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

[Frankie Knuckles]

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!!

You have great taste in color combos!

 

[Larryneu]

Thanks Frankie
At first the wife wasn't that into the Everlasting Silver but as she walked around it in the sunlight I could see the smile increase on her face.....love the hues and the way it looks with the black trim and wheels!!

 

[BasilFawlty]

I had been pretty set on getting a Ford Explorer after I drove my BIL's Explorer for an extended trip a couple years back. Then I saw a Telly in the parking lot of Costco and it was love at first sight . After some internet research on this car, I was sold!

 

[PassingTime]

I thought that this would probably be the last new car I would purchase for a long time. I tend to drive them until I can't repair them or it becomes to expensive to do that. In the fall of 2018 I started to test drive literally every SUV out there, something I had never done before but I wanted to see exactly how everything felt. I probably drove 25 or more SUV's, some two or three times over a period of several months. I think that some of the sales staff were getting tired of seeing me and probably figured I was just messing around driving new cars. I really had narrowed the choice down to either a Subaru Outback or a Lincoln Navigator. I liked them both, although for vastly different reasons. I came down to within minutes of pulling the trigger on the Outback when I found out according to the salesman anyway, the trailer hitch and the remote start would have to be installed by the dealership, and he was sure the remote start would require a completely separate fob. I was taken by surprise and stopped the purchase right there. That was in February 2019 a couple of weeks before the Telluride was released in early March around here. I saw it at the KC auto show and went to drive it the next day. Decided it was exactly what I was looking for but before I could place my order I got word that property I owned out of state had a water line burst and flooded the home. That put a halt on those plans and had to wait almost exactly a year later finally got a chance to place an order in Feb '20. Then the pandemic hit and didn't see my Telluride until end of Oct. BTW I found out later the story on the Outback key fob was not accurate and then they completely changed the platform the following model year and I was not impressed with the changes. So far I believe I made the best choice for me and the money.

______________________________

 

[DarkMossJustin]

Coming from: a 2002 Lexus LS 430
Considered: I was pretty set on the Kia Telluride, but just to compare, I looked at the Atlas, the Q7, the Highlander and the CX-9.

 

[t-kog]

We test drove the Audi Q7, looked at the Volvo XC90, traverse, explorer, Yukon, VW Atlas, 4runner, pilot. None had the features and cargo space that the Telluride had, and with this car lifting Kia out of the economy dealer we took a leap. We have a 200,000/20yr bumper to bumper warranty for an extra 4k which definitely made me feel better about long term issues.

 

[dsmclone]

I own a 2015 BMW m235i. It's been a great, reliable, and fun car but I'm getting older and it doesn't make the best daily driver.

My wife drives a 2018 VW Tiguan SEL-P. I really like the size of the Tiguan but we decided that it made little sense to have two vehicles similar in size. I looked at the CX-9 and liked it a lot but as far as interior room, it's not really much bigger than the Tiguan. I've owned a ton of Honda/Acura products and have always been happy with them so I considered a Pilot or Passport but they are just too dated at this point. I'm guessing that if it was a year from now, I'd probably take a long hard look at the 2022 refreshed Pilot. The Toyota's all seem to momish(highlander) or outdated(4runner).

The one thing that I was really considering was a Tesla Model Y. I'd love to have that performance but I just can't live with the fit/finish of Tesla at this point. The Mustang Mach E looks pretty interesting as well.

 

[YAH DEF]

I own a 2015 BMW m235i. It's been a great, reliable, and fun car but I'm getting older and it doesn't make the best daily driver.

My wife drives a 2018 VW Tiguan SEL-P. I really like the size of the Tiguan but we decided that it made little sense to have two vehicles similar in size. I looked at the CX-9 and liked it a lot but as far as interior room, it's not really much bigger than the Tiguan. I've owned a ton of Honda/Acura products and have always been happy with them so I considered a Pilot or Passport but they are just too dated at this point. I'm guessing that if it was a year from now, I'd probably take a long hard look at the 2022 refreshed Pilot. The Toyota's all seem to momish(highlander) or outdated(4runner).

The one thing that I was really considering was a Tesla Model Y. I'd love to have that performance but I just can't live with the fit/finish of Tesla at this point. The Mustang Mach E looks pretty interesting as well.

I also considered a Honda as I've driven them pretty much my whole life. But ugh, is the Pilot underwhelming and dated, as you say. It felt like driving yet another, slightly bigger CRV. Boring!

______________________________

 

[maddmike]

This wait is a killer. I have started looking and pricing out XC90 Hybrids. With the current discounts and the tax credit, I can actually get one of those for about $2k more than the Telluride as I built it ($50k). I do like the 400hp and gas savings as in hybrid mode it can get about 50mpg (takes premium). Amazing interior but no cooled seats at my price point or air tide suspension. A little less space than the Telluride and worse reliability and for sure more stuff to go wrong. They both two 5000 lbs.

Either way, I'm entertaining myself as I wait for my Telluride.

 

[YAH DEF]

This wait is a killer. I have started looking and pricing out CX90 Hybrids. With the current discounts and the tax credit, I can actually get one of those for about $2k more than the Telluride as I built it ($50k). I do like the 400hp and gas savings as in hybrid mode it can get about 50mpg (takes premium). Amazing interior but no cooled seats at my price point or air tide suspension. A little less space than the Telluride and worse reliability and for sure more stuff to go wrong. They both two 5000 lbs.

Either way, I'm entertaining myself as I wait for my Telluride.

And us, Mike. You're entertaining us as well.

 

[dsmclone]

I was thrown off by CX90,I thought it was some new option. I assume you mean XC90

 

[dsmclone]

This wait is a killer. I have started looking and pricing out CX90 Hybrids. With the current discounts and the tax credit, I can actually get one of those for about $2k more than the Telluride as I built it ($50k). I do like the 400hp and gas savings as in hybrid mode it can get about 50mpg (takes premium). Amazing interior but no cooled seats at my price point or air tide suspension. A little less space than the Telluride and worse reliability and for sure more stuff to go wrong. They both two 5000 lbs.

Either way, I'm entertaining myself as I wait for my Telluride.

What's the sticker on the t8 that your can get for 52k? I may have to check that out

______________________________

 

[maddmike]

I was thrown off by CX90,I thought it was some new option. I assume you mean XC90

Damn coffee had not soaked in yet.

 

[maddmike]

What's the sticker on the t8 that your can get for 52k? I may have to check that out

Mind you there are no vented seats at this price point.

Here is my post from another thread:

Damn, so I was playing with my local Volvo dealer and asked him to give me his best price on the XC90 inscription hybrid. One was MSRP at $68 and he took $10k off the price as well as gave me more for my Lexus trade in than Kia (my Lexus is from the same dealer family). My OTD price with taxes and all would come out to $55 which is only a couple K more than the Telluride with all the options. Obviously, that build is missing some of the stuff I wanted so I asked him to see what he can do on a higher-end build. If he knocks 12-14k of that we may just have a deal.

Oh, and there is a $5000 tax credit which makes it cheaper than the Telluride with options.

So, depending on how depreciation is calculated, if it is off the MSRP:
XC90 Hybrid: MSRP $68k, sales price $56k, tax credit $5k. depreciation at 65% off MSRP $24k residual value. So, $56-$5-$24=$27k in ownership cost not counting fuel savings and free maintenance for 3 years
Telluride: Price $50k $25.5k residual value=$24.5k in ownership costs plus gas and maintenance.

So cost of ownership is about $2.5k cheaper with the Telluride not including the free Volvo maintenance and the gas savings. Yes, once out of warranty, the Volvo costs may skyrocket so you may want to pony up $2k or so for an extended warranty if you plan on keeping it long term but really, the cost of ownership over 5 years is a wash. Insurance is an increase from my current rate of $7.35 a month while with the Telluride it was a decrease of $9. $16 net difference a month or $425 over 5 years.

Lets look at gas. Telluride combined MPG is 21. XC90 once the battery is depleted is 27 but you can run errands with the 18 mile battery only and real world combined is reportedly 36.5 with a full battery. So, using that number and the current price of gas $2 reg, $2.66 premium (which will go up post pandemic) assuming you drive 15k a year:

Telluride gas: $1,428/yr, $7,142/5 years
XC90 T8: $1,093/yr, $5,465/5 years
So $1,676 in gas savings at current gas prices--not much to speak of. If gas goes back to $3-$4 savings are around $4k.

Anyway, the point of all this is that true cost to own over 5 years is really a wash.

 

[maddmike]

And us, Mike. You're entertaining us as well.

 

[pnwwarrior]

This wait is a killer. I have started looking and pricing out XC90 Hybrids. With the current discounts and the tax credit, I can actually get one of those for about $2k more than the Telluride as I built it ($50k). I do like the 400hp and gas savings as in hybrid mode it can get about 50mpg (takes premium). Amazing interior but no cooled seats at my price point or air tide suspension. A little less space than the Telluride and worse reliability and for sure more stuff to go wrong. They both two 5000 lbs.

Either way, I'm entertaining myself as I wait for my Telluride.

Can I get some credit for this detour?

______________________________

 

[maddmike]

Can I get some credit for this detour?

Or blame.

So, with both cars costing the same, it comes down to what you want to drive. The Volvo is classier and we all know how well it ages as Volvo has been sticking with the same look for decades. The interior will hold up better too based on my previous observations. In addition, 400hp and a 0-60 in 5.1 seconds while feeling smug and getting special parking at work for EV charging. If I go back to the office, it is 15 miles away so I could commute using zero gas. Their advanced driver's aids are considered to be the best in the industry and even work in heavy rain. The base sound system is better than the Kia, the HK is amazing I won't talk about the B&O as it is not available at this price point. Their safety systems are also world class. Driving dynamics are heavy but solid and good. Both cars are very quiet. The Volvo wins in seat comfort which is probably the best I have felt. Oh, and it has hot spot, auto dimming all mirrors, and heated wipers.

The Kia has that rugged look and cool color combos (even though the thunder grey and denim blue on the Volvo are pretty cool too). More interior space and more off-road usability. The Volvo has no arm rest in the captains chairs which may be a deal killer and is a strange omission. Also, at this price point, no vented seats and no cool blind spot screen. The Volvo trailer hitch folds under the car and hides and is deployed via infotainment. However, it is a $1,500 add on. I'm sure there are aftermarket options but not as cool. The Telluride is more practical just based on equipment at the price and space--which may be the deciding factor. At the end of the day, one is a Kia (that is white hot right now) and the other is a Volvo, which doesn't carry the same brand cachet as the Germans but is probably in line with Lexus. The Kia should have better reliability. Oh, no 3rd row seat charging on the Volvo either but it does have cup holders and rear vents.

Here is how they compare size wise:
Telluride: 1st row 41.4", 2nd row 42.4", 3rd row 31.4" (38.1 of head room), 21 cubic feet behind the third row (21" deep), 87 cubic feet with all seats folded
XC90: 1st row 40.9", 2nd row 37", 3rd row 31.9" (36.3 of head room), 15.8 cubic feet behind the 3rd row but much of that loss is due to the slant of the glass as it is deeper than the Kia (21.8" deep), 80.3 cubic feet with all seats folded

 

[Larryneu]

You have great taste in color combos!

Got a call from the dealer today. Our Telluride arrived a couple days early. Ready for pick up tomorrow 12/17. I've been impressed with our dealer through the entire process. Give me good vibes since this is the very first foreign car I have purchased. I know they are built in West Point, Ga. but took a lot of research and test drives to convert me. And, I don't think it will let me down!!

 

[Frankie Knuckles]

Thanks Frankie
At first the wife wasn't that into the Everlasting Silver but as she walked around it in the sunlight I could see the smile increase on her face.....love the hues and the way it looks with the black trim and wheels!!

It’s awesome how it changes colors. Love mine.

 

[pelesnores]

I drive a 2004 Acura TL, so I've been looking at cars passively for... a while. We have a toddler and I'm pregnant, so I know the TL's days would be numbered even if it weren't old as sh... However I LOVE my TL, its "fully loaded" which means it has navi, heated seats and bluetooth calling, which for 2004 was pretty slick.

Car shopping has been a trip. Literally everything I drive is more high-tech than my car. Before I knew I was pregnant I looked at the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Toyota Rav-4. I was heavily leaning towards the RDX. Once I found out about this bonus baby I knew we'd need to size up to be comfortable long term, and I know I will keep whatever I buy until it dies/my toddler wants it. My criteria were under 50K, 3 rows, and as many safety features as possible.

I looked at the Lexus RX350L. I found the third row to be essentially worthless, and wouldn't suit our needs, the drive was muddy and the tech was kinda dated. The Acura MDX was very nice but my local acura dealership pissed my off by charging me $160 to tell me my TL's power steering is going out, and not also just putting a $8 bottle of steering fluid in the car which completely solved the issue for now. The tech was good on the MDX but I really liked the HUD on the BMW X5 but didn't want to deal with beamer maintenance costs and the run-flat tire thing. All of my friends with beamers said "don't do it". I just can't get over the grill on the Pallisade - and tbh I thought the Q7 and XC90 were probably out of my price range once I built them. So, telluride it is.