am the Telluride Product Planner so I will try to contribute as much as I can by answering product-related questions.

Thank you everyone that have purchased a Telluride and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed developing and planning it!

Cheers!

It would be great if the steering wheel stack had electronically controlled adjustment which would also allow for automatic raising of it when the engine is turned off and the driver door opened.

 

[mikeg112]

@310TELLURIDER it's great to have you board, thanks for helping us with product questions! I do have ONE burning question that would help me in buying the SX w/ factory tow package. I started a thread here where the manual states 351 pounds for the maximum tongue weight, although the car has a 5,000 max tow capacity with tow brakes. Both the Sorento AWD V6 and it's sister car the Santa Fe LWB V6 have a 5,000 lb tow/500 tongue weight capacity, so I'm thinking it might be...

1. A typo from the 4 cylinder Sorento manual
2. It does 500 lb tongue weight with the self-leveling suspension
3. (what I dread) it's really only 351 lb tongue weight even with the factory tow package.

Any light you can shed would be much appreciated, I would really like it to tow a 3,500 lb travel trailer that has approx 400 lb tongue weight, so this would be the perfect tow vehicle for me to purchase. Thanks for joining the forum!

BONUS: Any info or documentation you can provide on the self leveling suspension would be great, whether it's operated via on-screen menu, dash button, etc.

 

[arckal]

Thanks for joining @310TELLURIDER, here are my questions:
1) Remote Start from Key fob: how to get remote start from Key fob and why it was missed, was there any technical reason? Some one has reported that dealer can program key combinations to get remote start functionality.
2) Kia Connect App defaults to Pacific Time with no way of changing time settings (this is causing UVO remote start schedule on pacific time). I guess this could be fixed in upcoming software fix?
3) In-car Weather App requires HD signal work on only HD radio station, some of the cities still does not has that kind of broadcasting, so for those who does not could weather information be loaded from connected smartphone UVO app or something, again this could be a smart fix via software?

 

[Cbx]

Hello everyone!

I am a Kia corporate employee and started reading the threads on this website to gather reactions/feedback on the Telluride.

I am the Telluride Product Planner so I will try to contribute as much as I can by answering product-related questions.

Thank you everyone that have purchased a Telluride and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed developing and planning it!

Cheers!

First thank you for your time and responses to all these questions. Sorry if this question is misdirected but I have to ask if you have any insight on why the headlight design from the concept car didn't make it to the production design. I thought the rectangular and recessed profile of the concept design headlights looked timeless and refined setting it apart from all other suvs out there. Any thoughts why it didn't make it into production? Cost savings, poor aerodynamics or just a styling decision and everyone else hated it?? LOL.

______________________________

 

[Chwtom]

We have had difficulty getting answers about the towing package. An suv claiming 5000 pound towing capacity should have a 7 pin connector. This allows for trailer brakes, which are needed at that weight. Does the telluride tow package have a 4 or 7 pin connector?

 

[BanditLover]

Hello everyone!

I am a Kia corporate employee and started reading the threads on this website to gather reactions/feedback on the Telluride.

I am the Telluride Product Planner so I will try to contribute as much as I can by answering product-related questions.

Thank you everyone that have purchased a Telluride and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed developing and planning it!

Cheers!

Since 5G is starting to come out this year, any update on how that might be incorporated into the Telluride or other Kia vehicles? Thank you for joining and making yourself available to the forum.

 

[310TELLURIDER]

Please see my response below:

1 ... thanks for investigating
2 ... someone mentioned if HDA is enabled it is possible. However, if this comes afterwards would be great as a free FW upgrade a la Tesla.
3 ... I guess I’ll have to see what happens when I hit the year mark
4 ... Please see the link below. Kia makes this as a carpet mat, would be good if it were molded plastic/rubber so split functionality of the 3rd row isn’t lost with protection.

- Kia 2020 Telluride Accessory - Riverside Kia

- Riverside Kia

ca211.kiaaccessoryguide.com

5 ... IMHO an accessory of this type could forgo between seat in/egress. There is an alternative method using the seat back button to exit; however if this becomes a safety isue I understand the need

FYI. I’m not far from HQ, I’m near the Spectrum in Irvine if you’re ever looking for direct feedback. I’ve owned (and still own) multiple $100+ vehicles and came away very impressed with the Telluride — my first Kia. I couldn’t justify the $100K price for an X7 over the value of the Telluride. Great job. I believe I gave you a shout out well before you came on to the forum.

1. No problem!
2. Will need to consider as a future improvement point, if possible.
4. I've inquired with the Accessories team. Most likely already in development (hopefully).
5. Agreed and will consider as a future improvement item.

I may have to take you up on that offer. Thank you for the kind words. The goal for the Telluride was to punch above and beyond its segment and it is GREAT to see that the product has convinced you to choose it over the X7. Many of the Telluride's segment 1st features are only found in luxury SUVs (e.g., Rear Ventilated Seats, Self-Leveling Rear Suspension, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision –Avoidance Assist).

Again, thank you for the positive words and purchasing the Telluride!

 

[310TELLURIDER]

It would be great if the steering wheel stack had electronically controlled adjustment which would also allow for automatic raising of it when the engine is turned off and the driver door opened.

Already on the consideration list! Thank you for the input!

______________________________

 

[310TELLURIDER]

@310TELLURIDER it's great to have you board, thanks for helping us with product questions! I do have ONE burning question that would help me in buying the SX w/ factory tow package. I started a thread here where the manual states 351 pounds for the maximum tongue weight, although the car has a 5,000 max tow capacity with tow brakes. Both the Sorento AWD V6 and it's sister car the Santa Fe LWB V6 have a 5,000 lb tow/500 tongue weight capacity, so I'm thinking it might be...

1. A typo from the 4 cylinder Sorento manual
2. It does 500 lb tongue weight with the self-leveling suspension
3. (what I dread) it's really only 351 lb tongue weight even with the factory tow package.

Any light you can shed would be much appreciated, I would really like it to tow a 3,500 lb travel trailer that has approx 400 lb tongue weight, so this would be the perfect tow vehicle for me to purchase. Thanks for joining the forum!

BONUS: Any info or documentation you can provide on the self leveling suspension would be great, whether it's operated via on-screen menu, dash button, etc.

1. Tongue weight: Double checking on this but yes, 351lbs is what is currently listed.
2. Self Leveling Rear Suspension: Operates automatically - The rear suspension automatically raises the ride-height when vehicle is loaded, improving both control and stability.

Thank you for your interest in the Telluride!

 

[310TELLURIDER]

Thanks for joining @310TELLURIDER, here are my questions:
1) Remote Start from Key fob: how to get remote start from Key fob and why it was missed, was there any technical reason? Some one has reported that dealer can program key combinations to get remote start functionality.
2) Kia Connect App defaults to Pacific Time with no way of changing time settings (this is causing UVO remote start schedule on pacific time). I guess this could be fixed in upcoming software fix?
3) In-car Weather App requires HD signal work on only HD radio station, some of the cities still does not has that kind of broadcasting, so for those who does not could weather information be loaded from connected smartphone UVO app or something, again this could be a smart fix via software?

1) Remote start is enabled by the UVO app.
2) I will let the team know.
3) I will let the team know.

Thank you for the questions!

 

[arckal]

1) Remote start is enabled by the UVO app.
2) I will let the team know.
3) I will let the team know.

Thank you for the questions!

1) Remote start is enabled by the UVO app.: I guess I wanted to know is it possible to re program the remote with Key combination to remote start the vehicle? Because UVO app is not free after one year, and this vehicle itself has all latest greatest techs then why missed this basic thing?

 

[310TELLURIDER]

First thank you for your time and responses to all these questions. Sorry if this question is misdirected but I have to ask if you have any insight on why the headlight design from the concept car didn't make it to the production design. I thought the rectangular and recessed profile of the concept design headlights looked timeless and refined setting it apart from all other suvs out there. Any thoughts why it didn't make it into production? Cost savings, poor aerodynamics or just a styling decision and everyone else hated it?? LOL.

Great question and great comments. I really liked the headlight design from the concept car as well. I agree with you - they are both timeless and refined.
Long story short, both the concept and the current (production) front ends were evaluated and the majority chose the latter.

______________________________

 

[310TELLURIDER]

We have had difficulty getting answers about the towing package. An suv claiming 5000 pound towing capacity should have a 7 pin connector. This allows for trailer brakes, which are needed at that weight. Does the telluride tow package have a 4 or 7 pin connector?

4-way trailer connector.

Thank you for the suggestion on the 7-way.

 

[Cbx]

Great question and great comments. I really liked the headlight design from the concept car as well. I agree with you - they are both timeless and refined.
Long story short, both the concept and the current (production) front ends were evaluated and the majority chose the latter.

Ahhh that kills me to think that it actually could have been. That one change made me go from wanting to buy 10 of them to just maybe 1. But you can't please everyone. Who knows maybe it will get a facelift in the future. Thank you again for your time and response.

 

[tallLeRoy]

Thank you for your reply to my earlier comment about the dimming outside mirrors. They have been on my last five top trim cars from Toyota, Honda and Hyundai.

On another matter. I am 6'8" tall, my wife is 5'3" tall. We both need to drive and be comfortable as front seat passengers in our cars. We often travel to Chicago from Atlanta by car. The trip takes about 14 hours with stops for rest, food and fuel. We split the driving on this long day.

Seating for the driver needs to have a broad range. It need to go down far enough for me to enter the vehicle. ( The Telluride has nice tall door openings, THANK YOU. ) And it needs to go up enough for my wife to see over the side mirrors and dash. ( The extending seat bottom does nothing for me, my thigh is nowhere near the seat bottom with it extended or retracted, and my wife keeps hers retracted on our Genesis. ) And the long trips, both of us want the best passenger seat available. Please whenever you can, make the driver and passenger seats match in adjustments. If the driver has adjustable lumbar support, give that to the passenger side too.

Lumbar support is the reason I am waiting for the top trim of the Palisade. If they have four way lumbar support for the driver, that will get me there with cash in hand. My lumbar support position is not at the same height as my wife's. If the passenger has four way lumbar support, that will seal the deal. If the top trim Telluride had four way lumbar on both seats, one would be in my driveway now.

If you really want to step on some luxury brand toes, add memory functions for the passenger side.

LeRoy

 

[JDoggery]

Had to quote you on this and I would say to put you over the top add massage function.

If you really want to step on some luxury brand toes, add memory functions for the passenger side.

LeRoy

______________________________

 

[BanditLover]

Hello everyone!

I am a Kia corporate employee and started reading the threads on this website to gather reactions/feedback on the Telluride.

I am the Telluride Product Planner so I will try to contribute as much as I can by answering product-related questions.

Thank you everyone that have purchased a Telluride and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed developing and planning it!

Cheers!

Can you offer any information on the product positioning of the Kia Telluride vs. the Hyundai Palisade to explain if they are targeting different customers, market segments, age groups, etc.

 

[YEH]

@310TELLURIDER

First off, welcome!

1. Was there a reason why the Telluride (at least in SX trim) didn't get the full digital gauge cluster (like that of the K900 and in the higher trims of the KDM Palisade and now the Sonata) and is that something that will be added for the next MY?

2. As for a rear entertainment system, don't think it's worth the cost these days as most kids just use their phones or tablets (also avoids fighting over what to watch); the exception may be for really young kids, but even older toddlers these days use tablets (so maybe a system to attach a tablet behind the front seat?).

3. Also don't think the Telluride needs the powered 3rd row seats (which is available on the Palisade); a good bit slower than doing it manually and another thing that can break down.

4. Good job on the faux wood and metal accents and interior overall (also kudos in minimal use of piano black); never understood why automakers scrimped when it came to the interior (ahem, GM) as that's where drivers/people spend pretty much all their time when around their vehicles.

Any though of using real wood veneer in the future? (Not just on the Telluride, but something like the Cadenza?)

One option would be to use bamboo - lower cost and more environment-friendly.

5. Didn't like the recessed headlights and grille shape on the concept as was an overall ungainly look.

The production grille is sleeker, but the headlights could definitely have been made more interesting (altho it is fine)l actually have more of an issue w/ the taillight design (esp. that nub).

Overall, want to commend everyone on the product planning/development team = as the Telluride is an overall great package and the class leader in the segment.

 

[Mr.JB]

Thank you for your bravery in joining the forum, announcing who you are, and what you want to do to improve the product! Nice!
The biggest area of concern for me is the lack of 7 round trailer connection with a pigtail at the dash for a trailer brake controller. This would prevent me from running wires to do it myself. I’ve done this before for other vehicles but would prefer not to.
Key fob remote start with the existing key fob. If the vehicle already has remote start via the UVO app, remote start through the fob should be a no brainer.
While I wait for delivery, I’m impressed that KIA is listening!
Jerome.

 

[StephenCantrelle]

@310TELLURIDER okay.. situation here from the dealer side. It appears that Kia decided to take away the built in harddrive that allows you to copy songs from usb to harddrive on both the Stinger and Telluride. Will we be bringing it back or going away from that options? Thanks for your response