I called or visited 3 Kia dealers in the Detroit area. The Tellurides are in very high demand. One dealer, the first one I visited, had 5 listed in on their website. When I got there, they said they didn't have any and that most are sold before they even hit the lot. Not even one I could see or test drive. I had never seen a Telluride up close or driven one.
There were certain things I wanted, such as the an EX or SX, leather trim, the towing package, and a color other than black, white, or silver.
Called a dealer an hour away, and they had only one left. Went on Saturday, took a test drive with my wife, returned to the dealer and bought it.
All of the dealers I talked to said, because of the high demand, that there was a premium charge added. At the dealer I bought it from, we paid $3000 over invoice. We really wanted this car. I had sold my Saturn Outlook at the beginning of Covid due to some mechanical issues and the fact that we only needed one car at the time. I'm retired, and my wife worked from home due to Covid. But now she's returning to the office, so a second car is necessary.
We also considered ordering one. But needed one before an ordered one could be delivered.
We also bought an additional, premium warranty - 10 Years 125,000 mile bumper-to-bumper (transferable, if I sell it).
We generally keep our cars for a long time, so we felt what we paid was worth the investment. And it still cost way less than other comparably equipped SUVs.
We got a '21 Telluride EX, FWD, dark moss with black interior, towing package, and the EX premium package. Out the door, tax, title, fees, and the additional warranty - $49,000.
Again, we feel it was worth it. But I'd be interested to hear about the demand in your area.