What vehicles did you consider / come from when buying your Telluride?

[szillaxl]

@maddmike just get the freakin Telluride, the base model doesn't look very nice inside unlike the Telly where all of the interiors are pretty similar. Plus if you are worried about resale the Telly is the one that won all the awards and Americans love American made Trucks and SUVs. In Canada its the opposite tons of Palisade but very very few Tellys

 

[maddmike]

@maddmike just get the freakin Telluride, the base model doesn't look very nice inside unlike the Telly where all of the interiors are pretty similar. Plus if you are worried about resale the Telly is the one that won all the awards and Americans love American made Trucks and SUVs. In Canada its the opposite tons of Palisade but very very few Tellys
View attachment 13426

Well, you can't just "get one" as I have about six months waiting for my order to come in. The Palisade has also won its share of awards and actually comes in on top in some comparisons.

 

[szillaxl]

Well, you can't just "get one" as I have about six months waiting for my order to come in. The Palisade has also won its share of awards and actually comes in on top in some comparisons.

Lol I know. You have to do what you think is best for your likes and budget. We always want more people on team Telluride

 

[Lith_SXPN]

Lol I know. You have to do what you think is best for your likes and budget. We always want more people on team Telluride

No, I want less people buying Tellurides so the prices will come down to earth. Plus I like driving less "common" car.

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[Lith_SXPN]

@maddmike I seriously considered buying a Calligraphy. My local dealers were offering the Palisade well under MSRP and had them on the lot so it was very enticing. I just couldn't swallow the pill knowing every time I see a Telluride on the road, I would regret my Palisade purchase.

 

[YAH DEF]

Cross post from the Palisade forum as I am still on the fence:

I like some things on both. I don't like that I have to go to Calligraphy to get the Limited stuff this year but I guess it does have some extra touches to make it worth it. I wish they did a "nightfall" to black out all the chrome. Maybe they will next year.

Here is my interior likes and dislikes. Bear with me as I'm thinking through this as I write it to help with my own thought process:
I actually prefer the analog gauges, call me old fashioned: Advantage Telluride
I also prefer the shifter: advantage Telluride
I dislike the flexible cup holder setup and that bin which I know will just collect junk: advantage Telluride
I like the pass-through storage, seems like a great place for snacks: advantage Palisade
I like the slightly larger center console and glove box: advantage Palisade
I don't like the tacked on look (on any car) of the infotainment: advantage Palisade
Better passenger protection: advantage Palisade
Nicer interior switch gear and metal speaker grills: advantage Palisade
Stadium seating, not sure if the Palisade has this: unknown
Interior colors, terrible selection on the Palisade (the white is not practical with a toddler and a new born): huge advantage Telluride as black interior is my only option
More interior storage especially behind the third row: advantage Telluride
Adjustable arm rests/wider arm rests: wash
Perforated leather in the arm rests (why? seems like a good place to spill yogurt): advantage Telluride
Slightly larger 3rd row (according to some reviews): advantage Telluride
Lower level climate controls and no cup holders in the center console: advantage Palisade
No piano black which scratches and smudges and generally looks like crap: advantage Palisade (although I think there is some on the black interior)
Nicer steering wheel: advantage Palisade
Interior Quietness. Car and driver have it a 6db quieter while other testers report 1-3 db: advantage Telluride.
No fake wood (at least in the Calligraphy edition): advantage Palisade
Seats, nicer design and more adjustments in lumbar and thigh support: advantage Palisade

Let's talk exterior:
Colors: huge advantage Telluride
Black out option with no chrome: huge advantage Telluride
More integrated trailer hitch look: advantage Telluride
Side profile: wash
Rear profile: wash
Front grille, I currently drive a GX460 so I am used to ugly front grilles but I find this just so big. Somehow the Calligraphy with the extra chrome down below actually balances out the very large, shiny grille to my eyes and make it appear more boxy: Advantage Telluride especially with the Nightfall package but the Calligraphy fixes it a bit and all he petal is brushed instead of chrome.
Power folding mirrors. I actually use this feature as I have my garage set up pretty tight and it seems a strange oversight: advantage Telluride

Warranty and service:
Unlimited rust protection: advantage Palisade
Three years of maintenance included: advantage Palisade
More dealerships in town (one offers free oil changes for life if purchased from them): advantage Telluride

Market and Pricing:
Yes, many dealers are charging a markup but I ordered from two dealers to see who gets here first. If they get in at the same time, I should be able to negotiate below MSRP, if not both are at MSRP. Hyundai dealers have stock coming in in December so they may be eager to close out the month strong: potential advantage Palisade
Availability, my Tellurides should take 4-6 months to come in: Advantage Palisade
Depreciation (cost of ownership). These are both projected to depreciate at 49% however, I do think the Telluride will hold its value a bit better as they are selling these things months in advance and have outsold the Palisade by many multiples. Of course, with new vehicles coming out over the next 5 years (Bronco), that will change. The question is if it will be a more desirable vehicle 5 years from now. I do think it will age better as there are less bold styling choices and cars with classic designs tend to age better. However, with so many of them being sold, that may make them readily available. Right now you can find used Palisade at regular depreciation levels but dealers are asking MSRP for used Tellurides. At least if I get the Telluride and decide I don't like it I can easily sell it: advantage Telluride
Rarity: When I drive around town, I see 2-5 Tellurides a day, I see maybe 1 Palisade a week. It is nice to not have a car everyone has but it does speak to desirability on the secondary market: advantage Palisade

So, now that I have succeeded in further confusing myself, what are your thoughts on my points. Did I get anything wrong?

As far as towing goes, I have a boat that we use to go to the lake every weekend in the summer. We just sold our travel trailer as our second child was born and it was too small for 4 but we may get something in the future. Right now we have to have the ability to tow but the boat is around 3000lbs so no Durago needed.

Kinda fun reading about your process here, Mike. Only two thoughts: You are more generous about the Palisade front grill than I could be. I also don't like those squinty lights or whatever that is placed up on the front of the hood. From the side and rear, it looks pretty good though.

Agree about the analog gauges and shifter!

Just one question: I have the Telly SX and it has tons of lumbar and thigh support (like, a thigh extension thing to place as wanted). Maybe not all the models do?

Tough decision! I wish you well.

 

[maddmike]

No, I want less people buying Tellurides so the prices will come down to earth. Plus I like driving less "common" car.

I agree with you on that. One of the reasons I drive an Alfa Romeo is that hardly anyone else does. BMWs and Audis are everywhere. I appreciate exclusivity. I astually buy very few clothes off the rack and custom order stuff or order it from obscure Japanese brands that way I won't see anyone else wearing the same stuff. Call me weird.

 

[maddmike]

@maddmike I seriously considered buying a Calligraphy. My local dealers were offering the Palisade well under MSRP and had them on the lot so it was very enticing. I just couldn't swallow the pill knowing every time I see a Telluride on the road, I would regret my Palisade purchase.

I hear you and maybe I am putting way too much thought into this. Covid does weird things to people.

This is the "family car" and will actually be my wife's. Yes, if we go anywhere on the weekend, it will be me driving but I do have my car that I love and which gets the parking lot turn every time. Since the Palisade does have a better interior (I know, some of you will say that you like the Telluride better but the air vents, window switches, lack of piano black and fake wood which I hate as well as nicer seats) does give it an advantage where we will be spending out time--except for the colors.

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[maddmike]

Kinda fun reading about your process here, Mike. Only two thoughts: You are more generous about the Palisade front grill than I could be. I also don't like those squinty lights or whatever that is placed up on the front of the hood. From the side and rear, it looks pretty good though.

Agree about the analog gauges and shifter!

Just one question: I have the Telly SX and it has tons of lumbar and thigh support (like, a thigh extension thing to place as wanted). Maybe not all the models do?

Tough decision! I wish you well.

I think you are right. I have not actually sat in an SX as there are non on the lots. However, the Palisade had 4-way lumbar vs two and I think the seats are slightly more comfortable.

I actually don't mind the headlights and they are rather cool, the grill is a show stopper but the Calligraphy changes the chrome to brushed which tones it down and adds the lower bar which squares it off better. It seems some people are wrapping them to black it out, which is not a bad idea either but with the brushed, I don't hate it.

 

[Lith_SXPN]

I hear you and maybe I am putting way too much thought into this. Covid does weird things to people.

This is the "family car" and will actually be my wife's. Yes, if we go anywhere on the weekend, it will be me driving but I do have my car that I love and which gets the parking lot turn every time. Since the Palisade does have a better interior (I know, some of you will say that you like the Telluride better but the air vents, window switches, lack of piano black and fake wood which I hate as well as nicer seats) does give it an advantage where we will be spending out time--except for the colors.

You are and I understand completely. I was on the same exact boat. Telluride is my wife's car. We liked the interior on the Palisade better. I wanted the digital dash as I look at the same analog dash on my Stinger and wanted something different to look at. I hate piano black also, but nothing a little bit of wrap won't take care of. I know looks are subjective and some love the look of the Palisade. I couldn't make myself love the dame front no matter how hard I tried.

 

[szillaxl]

I agree with you on that. One of the reasons I drive an Alfa Romeo is that hardly anyone else does. BMWs and Audis are everywhere.

People just dont drive ARs we because they are ARs lol!
as Scotty Kilmer says "Italian cars are great as long as you dont drive em "

 

[maddmike]

People just dont drive ARs we because they are ARs lol!
as Scotty Kilmer says "Italian cars are great as long as you dont drive em "

They are actually great as long as you are driving them. The problem is when they are not driving/running. They also say you are not a true auto enthusiast until you have owned an Alfa Romeo.

My first year of ownership, I was questioning my decision as there were CEL lights that the dealership was struggling to fix. When it ran though... Best car I have owned and I came from 911 and M3s. Amazing power and handling like a Miata. Since then, I now do most of the work on my own, including maintenance. I can access the car's ECU and read and reset any fault codes and there is no way I'm ever giving it up unless a lifestyle change requires me to.

Once again, best driver's car I have ever owned and I can put baby seats in the back. Is it more temperamental than a Camry? Hell yeah! Do I go through a $1000 set of tires every year. Also yes. Will it cost me $8k when I finally have to replace my CCBs? Probably. But, it is worth it IMO. I wish they would stop making the QV as I actually dislike when I see another one.

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[maddmike]

@maddmike just get the freakin Telluride, the base model doesn't look very nice inside unlike the Telly where all of the interiors are pretty similar. Plus if you are worried about resale the Telly is the one that won all the awards and Americans love American made Trucks and SUVs. In Canada its the opposite tons of Palisade but very very few Tellys
View attachment 13426

I'm not sure of the purpose of this picture. This is not a US spec, is this what they look like in Canada? I see a bench second row so I assume this is a low-level trim.

 

[szillaxl]

True its all about what you like. Im just bustin your chops!

 

[maddmike]

True its all about what you like. Im just bustin your chops!

Yes, thankfully not many people have the patience or capacity to own one. It does take some getting to know the car and understand it's quirks. It seems some people are getting it as the pricing on the secondary market is starting to tick up. Maybe people at home due to Covid have more time to mess with a car that has soul and not a toaster. Either way, I'm not selling mine any time soon. I have had it for over two years which is big for me as I tend to go through cars every 1-2 years.

That being said, I think I have decided on which toaster to buy for the family car.

The Telluride was my first choice and I'm sticking with it for the following reasons:

• There is more space behind the third row and I like the way the floorboard drops to a lower level to create a cradle of sorts for groceries.
• Slightly larger overall, I am getting this to go larger than my current toaster GX460
• Better color choices outside but especially inside since I have small kids and large dogs and while the light interior is beautiful, it is not practical and I dislike black interiors outside of sports cars. The dune brown is beautiful especially with dark moss
• Better tow hitch situation, especially in Nightfall. The black and the black tow hitch work together while the on the Palisade it just looks out of place (jump to 5:42 in the video below) plus it looks like it could hit doing any kind of off road driving due to the way it hangs out there
• Of course the exterior design is better and I think it will age better if I keep this long-term
• If I keep it short term, it will have better resale in the next 1-2 years due to the ongoing demand. I think in 5 years it will be a wash, but if I need to get rid of it quickly because I decide to move to, I don't know... Iceland I can probably unload it for close to what I paid for it

While I like many features of the interior on the Palisade better, I think it is just not enough to outweigh the downsides

That being said, my local dealers have some Calligraphy in white coming in by the EOM and I do plan on checking them out when they come in. Who knows, I may be tempted if they drop a couple K off MSRP. Apperently, there is an aftermarket tow hitch that stays hidden until you use it which would be a solution.

 

[kiagirl]

We have both a Lexus RX and a Nissan Murano, and wanted a third row to enjoy some extra cargo space and the ability to haul the grandkids & gear. We test drove the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the XC90, the Palisade, and the CX9. Overall, the Telluride drove and gave a more comfortable ride than the others. I didn't like the push button gear shift in the Palisade at all. The 3rd row in the Highlander might as well not even be there, and the XC90 is fabulous, but too pricey. The Telluride was an easy win with ventilated seats, can't wait to pick her up on Monday!

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[Eyehrtfood]

First post, all - and what a subject to read and discuss - since my wife and I have been agonizing over a new car choice for probably 18 months - and it continues as we await our ordered Wolf Gray SX Nightfall P/T - arriving in about a month at our dealer here in Cleveland (paying MSRP) - which we may or may not take delivery of... as we change minds daily.

Key considerations for us the past 18 months:
*Leaning towards a 3 row vehicle to get the big cargo space we've always thought we needed (current biggest car has 47 cubic feet with all seats down. Small.) - but don't really need 6-7 passenger seating... and may not need the huge space but once a year, if that. Towing a plus... just to have it in case - but only the Telluride will likely have that.
*Likely will keep car 8-10 years - with first 4-5 years at 25K-30K miles a year until next car bought - but want to not have, if possible, massive maintenance and upkeep bills like with our current and past BMWs, Audi, MINI, Infiniti.
*Looking at new and low-mileage CPO, depending on vehicle - would love to spend $50Kish max just for mental comfort...
*Would prefer a luxury brand - but mind is obviously open
*Push button gear selector and non-panoramic roof are generally our deal breakers... Fake wood - not a fan - but... Telluride...

Our current short list (we'd add Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX - IF they were out in time for our purchase... but won't be... We'd get a BMW X5 today - but for huge optics issues that will be caused with in-laws if we buy what they perceive as an expensive luxury car... We cut the Highlander - no character - and our exterior favorite - the Cross Sport - because it's interior was so spartan and cheap, material-wise...)

Telluride - on order, as noted. Love the look.... outside and in.... Love the ratings/attention it is getting + perceived value vs cost compared to luxury German, etc... - almost like MSRP was mis-marked..... under the radar... Saw the Wolf Gray SX at another dealer last week and knocked our socks off - looks amazing (to us, at least). Has every modern amenity - big and roomy... love the 2nd row captain's chairs for passengers... and so much more. BUT - my wife's main issue - a huge issue for her - not at all for me - is simply the Kia nameplate and budget-feeling dealerships we've been to.... for a $50K car..... A bit uppity or not - I get her take... May not be able to overcome this and take delivery.. as she feels so strongly.

Volvo XC90 - it's what my wife really, really wants - driving 2 hours today to see a well equipped 9K mile 2020 T6 Momentum CPO for same price as Telluride (and $12K off sticker) + 4 year/unlimited mile left on CPO warranty - huge for us based on driving habits). Until the Telluride, this would have been my #1 choice - but seems slightly stodgy now, in comparison, not as much tech/comfort, less roomy seating.in 2nd row, for sure - than the others above/below.. big $ on maintenance, etc... lousy reliability, they say... but a very, very nice car. And a luxury car vs the others. I love this car nearly as much as my wife - but vastly prefer the Telluride, with likely high ongoing service costs being my biggest issue. No towing on this one in the trim we'd likely get.

Mazda CX-9... #1 issue - the 72 cubic feet of cargo space vs mid-80s on the tow above - but - do we even need 72, really?. #2 issue - the awful 3/36 warranty... We might drive that in first year... Yes, we can get a longer one - but at what cost and comparison? But if the quality and reliability are high, well... Love the wood and Nappa outfitted Signature - and this may actually be the most luxury feeling interiors of the bunch - but that rear, huge console cuts down cargo capacity more - and not really much savings vs Telluride and XC90. Carbon Edition, however, still nicely equipped - plus can likely get for nearly 15%-20% less than the others. Plus, all CX9s are super fun to drive... and seem far smaller than their actual size - much more "everyday driver" in feel vs the above. Both my wife and I like this car a ton - and, in some ways, if we chose this one - vs the ones above - we'd be OK - since neither of us feels as strongly it shouldn't be this one - but would probably buy and wish we had the others...

To aid us in our decision, I ranked the above on about a dozen different categories tonight - from cargo to driving fun to tech to rear seat comfort - with 1, 2, 3 as scores (3 highest)... Without looking until done - all 3 cars TIED in total score. Unreal. Ugh! still no clear answers.. Guide me...

(Sorry for the lengthy post - but good to get it all out there.)

 

[Lith_SXPN]

@Eyehrtfood Always get the car that your wife wants. It will keep both of you happy for a long time. All cars mentioned are great cars. However, If you really want to sway your wife's decision, you can mention few items regards to XC90.
1. Low mileage/ Newer MY used car. Why did the original owner trade it in? You might be buying someone else's problem.
2. Have her look up who the parent company of Volvo is. It may change her perception of the "luxury" brand.
My wife and I went through the same process. We had more choices to make as we didn't need much room or the 3rd row. Telluride(in Wolf Gray) was my wife's favorite after showing her all available and future upcoming models. That included Bronco(my favorite), Mach E GT, Defender, Palisade, Sorento, XC90(ruled out since nextdoor neighbor has one), German 3 competitor(she is coming from BMW), and Model X/Y. Her perception of Kia's brand changed when I bought my Stinger so it was easy pill to swallow for her. Good luck!

 

[maddmike]

First post, all - and what a subject to read and discuss - since my wife and I have been agonizing over a new car choice for probably 18 months - and it continues as we await our ordered Wolf Gray SX Nightfall P/T - arriving in about a month at our dealer here in Cleveland (paying MSRP) - which we may or may not take delivery of... as we change minds daily.

Key considerations for us the past 18 months:
*Leaning towards a 3 row vehicle to get the big cargo space we've always thought we needed (current biggest car has 47 cubic feet with all seats down. Small.) - but don't really need 6-7 passenger seating... and may not need the huge space but once a year, if that. Towing a plus... just to have it in case - but only the Telluride will likely have that.
*Likely will keep car 8-10 years - with first 4-5 years at 25K-30K miles a year until next car bought - but want to not have, if possible, massive maintenance and upkeep bills like with our current and past BMWs, Audi, MINI, Infiniti.
*Looking at new and low-mileage CPO, depending on vehicle - would love to spend $50Kish max just for mental comfort...
*Would prefer a luxury brand - but mind is obviously open
*Push button gear selector and non-panoramic roof are generally our deal breakers... Fake wood - not a fan - but... Telluride...

Our current short list (we'd add Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX - IF they were out in time for our purchase... but won't be... We'd get a BMW X5 today - but for huge optics issues that will be caused with in-laws if we buy what they perceive as an expensive luxury car... We cut the Highlander - no character - and our exterior favorite - the Cross Sport - because it's interior was so spartan and cheap, material-wise...)

Telluride - on order, as noted. Love the look.... outside and in.... Love the ratings/attention it is getting + perceived value vs cost compared to luxury German, etc... - almost like MSRP was mis-marked..... under the radar... Saw the Wolf Gray SX at another dealer last week and knocked our socks off - looks amazing (to us, at least). Has every modern amenity - big and roomy... love the 2nd row captain's chairs for passengers... and so much more. BUT - my wife's main issue - a huge issue for her - not at all for me - is simply the Kia nameplate and budget-feeling dealerships we've been to.... for a $50K car..... A bit uppity or not - I get her take... May not be able to overcome this and take delivery.. as she feels so strongly.

Volvo XC90 - it's what my wife really, really wants - driving 2 hours today to see a well equipped 9K mile 2020 T6 Momentum CPO for same price as Telluride (and $12K off sticker) + 4 year/unlimited mile left on CPO warranty - huge for us based on driving habits). Until the Telluride, this would have been my #1 choice - but seems slightly stodgy now, in comparison, not as much tech/comfort, less roomy seating.in 2nd row, for sure - than the others above/below.. big $ on maintenance, etc... lousy reliability, they say... but a very, very nice car. And a luxury car vs the others. I love this car nearly as much as my wife - but vastly prefer the Telluride, with likely high ongoing service costs being my biggest issue. No towing on this one in the trim we'd likely get.

Mazda CX-9... #1 issue - the 72 cubic feet of cargo space vs mid-80s on the tow above - but - do we even need 72, really?. #2 issue - the awful 3/36 warranty... We might drive that in first year... Yes, we can get a longer one - but at what cost and comparison? But if the quality and reliability are high, well... Love the wood and Nappa outfitted Signature - and this may actually be the most luxury feeling interiors of the bunch - but that rear, huge console cuts down cargo capacity more - and not really much savings vs Telluride and XC90. Carbon Edition, however, still nicely equipped - plus can likely get for nearly 15%-20% less than the others. Plus, all CX9s are super fun to drive... and seem far smaller than their actual size - much more "everyday driver" in feel vs the above. Both my wife and I like this car a ton - and, in some ways, if we chose this one - vs the ones above - we'd be OK - since neither of us feels as strongly it shouldn't be this one - but would probably buy and wish we had the others...

To aid us in our decision, I ranked the above on about a dozen different categories tonight - from cargo to driving fun to tech to rear seat comfort - with 1, 2, 3 as scores (3 highest)... Without looking until done - all 3 cars TIED in total score. Unreal. Ugh! still no clear answers.. Guide me...

(Sorry for the lengthy post - but good to get it all out there.)

I hear your pain. I am used to nicer dealerships and the service they offer. My cars for the last 15 years have been mainly BMW, Porsche, Lexus, and Alfa Romeo. I did have a CX-9 and it was a great car with a few drawbacks but their dealership was also pretty budget when you are used to being spoiled by the nicer dealerships, their amenities, loaner cars, and just generally their level of service and the way they treat their customers. Admittedly, you pay for it once out of the free maintenance period/warranty. The one exception to that has been Lexus which really has been inexpensive.

Of my two local Kia dealerships that I'm willing to deal with (the third I stay away from), one of them is at luxury car levels. They claim to be the number 1 volume dealer in the state. They have a beautiful showroom with modern furniture and coffee bar and all the amenities of a BMW dealership. The second one looks like a Nissan or Mitsubishi dealership which is fine but nothing special. However, the second one offers free oil changes for life so that tells you where they put their money. I'll take free oil changes over a fancy dealership.

I ended up ordering the same Telluride from both of those dealerships and and see who gets in first.

If you don't need the space and the tow capacity, I would look at the CX-9. Great driver's cars and that means a lot for a 3-row SUV. Their dealerships are hit and miss though. We have one that shares the dealership with GMC and it is quite nice. The other is stand alone and it is pretty basic.

I too hate the fake wood but I guess I can learn to live with it. I would pay another $500 to put real wood in there. I would also pay another $1,500 to have a real self-leveling (air ride) suspension but there is no perfect car.

The Volvo is beautiful but their reliability is absolutely terrible and maintenance is expensive. Maybe if it was a lease and you could walk away after two years it would make sense.

Years ago, I had ordered a new X5. There were some minor issues when it was brand new but they were all fixed under warranty. Once the warranty ran out, something big broke every month costing $1,200 to $2,500 every month. On month 3, I sold it before it put me in the poor house. It left such a sour taste in my mouth that I have not owned a BMW since and I had previously owned many BMWs.

 

[Larryneu]

Test drove a few similar vehicles, Explorer, Traverse, Pilot and then the Telluride. Had pluses and minuses for all but found the Telluride SX the best fit for the money. Purchased a 2021 Telluride SX and are awaiting delivery on the 22nd of December. Everlasting Silver with Black Leather interior and all options available on the SX.
I was very impressed with the standard features the Kia supports and the options available. The ride and handling was the best of all we test drove and we purchased the full 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty and a special silicone paint sealer as we live in sunny Florida and the car will sit outside most of the time.
Looking forward to delivery of my wife's Christmas present!!