Reasons why I probably will now NOT buy a Telluride

[westcoastTelly]

i have a sx and can strat truck with apple phone

I realize that but he wants a key fob remote starter .........................

 

[WhiteSX]

That is what I would expect too.
Can't see this dealer swap thing being viable.

Agree. The SX is rated as a 7 passenger vehicle in the US. Modifying the seating capacity (passenger rating) could lead to insurance issues in the event the vehicle is involved in an accident with injuries. I find it amazing that a dealer would want to take on that liability let alone the consumer.

 

[Karam.31]

@mecheng1,

In response to issue #1, I actually have a 2nd-row bench in mine. While you can't order it that way from the factory, I was able to have it done at the dealership as a "dealer option". If you're getting told no by the dealership, try another dealership because it IS possible to get a 2nd-row bench. The mounting points are the same in all Tellurides, regardless of trim, so it's just a matter of swapping the seat type. While I can't say for certain, I would guess my dealership merely took a model on the lot that had a 2nd-row bench and swapped them.

In response to issue #2, it's simply the way the auto industry is going. You can fight it, but it's a losing battle as more and more auto makers are moving away from key fob remote start and going to a phone app. You might find it less convenient than a physical fob, but at least you still have the function and perhaps with time, you'll get used to it. Plus, with the app, you don't have to worry about being within a certain range, you get confirmation that you car has actually received the remote signal, and you can set the climate controls, so there are definite benefits to it.

At the end of the day, you're obviously the only one who can say what YOU will be satisfied with. In my opinion, however, your issues aren't true deal breakers, and you'd be missing out on a best-in-class vehicle by letting them be.

And does the 2nd row bench have heated and ventilated seats now? Not sure how that would work with Prestige package...

Edit: sorry just noticed this was also brought up by others lol

 

[robt83]

And does the 2nd row bench have heated and ventilated seats now? Not sure how that would work with Prestige package...

Edit: sorry just noticed this was also brought up by others lol

No, it’s just a bench.

______________________________

 

[StephenCantrelle]

To me I would say you are a perfect candidate to upgrade to the 2019 Sorento SXL and get a smoking deal 7k off MSRP. Will fit all your needs and be a nice upgrade

 

[mecheng1]

Agree with your point about swapping the seats into a prestige package SX. The mismatched leather would be awful and having heated and cooled buttons that do nothing would drive me mad. For whatever reason captains chairs are a higher end option and not many, if any, brands offer them on the top trim for vehicles in this class. The Sorento and some smaller SUVs like the CX9 have them, but I believe it’s because the 3rd row is really only for small children or occasional use while the Pilot, Telluride, and others can fit 6’4” adults in relative comfort.

Makes sense.

 

[John]

If it seemed like I was criticising the Telluride then I really was not. And had no intention to upset any KIA fanboys or hurt any feelings. The SUV previous to our Sorento was a BMW X550 with close to 500 hp, ...great!, ........except when it was in the shop. So I am thoroughly sold and impressed now with Kia quality, value , and reliability but still try to be objective and will buy any vehicle regardless of manufacturer. I do not envisage buying anything except a Palisade or Telluride.
However, my point was that I will not be an early adopter now because I would prefer to order the exact build I want when the Manufacturer offers the 2nd row bench seat in the SX, rather than let my trusty dealer do a dealer lot swap. That's all. I suspect that if there is demonstrated to be a demand for 2nd row bench seat in the SX Kia will probably oblige. But if you guys would prefer to allow the dealer to swap seats around so be it. But I wonder when they pull out the bench seat in the EX and swap in the captain's chairs from the SX will both vehicles have the same carpet, same penetrations, for mounting bolts, wiring loom for ventilated seats in the EX? So when the lucky purchaser of the donor EX which has had it's bench seat removed and replaced with a couple of captains chairs gets his car from the dealer will he have the appropriate heated and ventilation seat controls ? I ask because I don't know where they are located and if new dual mode switches are required.

Anyway point 2 was about remote start. The Palisade has integrated remote start in the key fob, I guess as well as the app. Surely it's easier to start from your key fob than mess with your phone. Unless you need to start your car in Florida from California, I totally get that. I can do that with our Roombas.

So apparently from these posts there is no demand for having a factory installed second row bench seat in the SX.

It may have been the title of your tread that implied you were criticizing the Telluride which generated frank responses. There are other treads on this forum for listing what changes you would like Kia to make in future vehicles. An added bonus is that representatives from Kia actually monitor those threads.

 

[mecheng1]

It may have been the title of your tread that implied you were criticizing the Telluride which generated frank responses. There are other treads on this forum for listing what changes you would like Kia to make in future vehicles. An added bonus is that representatives from Kia actually monitor those threads.

Good point !. To be fair, I had said "probably" in the thread starter line expecting my points to elicit some attention from Kia representatives. But since there are apparently dedicated places in this forum to pass on suggestions to Kia, I'll seek them out. However, hopefully I have now apologized enough for appearing to have criticized the Telluride.
I had hoped that it would be taken as constructive criticism. But appreciate your feedback.

______________________________

 

[mecheng1]

To me I would say you are a perfect candidate to upgrade to the 2019 Sorento SXL and get a smoking deal 7k off MSRP. Will fit all your needs and be a nice upgrade

Really.

 

[mecheng1]

You could trade those captains seats for the bench seat to an EX owner in a heart beat , remote start will probably be a a soft wear upgrade in the near future , the GV80 will be around the corner soon as well

So is this a realistic recommendation that you are passing on to Forum members?

 

[westcoastTelly]

So is this a realistic recommendation that you are passing on to Forum members?

I was communicating this to you , in retrospect the bench seat exchange idea would result in different seat materials which would not work and the functional aspect of the heated/cooled seats would be lost ............I dont think this is your vehicle . The Palisade or GV80 may be better options if you plan to stay in the Korean segment

 

[mecheng1]

I was communicating this to you , in retrospect the bench seat exchange idea would result in different seat materials which would not work and the functional aspect of the heated/cooled seats would be lost ............I dont think this is your vehicle . The Palisade or GV80 may be better options if you plan to stay in the Korean segment

Thanks. I've been a Korean car admirer and owner for several years now. 3 Hyundais and 1 Kia. Very reliable

______________________________

 

[mecheng1]

Thanks. I've been a Korean car admirer and owner for several years now. 3 Hyundais and 1 Kia. Very reliable

I will have to research the GV80, knew nothing about this offering.

 

[sportsguy]

I was communicating this to you , in retrospect the bench seat exchange idea would result in different seat materials which would not work and the functional aspect of the heated/cooled seats would be lost ............I dont think this is your vehicle . The Palisade or GV80 may be better options if you plan to stay in the Korean segment

any idea on GV80 timing? All I could fid was 2019 release, but nothing else.

 

[Jersey City Kia]

I was excited to replace our 2016 Sorento SX with a new Telluride, but have run into potential deal breakers.

1) I simply wanted a Telluride SX with the Prestige package and a second row bench seat. We like the bench seat because it has a center armrest with cup holders and cubby for kids stuff. We also like to keep the third row folded but retain the convenience of 3 second row places. But NO, you cannot have that.
To have that, you have to order the EX which involves giving up HUD, surround cameras, integrated garage door openers in the rear view mirror ( called Homelink? maybe) dual sunroof, 20in wheels, auto rain sensing wipers, etc etc.. So WHY
I just wanted an SX with second row bench. Our Sorento even has that.

2) Living in Florida I wanted remote start. But NO again. We had a dealer installed remote start on our Sorento and it consists of a key small fob. Works great out to about 500 ft or so.
But what do they offer on this new Telluride?, some type of funky phone app. No thank you.

Now apparently the Palisade offers remote start integrated into the main key fob. Press a button and it starts. So there seems to be no reason why Kia cannot do the same.

Anyway, consider me not to be the early adopter I had planned to be.

Its going to be available soon through the UVO app

 

[westcoastTelly]

I will have to research the GV80, knew nothing about this offering.

______________________________

 

[westcoastTelly]

any idea on GV80 timing? All I could fid was 2019 release, but nothing else.

I think they'll get the Pallisade launched first ,so likely end of year or early next I'm guessing

 

[YEH]

I will have to research the GV80, knew nothing about this offering.

The GV80 will be underpinned by a new lighter RWD platform that will also underpin the next G80 and several other models (such as the next G90).

In addition to that, likely will get the new Theta III 2.5T 4 cyl as the base engine (300 hp) and the top engine will be the new 3.5TT V6 (400 hp).

In terms of interior space, will likely split the Sorento and Telluride (the longitudinal RWD layout not being as space efficient as FWD/transverse), so likely the 3rd row more for smaller adult and children.

any idea on GV80 timing? All I could fid was 2019 release, but nothing else.

Late 2019 launch for Korea which would mean 2nd Q launch for the US, but there have been some rumblings of the GV80 possibly getting delayed.

Genesis also has a compact (GV70) and subcompact (GV60) CUVs in the pipeline.

 

[Ms1002]

@mecheng1,

In response to issue #1, I actually have a 2nd-row bench in mine. While you can't order it that way from the factory, I was able to have it done at the dealership as a "dealer option". If you're getting told no by the dealership, try another dealership because it IS possible to get a 2nd-row bench. The mounting points are the same in all Tellurides, regardless of trim, so it's just a matter of swapping the seat type. While I can't say for certain, I would guess my dealership merely took a model on the lot that had a 2nd-row bench and swapped them.

In response to issue #2, it's simply the way the auto industry is going. You can fight it, but it's a losing battle as more and more auto makers are moving away from key fob remote start and going to a phone app. You might find it less convenient than a physical fob, but at least you still have the function and perhaps with time, you'll get used to it. Plus, with the app, you don't have to worry about being within a certain range, you get confirmation that you car has actually received the remote signal, and you can set the climate controls, so there are definite benefits to it.

At the end of the day, you're obviously the only one who can say what YOU will be satisfied with. In my opinion, however, your issues aren't true deal breakers, and you'd be missing out on a best-in-class vehicle by letting them be.

Hi,

I like the telluride SX but only reason for not going for it is captain seats. could you please provide info about couple of things:
1. Which dealership and state did you buy your telluride SX with bench seats. We can use at as reference at our near by dealerships.

2. Did you get any information online or from your dealership about if swapping the seats can cause any problem with insurance claims if any or Road safety standards.?

 

[Rjsurfer]

My biggest issue with purchasing a Telluride is with the dealer service and paint quality.

My 2010 Sedona is a mess when it comes to the paint. Dozens of chips and bad fading on different sections of the car. KIA will do nothing under warranty, even just months after purchasing.

Second is dealer service. The mechanics, at least at my dealership, are inept. For example 3 trips to fix back up camera, 5 times ( still not fixed by the way) for the sliding door not closing properly and 3 times for auto trans oil leak at electrical connector.

I shudder to think what problems they will have repairing a car as technically complex as a Telluride