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S or EX-P?

cltheel.sdl

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Hi all,

I'm trying to make a final decision on whether I purchase an S or an EX-P (machined finish tires, not nightfall). My main reason for purchasing a Telluride is to accommodate my growing family (2 kids plus a dog). I plan to have this vehicle for 10+ years, so I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. The cost difference for me would be roughly $5K, which I can stomach but only if it's really worth it. My main questions are as follows:

1. Do the S interior finishes hold up as well as the EX-P finishes?
2. What major benefits do you see the EX-P having over the S, especially for my situation (family car with desire to own for the long-haul)?
3. Is there a difference in the towing packages between the S and EX-P? I see some mention of the self-leveling rear suspension only with the EX and higher - is that critical to have?

Can someone please make this decision for me? I'm in analysis paralysis mode.
 
The S is a great value, especially for 22 with the big screen and automatic climate control.

I had planned to order an S but noticed that they didn't have the led taillights and it's really weird that only half the taillight illuminates when braking and the turn signals were in the bumper. The led headlights and taillights pushed me into the EX-P. The led headlights are much better and you get the amber halos.

I also like the ventilated seats and heated steering wheel. I think the leather in the EX will be more durable. I've sat in one with 100k and the seats were still pretty good. I test drove an S with gray seats that was a demo with about 900 miles on it and you could see the wear in the seats already plus blue jean staining. I know tons of people were in and out of it but it still shows that they wear.

You're still getting the same car with a few less doodads with the S though. $5k is $5k that could go to something else.

Personally, I'm glad I spent the extra money but I'd think harder about it with some of the upgrades for 22 on the S if I were buying it now.
 
The S is a great value, especially for 22 with the big screen and automatic climate control.

I had planned to order an S but noticed that they didn't have the led taillights and it's really weird that only half the taillight illuminates when braking and the turn signals were in the bumper. The led headlights and taillights pushed me into the EX-P. The led headlights are much better and you get the amber halos.

I also like the ventilated seats and heated steering wheel. I think the leather in the EX will be more durable. I've sat in one with 100k and the seats were still pretty good. I test drove an S with gray seats that was a demo with about 900 miles on it and you could see the wear in the seats already plus blue jean staining. I know tons of people were in and out of it but it still shows that they wear.

You're still getting the same car with a few less doodads with the S though. $5k is $5k that could go to something else.

Personally, I'm glad I spent the extra money but I'd think harder about it with some of the upgrades for 22 on the S if I were buying it now.
This is super helpful, thank you! So, even the 2022 S don't have the LED taillights and the turn signals are in the bumper? That's super weird. Are the bumper "lights" on the EX-P's actually just reflectors, but on the S's they're actual lights?
 
When I bought in early 2019, I was very happy with the S. If I were shopping today, the 2022 S looks like an even better value, but if availability were an issue and I found an EX-Premium first, I'd likely bite. I did not want the Towing Package so if that came on the EX-P I found I'd likely pass, while it's not an option on the S. All I wanted was the Tow Option without the self-leveling suspension.

From what I see the big headliner 2022 upgrades are:
  • Folding Mirrors
  • Power liftgate
  • one more USB charging port
  • integrated window shades for 2nd row
  • LEDs on the front and back (full on back)
  • Leather over Syntex (SOFINO)
Those are all nice-to-haves and collectively to me might be worth the $5k more. I've learned to live without the folding mirrors and power liftgate. My 2020 has the extra charging port. I bought a cheap solution for the window shades. I swapped bulbs on the front and the half illumination is not a problem for me on the back. The real leather might be nice, but I find the synthetic leather to be very durable and easier to clean for my family with kids and dogs.
______________________________
 
I dunno anything about those trims, but I have kids and own well past the loan. I’d get something with a power liftgate for sure. Good luck!
 
This is super helpful, thank you! So, even the 2022 S don't have the LED taillights and the turn signals are in the bumper? That's super weird. Are the bumper "lights" on the EX-P's actually just reflectors, but on the S's they're actual lights?
That's correct, bumper reflectors on EX, turn signals on S. And only the bottom half of the taillight illuminates during braking on the S. It looks weird. I guess you can't see it when you're driving but it bugged me anyway.
 
Hi all,

I'm trying to make a final decision on whether I purchase an S or an EX-P (machined finish tires, not nightfall). My main reason for purchasing a Telluride is to accommodate my growing family (2 kids plus a dog). I plan to have this vehicle for 10+ years, so I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. The cost difference for me would be roughly $5K, which I can stomach but only if it's really worth it. My main questions are as follows:

1. Do the S interior finishes hold up as well as the EX-P finishes?
2. What major benefits do you see the EX-P having over the S, especially for my situation (family car with desire to own for the long-haul)?
3. Is there a difference in the towing packages between the S and EX-P? I see some mention of the self-leveling rear suspension only with the EX and higher - is that critical to have?

Can someone please make this decision for me? I'm in analysis paralysis mode.
If you can comfortably afford it, go for the higher trim. You will not have buyer's remorse having nicer stuff; and when it's time to sell the car, you'll get some of the money back. We're talking 30-50 bucks a month difference for LED lights, leather, etc. If it's not in the budget, then it's not in the budget - you can probably live without it.
______________________________
 
I have the EX-P because I mostly wanted the captain's chairs and the HDA. The 20 inch wheels and LED headlights are also nice.
 
Ok guys, after considering everyone's feedback, I'm going with the EX-P in Everlasting Silver with the black leather! Basically, this is the exact Telly:



Thanks for your help! Stoked!
 
I have the EX-P because I mostly wanted the captain's chairs and the HDA. The 20 inch wheels and LED headlights are also nice.
I would like to point out that the S already has captain chairs and 20 inch wheels without having to pay extra for any packages, but it looks like a decision was already made
 




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