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

[TRide_Strings]

I am a loyal VW fan as you can tell in my signature so that being said, I was set on buying the Tiguan SE rline or Atlas SEL rline but when I kept researching I fell in love with what the Telluride offers and thinking about my kids and not just myself. For the same price range, we decided on the Telluride after test driving it. Loved how it didn’t feel like a tank and absolutely fell in love with the look in person

Funny you say that. My tiny guy today said the same thing about the Atlas. It feels huge.

 

[808cutiepie]

Funny you say that. My tiny guy today said the same thing about the Atlas. It feels huge.

Yes driving the Telly seemed so easy to handle and hubby has a GMC Sierra. We traded in our sienna for that so I’m use to bigger vehicles. It wouldn’t be hard for me to drive but parking is the big issue. Hubby parks super far and it irks the heck out of me! Although I’ll probably start doing that once I get the Telly

the Atlas is super attractive from the outside but dang it’s so bare inside. Hardly any features!

 

[OrangeOtto]

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
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: advantage Palisade
Seats, nicer design and more adjustments in lumbar, slightly more comfortable: 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 metal 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.

The lack of power folding mirrors on the Palisade played a roll in our decision. With such a large vehicle every few inches makes a difference when parking in a tight garage. Overall we liked the look of the Telluride better anyways but if the Palisade had power folding mirrors I am not sure which one we would have chosen.

 

[maddmike]

So, I have been on the fence between the Telluride and the Volvo XC90 Inscription Hybrid. I broke out my reasoning in a previous post and how the two cars (with the current Volvo incentives and some negotiation) essentially cost the same. There are not a lot of direct comparisons of these two vehicles due to their MSRP differences and the few you do find say "the Kia is a better value". While this is true, I got a $76k MSRP XC90 down to $60.5k. Take out the $5.4 tax incentive and we are talking about a $5k difference which with free maintenance and gas savings is a rounding error.

I like the every man appeal and the rugged look on the Telluride while it offers slightly more space. I like the interior quality and the hybrid power train (400 hp and up to +50 MPGe or 27 MPG on only gas).

So, I had not actually driven the Telluride as they are always sold when they come in. I went to the dealer yesterday and they had just gotten in a shipment and one that I could test drive. So, I decided to drive the Telluride and the XC90 back to back to really be able to see the differences and finalize my decision. I put the baby seat in the car and took my three-year-old for a long test drive. Car drives nice enough without any crazy road feel, just decently comfortable and does what it it is supped to do, can feel a bit utilitarian at times. Acceleration is adequate and handling is decent with some body roll. I then took the Volvo on a multi-hour test drive too and swapped out driving and riding in the back with my sister.

Here are the things that stood out to me that made me finalize my decision.

• Interior design and materials: The Kia is nice--for a economy car brand vs. the Volvo is nice without any caveats. Some examples of the interior that bothered me with the Kia: fake wood, fake stitching on the dash, hard plastics anywhere they think you are not looking and touching, piano black, lack of seat adjustments (more on this below), really thin carpeting, stuck on look of the infotainment, plastics painted to look aluminum, mediocre sound system etc. The Volvo had soft touch plastics everywhere. Leather wrapped dash and doors, quality carpeting throughout, one continuous sunroof, the HK sound system (which is the base in the Inscription) is head and shoulders better, and a clean dash and design with minimal buttons. Everything that looks metal is metal.
• Seats: The Kia is a ahead in some aspects, mainly the second row being cooled and the fact that it has an inboard armrest. That's were the advantages end. The inboard armrest is so thin that it is not really usable and should have probably just been kept off. There is only two-way lumbar support which does not hit me in the right spot. The side bolsters are too wide and are not adjustable so they don't really hold me in. Steering wheel heat only has one setting. But the real issue was the grab handle hitting my knee as I drive. I had a CX-9 Signature before which had real and beautiful wood. However, one on the pieces was where I would rest my leg. This was extremely uncomfortable on long road trips. The Telluride grab handle hits my knee in a similar spot. I can adjust the seat to change my ride height to make it better but then it is not my preferred seating position. Also, hardly any adjustments for the front passenger and no memory. The Volvo has a padded leather panel where my driving knee rests, adjustable side bolsters, 4-way lumbar, three heated steering wheel settings, and all the same adjustments and memory for the passenger.
• Handling and ride quality: They revamped the suspension of the XC90 in 2020 and it has made a difference. Ride is firm but easily absorbs the bumps and ruts without that hollow sound that you get in cheaper suspensions. It corners flat and if you put your foot down, has plenty of power to get ahead of traffic (not push you in your seats like my 500+ hp sports car but enough to beat most vehicles off the line if needed). As I said, the Kia was decent but the Volvo was on a different level--as it should be at that MSRP.
• Dealership: While there are some nicer Kia dealerships, most of them are a bit more budget. Not to mention loaners for recalls and service work etc. My local Kia dealership always seems to to have people sitting around waiting for service as I guess they don't give out loaners. Call me spoiled but my current vehicle brands always giving me a loaner etc. The local Kia dealership always seems disorganized and just kinda low budget.

Well, put down a deposit on the Volvo. The car with the features and color I want is coming in from NJ and should be in on Sunday. They are installing the folding hitch and should deliver on Monday. I still have my Telluride on order and will not cancel till the deal is complete.

I still like the Telluride and I hope no one takes this as bashing as it is a great vehicle. Just from a value standpoint I find that the Volvo fits my needs and my values a little better.

______________________________

 

[OrangeOtto]

So, I have been on the fence between the Telluride and the Volvo XC90 Inscription Hybrid. I broke out my reasoning in a previous post and how the two cars (with the current Volvo incentives and some negotiation) essentially cost the same. There are not a lot of direct comparisons of these two vehicles due to their MSRP differences and the few you do find say "the Kia is a better value". While this is true, I got a $76k MSRP XC90 down to $60.5k. Take out the $5.4 tax incentive and we are talking about a $5k difference which with free maintenance and gas savings is a rounding error.

I like the every man appeal and the rugged look on the Telluride while it offers slightly more space. I like the interior quality and the hybrid power train (400 hp and up to +50 MPGe or 27 MPG on only gas).

So, I had not actually driven the Telluride as they are always sold when they come in. I went to the dealer yesterday and they had just gotten in a shipment and one that I could test drive. So, I decided to drive the Telluride and the XC90 back to back to really be able to see the differences and finalize my decision. I put the baby seat in the car and took my three-year-old for a long test drive. Car drives nice enough without any crazy road feel, just decently comfortable and does what it it is supped to do, can feel a bit utilitarian at times. Acceleration is adequate and handling is decent with some body roll. I then took the Volvo on a multi-hour test drive too and swapped out driving and riding in the back with my sister.

Here are the things that stood out to me that made me finalize my decision.

• Interior design and materials: The Kia is nice--for a economy car brand vs. the Volvo is nice without any caveats. Some examples of the interior that bothered me with the Kia: fake wood, fake stitching on the dash, hard plastics anywhere they think you are not looking and touching, piano black, lack of seat adjustments (more on this below), really thin carpeting, stuck on look of the infotainment, plastics painted to look aluminum, mediocre sound system etc. The Volvo had soft touch plastics everywhere. Leather wrapped dash and doors, quality carpeting throughout, one continuous sunroof, the HK sound system (which is the base in the Inscription) is head and shoulders better, and a clean dash and design with minimal buttons. Everything that looks metal is metal.
• Seats: The Kia is a ahead in some aspects, mainly the second row being cooled and the fact that it has an inboard armrest. That's were the advantages end. The inboard armrest is so thin that it is not really usable and should have probably just been kept off. There is only two-way lumbar support which does not hit me in the right spot. The side bolsters are too wide and are not adjustable so they don't really hold me in. Steering wheel heat only has one setting. But the real issue was the grab handle hitting my knee as I drive. I had a CX-9 Signature before which had real and beautiful wood. However, one on the pieces was where I would rest my leg. This was extremely uncomfortable on long road trips. The Telluride grab handle hits my knee in a similar spot. I can adjust the seat to change my ride height to make it better but then it is not my preferred seating position. Also, hardly any adjustments for the front passenger and no memory. The Volvo has a padded leather panel where my driving knee rests, adjustable side bolsters, 4-way lumbar, three heated steering wheel settings, and all the same adjustments and memory for the passenger.
• Handling and ride quality: They revamped the suspension of the XC90 in 2020 and it has made a difference. Ride is firm but easily absorbs the bumps and ruts without that hollow sound that you get in cheaper suspensions. It corners flat and if you put your foot down, has plenty of power to get ahead of traffic (not push you in your seats like my 500+ hp sports car but enough to beat most vehicles off the line if needed). As I said, the Kia was decent but the Volvo was on a different level--as it should be at that MSRP.
• Dealership: While there are some nicer Kia dealerships, most of them are a bit more budget. Not to mention loaners for recalls and service work etc. My local Kia dealership always seems to to have people sitting around waiting for service as I guess they don't give out loaners. Call me spoiled but my current vehicle brands always giving me a loaner etc. The local Kia dealership always seems disorganized and just kinda low budget.

Well, put down a deposit on the Volvo. The car with the features and color I want is coming in from NJ and should be in on Sunday. They are installing the folding hitch and should deliver on Monday. I still have my Telluride on order and will not cancel till the deal is complete.

I still like the Telluride and I hope no one takes this as bashing as it is a great vehicle. Just from a value standpoint I find that the Volvo fits my needs and my values a little better.

this is an interesting comparison that has me intrigued. I have an order in for a telluride but I am going to look into this more.

at one point we were close to buying a plug in Pacifica but the issue was it wasn’t AWD and was a bit too big which made parking in our garage a very tight fit.

never even thought about this. Any information or place you can point me to get more info? Do you plan on getting a level 2 charger for home? Can you preheat the car while plugged in and not have the engine start? The Pacifica couldn’t do this and would be a nice feature while parked inside a garage.

ideally I would like to spend under $50,000 after including the $7,500 federal and NYS $500 rebate but mind spending a bit more when factoring gas savings and convenience of only needing to get gas on long road trips.

 

[qwikhit]

This convo needs to go somewhere else.

 

[OrangeOtto]

This convo needs to go somewhere else.

Sorry. Was just looking at other options while I wait for my telluride. Maddmike posted some detailed helpful information that made me think. I will PM him instead.

 

[victx87]

Before committing to the Telluride SX, I was cross shopping the Durango RT and Explorer ST. The Durango would have been about 45k fully loaded and the Explorer was sitting closer to 50k. The main difference is that those models have much better dealer discounts and manufacturer rebates and incentives available. I found plenty of Durango for about 8-10k off msrp and the Explorers were closer to 7-8k off. The buying experience with either of those would have been much easier in my opinion, as opposed to having to call and shop around to finally finding a dealership that was willing to sell a loaded Telluride at MSRP. But even then, that's only because I custom ordered.


The Explorer ST was definitely fast and sporty and the Durango Hemi wasn't too far off in performance. In the end, the rave reviews on the Telluride and modern features persuaded me to buy into Kia this time.

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[westcoastTelly]

Pretty sure the Gennie GV70 is pulling me over , I dont need the Telly size but it will tow my boat . The GV70 is a good size AND it's getting the new 3.5TT engine with a sport tuned suspension .......................and it tows .

 

[superk1977]

Atlas, pilot, xc90, lincoln aviator, infiniti qx7, acura mdx, audi q7... I looked at all, but fell for the Telly.... Ordered one in Sept, my expected delivery date is 2/26...

 

[stbentoak]

@maddmike has hit on the head, He discovered the same things I discovered when looking the vehicle over. For the money.... it is an excellent buy hands down, but when you look as some vehicles that are a little better, it exposes some of the places they cut corners to save money. The quality and robustness of materials and systems just start to fall short when you've had other vehicles of reasonable quality.
Still an excellent buy for 90% of the mainstream, but I'm not going to have too many more new cars, so unfortunately I'm going to be pickier...

 

[Average Joe]

@maddmike has hit on the head, He discovered the same things I discovered when looking the vehicle over. For the money.... it is an excellent buy hands down, but when you look as some vehicles that are a little better, it exposes some of the places they cut corners to save money. The quality and robustness of materials and systems just start to fall short when you've had other vehicles of reasonable quality.
Still an excellent buy for 90% of the mainstream, but I'm not going to have too many more new cars, so unfortunately I'm going to be pickier...

What did you go with?

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[stbentoak]

I ended up buying a Yukon Denali with the 3 L turbo diesel engine. It’s a very fine vehicle very roomy, plenty of features, and I can push 25 to 30 miles per gallon. That’s unheard of in a big box car like this. Now the telluride’s are selling well over MSRP, Personally I would look at a lower mid-level Tahoe or Yukon with the diesel option and you would have a super vehicle with super capacity, getting super mileage and be more robust and superior to a Telluride for not much more than the same money.

 

[MG535]

I ended up buying a Yukon Denali with the 3 L turbo diesel engine. It’s a very fine vehicle very roomy, plenty of features, and I can push 25 to 30 miles per gallon. That’s unheard of in a big box car like this. Now the telluride’s are selling well over MSRP, Personally I would look at a lower mid-level Tahoe or Yukon with the diesel option and you would have a super vehicle with super capacity, getting super mileage and be more robust and superior to a Telluride for not much more than the same money.

Take away the rather dubious pricing comparison.

1. Tellurides can be bought for MSRP.

2. There are dealers asking markups for Tahoes and Yukons too.

So comparisons need to be apples to apples. How much is a Yukon equipped like a Telluride SXP?

 

[BasilFawlty]

Now the telluride’s are selling well over MSRP,

Only to people silly enough to pay over MSRP.

 

[stbentoak]

Take away the rather dubious pricing comparison.

1. Tellurides can be bought for MSRP.

2. There are dealers asking markups for Tahoes and Yukons too.

So comparisons need to be apples to apples. How much is a Yukon equipped like a Telluride SXP?

Lower level of Tahoe‘s and Yukon’s can be had in the high 50s low 60s range, that may have more features in one area and less and in another. That’s not such a big step up financially for a much more substantial vehicle with probably 30 to 40% more room and an engine that can deliver you 25+ mpg…It’s not the answer for most Telluride owners, I’m just saying that is a viable alternative for those willing to spend a little more and getting a whole lot more depending on what you are looking for. I was convinced a telluride was for me, but after spending a little more I feel like I got a whole lot more vehicle. A choice you have to live with for a long time so a few more dollars here and there isn’t that critical…

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[MSPTom]

Coming from a ‘20 CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve. Great little crossover, especially after they gave it a turbo, but it’s too small now and can’t really tow anything. The CX-9 wasn’t enough of an improvement in either category. I felt like the Mazda was a nicer vehicle than the BMW 3-series I had, and the EX Telluride I drove was a full step up from the Mazda.

 

[jumpyg]

We're coming from a 2015 Acadia, which is bigger than the current Acadias. We looked at the Chevy Traverse since it's similar in size to our Acadia. However, it's about four inches longer and probably wouldn't fit in the garage. Looked at the Telly and the reliability ratings, better warranty, and overall better value and decided to put down a deposit on one yesterday. Hoping it gets picked up in KFOS this week.

 

[lld]

The car that Telluride has replaced is a 2015 Lincoln MKT. I still have the car and will give it to my daughter-in-law soon. It has 101,000 and except for standard maintenance, tires, brakes and a battery, the car has never required any shop time. Very comfortable, lots of room and great visibility. However, Lincoln no longer makes the MKT (2019 was last model year) and the Lincoln replacement (the Aviator) runs about $75K with similar options.

 

[SinNYC]

I was certain I was going to buy a Toyota 4Runner Nightshade. I've driven body-on-frame/true 4 wheel drive vehicles for 30 years: Mitsubishi Montero in the 80's, Isuzu Trooper II in the 90's, Wrangler, Liberty. I only checked out the Telluride because a friend of mine who is into cars (and whose opinion I trust) suggested I'd hate myself if I didn't drive one. I knew next to nothing about the brand. Walked into the dealership unannounced, had the keys to their SX tossed to me, and 20 minutes later, I knew I was in trouble

I went to my appointment at Toyota next. The Telluride was superior in ride, engine performance, features, and overall interior luxury. And was around $5k less for, in my opinion, significantly more. Now I am still not sure if I'll miss the tow hooks, 4 Wheel Low, and actual skid plates of a more "truck-y" vehicle but we'll see in a couple of months. Right now, I'm 2 weeks into ownership and I am very, very happy with my EX AWD N/T/P.