Kia Telluride selling $10-13,000 above MSRP - well into BMW/Lexus/Audi territory:

[Zeze]

TL;DR:

1. Kia enters large SUV segment with Telluride - loaded with features, amazing interior & exterior, solid engine, best in class infotainment, solid AWD, etc.
2. Telluride enjoys an explosive success - from consumers to critics.
3. Now selling at $3,000-$12,000 above MSRP right now.

2024 Kia Telluride Review, Pricing, and Specs

The Telluride offers a generous set of standard features, and its top trim delivers a premium experience that's comparable to SUVs that cost far more.

www.caranddriver.com

Kia Telluride named 2020 World Car of the Year - Roadshow

Kia's Soul EV also sees recognition in the 2020 awards, as do the Porsche Taycan and Mazda3.

www.cnet.com

The Kia Telluride is the 2020 MotorTrend SUV of the Year

The Kia Telluride is the 2020 MotorTrend SUV of the Year, and there's more to this picture than just bold three-row crossover styling. Get the story here.

www.motortrend.com

I called my local Kia dealerships - two of them - both saying they're selling well above MSRP.

 

[NutBucket]

I say good for them. I love a free market!

 

[BarkingGhostar]

This has been seen before. I remember when the Honda Odyssey was being reinvented in the very late 1990's. I worked at a Honda dealership for a [very] short while and they were taking $10K pre-payments to be put on a list and then marked them up $8-10K and still idiots were buying them. The dealership management just laughed. Same thing with the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Skyline. Those went for $3-5K above MSRP. People are willing to pay anything to have their winning at keeping up with the Jones.

 

[Zeze]

This has been seen before. I remember when the Honda Odyssey was being reinvented in the very late 1990's. I worked at a Honda dealership for a [very] short while and they were taking $10K pre-payments to be put on a list and then marked them up $8-10K and still idiots were buying them. The dealership management just laughed. Same thing with the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Skyline. Those went for $3-5K above MSRP. People are willing to pay anything to have their winning at keeping up with the Jones.

Yes, keeping up with the Jones with KIA.

 

[rstrohkirch]

It's not though. A maxed out Telluride just touches 50K and it's a large 3 row SUV. It's competitors with the features present are things like 70k Q7, X5, GX 460. Even if they were selling for 10k more, they are not selling into the territory of the brands you mentioned for a comparable model. Kia isn't charging enough for what they're giving.

 

[ondma]

It's not though. A maxed out Telluride just touches 50K and it's a large 3 row SUV. It's competitors with the features present are things like 70k Q7, X5, GX 460. Even if they were selling for 10k more, they are not selling into the territory of the brands you mentioned for a comparable model. Kia isn't charging enough for what they're giving.

Huh??? They are charging plenty. The European makers are just charging even more.
I predict it will be very short lived though, as supplies increase and the impact of the covid pandemic is felt through the economy.

Edit: They are being advertised with no markup on the internet in my area.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Same dealers that marked up the Stinger - these are outlier dealers and not the majority.

The family hauler of choice here in Silicon Valley is the Q7 which sells for over $80K loaded up and that's absurd when you can get a Explorer Platinum for under $60K or Aviator GT for $70K.

 

[Wreckem]

If it’s still going for above MSRP in your area You can get one for MSRP if you are willing to wait a couple months. What I mean is you can always order one and wait for it til be built and shipped. It was going a few k over MSRP for the SX and just the SX in the DFW area before Covid hit.

With incentives you could get it for $1k before MSRP around the end of April around here. The problem was finding them. The SX is hard to find and they are usually spoken for before they arrive on lots.

 

[rstrohkirch]

Huh??? They are charging plenty.

Can you name any other 3 row SUV that gets anywhere close to the feature set/interior quality the Telluride has at it's 45-50k maxed out price point? They are charging the same price as the big 4 and giving their customers way more for their money. Using your logic, every other manufacturer in this segment is overpriced then.

 

[Zeze]

Can you name any other 3 row SUV that gets anywhere close to the feature set/interior quality the Telluride has at it's 45-50k maxed out price point? They are charging the same price as the big 4 and giving their customers way more for their money. Using your logic, every other manufacturer in this segment is overpriced then.

Hyundai Palisades
Also Mazda CX9 - beautiful interior, but too freakin' small.

 

[ondma]

CX-9 or Ford Edge if you want sporty driving characteristics. The Highlander, and Suburu Ascent are also viable alternatives.
Certainly the Telluride does not warrant paying thousands over list.

 

[Zeze]

Palisade SEL AWD with Performance Pkg at $42K seems to be very attractive. I plan on sniping a used one later this year or next for mid-$30K.

+All the features of Telluride SX
+Better lights rated by IIHS (Good). Telluride top-level trim LED is only 'Acceptable'.
+More luxurious feel than Telluride.
+Does not suffer from $3-10K above MSRP like Telluride

-Not as cool and badass looking as Telluride, Telluride is just that sexy.

 

[rstrohkirch]

CX-9 or Ford Edge if you want sporty driving characteristics. The Highlander, and Suburu Ascent are also viable alternatives.
Certainly the Telluride does not warrant paying thousands over list.

I feel like you're just listing popular vehicles from the same category. When I asked for your opinion on vehicles that offer the same level of features/quality I didn't mention anything about price gouging or if it's justified. I only wanted to see what vehicles you felt offered the same for a similar price point. Nothing you listed does that. The vehicles you mentioned are just flat out not as nice as the Telluride and they cost the same.

So lets pretend the price gouging doesn't exist because if the virus situation wasn't here then it probably wouldn't. You think this vehicle shouldn't cost anything more than it does. Yet at the same time all these reviewers and myself included feel it gives quite a bit more for the money than the competition. So either 1 vehicle is under priced, the Telluride/Palisade or nearly every other manufacturer is over priced.

Palisade SEL AWD with Performance Pkg at $42K seems to be very attractive. I plan on sniping a used one later this year or next for mid-$30K.

+All the features of Telluride SX
+Better lights rated by IIHS (Good). Telluride top-level trim LED is only 'Acceptable'.
+More luxurious feel than Telluride.
+Does not suffer from $3-10K above MSRP like Telluride

-Not as cool and badass looking as Telluride, Telluride is just that sexy.

The only other vehicle that competes against the Telluride on price vs features is itself then? This is more in response to your first post than the one I just quoted. In regards to this post, you won't have to worry about the pricing issue as anyone silly enough to pay over MSRP for the vehicle is just going to eat that in deprecation. So if you want a used one it shouldn't present itself as a negative when you go to purchase. The one thing I noticed in a couple of VS reviews is that the Telluride is apparently much quieter in the cabin at highway speed. If I opted for a big comfy vehicle I'd definitely have to test drive those two back to back to see if it's true or if it's exaggerated.

 

[Zeze]

I feel like you're just listing popular vehicles from the same category. When I asked for your opinion on vehicles that offer the same level of features/quality I didn't mention anything about price gouging or if it's justified. I only wanted to see what vehicles you felt offered the same for a similar price point. Nothing you listed does that. The vehicles you mentioned are just flat out not as nice as the Telluride and they cost the same.

So lets pretend the price gouging doesn't exist because if the virus situation wasn't here then it probably wouldn't. You think this vehicle shouldn't cost anything more than it does. Yet at the same time all these reviewers and myself included feel it gives quite a bit more for the money than the competition. So either 1 vehicle is under priced, the Telluride/Palisade or nearly every other manufacturer is over priced.



The only other vehicle that competes against the Telluride on price vs features is itself then? This is more in response to your first post than the one I just quoted. In regards to this post, you won't have to worry about the pricing issue as anyone silly enough to pay over MSRP for the vehicle is just going to eat that in deprecation. So if you want a used one it shouldn't present itself as a negative when you go to purchase. The one thing I noticed in a couple of VS reviews is that the Telluride is apparently much quieter in the cabin at highway speed. If I opted for a big comfy vehicle I'd definitely have to test drive those two back to back to see if it's true or if it's exaggerated.

I'm also curious as to how truly sportier CX-9 is... Mazda CX-9's schtick is supposed to be bit faster & cooler than Honda/Toyota.

The numbers say that CX-9 (inline4 turbo) and Telluride/Palisade (V6) have similar figures:
1. 0 to 60mph - Telluride/Palisaide at 7.2-7.5 secs. CX-9 is also 7.2 secs
2. 0 to 30mph are similar at 2.3 secs for Telly/Palisade. CX-9 is actually slower at 2.6 seconds.

So what gives, if CX-9 isn't really faster on top of having garbage tier cabin space? Also Turbo is far more complicated, and if problems occur - it'll be a major pain vs Telly/Palisade's traditional V6.

 

[ondma]

Obviously, ""sportiness" also includes more that simply acceleration times. It also includes overall feel, responsiveness and handling, in which the CX9 and Edge excel.
But I am done with arguing with you. You obviously are not interested in hearing any viewpoint that does not fit with your preconceived conclusion.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Yes, keeping up with the Jones with KIA.

Just because you and I are old enough to know Kia ain't worth anything to us, doesn't mean the yutes out there may know better. So, they consider Kia worth something and the dealerships are taking advantage of them.

 

[rstrohkirch]

Obviously, ""sportiness" also includes more that simply acceleration times. It also includes overall feel, responsiveness and handling, in which the CX9 and Edge excel.
But I am done with arguing with you. You obviously are not interested in hearing any viewpoint that does not fit with your preconceived conclusion.

I didn't realize we were arguing. I simply stated that Telluride offers a better vehicle at its price point then nearly any other vehicle in its class. Piles of reviews agree with that statement. I've sat in all the vehicles you listed. I looked at a LOT of vehicles when I wasn't sure what I wanted after my last lease. When you get bored one day, go sit in a Highlander Limited and then go sit in a Telluride SX and come back and let us know what you think.

I'm also curious as to how truly sportier CX-9 is... Mazda CX-9's schtick is supposed to be bit faster & cooler than Honda/Toyota.

The numbers say that CX-9 (inline4 turbo) and Telluride/Palisade (V6) have similar figures:
1. 0 to 60mph - Telluride/Palisaide at 7.2-7.5 secs. CX-9 is also 7.2 secs
2. 0 to 30mph are similar at 2.3 secs for Telly/Palisade. CX-9 is actually slower at 2.6 seconds.

So what gives, if CX-9 isn't really faster on top of having garbage tier cabin space? Also Turbo is far more complicated, and if problems occur - it'll be a major pain vs Telly/Palisade's traditional V6.

I agree with the above in that it's more than just horsepower. The engine in the CX9 isn't much though. It's only rated at 227hp out of a 2.5L 4. Most brands are pushing 300hp out of their performance 2.0L 4 with a few going all the way to and above 400hp. So a low 200hp 2.5L 4 is pretty slow.

 

[Zeze]

Obviously, ""sportiness" also includes more that simply acceleration times. It also includes overall feel, responsiveness and handling, in which the CX9 and Edge excel.
But I am done with arguing with you. You obviously are not interested in hearing any viewpoint that does not fit with your preconceived conclusion.

Huh we were arguing? About what?

 

[rstrohkirch]

Huh we were arguing? About what?

I believe he was talking to me.

 

[Wreckem]

Hyundai/Kia/Genesis is putting out higher quality, more reliable, and better looking vehicles than Toyota and Honda right now. They also come with far better warranties.

Kias of the last 5 years are not the Kias of yesteryear.

All you have to do is look at the actual reviews and not dummy awards.

Hyundai/Kia/Gensis have a lot of highly acclaimed CUVs/SUVs. SantaFe, Tucson, Seltos, Kona, Niro, Sportage and Telluride are all up there in terms of quality, reliability and up market packaging for their price ranges. Their line ups trounce all domestic automakers and are extremely competitive with nicer interiors than the Japanese automakers. Toyota and Honda are seriously lagging behind in terms of packaging right now.

The only Telluride that is going for MSRP in most markets now is the SX with Prestige Pkg, the lower end Tellurides are going for below MSRP in most places and almost no where are they going above MSRP anymore. Once the GV80 comes out you can expect Tellurides of all specs to go for below MSRP as the GV80 starts where the SX prices leave off. GV80 base is a nicer car than the Telluride SX. The Telluride easily holds its own against luxury brands that cost $10-15k more in the same size categories. The GV80 blows its luxury peers out of the water for less money. Getting a loaded GV80 for $70kish and it’s similarly speced as a $100k luxury competitor.

 

[Zeze]

Hyundai/Kia/Genesis is putting out higher quality, more reliable, and better looking vehicles than Toyota and Honda right now. They also come with far better warranties.

Kias of the last 5 years are not the Kias of yesteryear.

All you have to do is look at the actual reviews and not dummy awards.

Hyundai/Kia/Gensis have a lot of highly acclaimed CUVs/SUVs. SantaFe, Tucson, Seltos, Kona, Niro, Sportage and Telluride are all up there in terms of quality, reliability and up market packaging for their price ranges. Their line ups trounce all domestic automakers and are extremely competitive with nicer interiors than the Japanese automakers. Toyota and Honda are seriously lagging behind in terms of packaging right now.

The only Telluride that is going for MSRP in most markets now is the SX with Prestige Pkg, the lower end Tellurides are going for below MSRP in most places and almost no where are they going above MSRP anymore. Once the GV80 comes out you can expect Tellurides of all specs to go for below MSRP as the GV80 starts where the SX prices leave off. GV80 base is a nicer car than the Telluride SX. The Telluride easily holds its own against luxury brands that cost $10-15k more in the same size categories. The GV80 blows its luxury peers out of the water for less money. Getting a loaded GV80 for $70kish and it’s similarly speced as a $100k luxury competitor.

GV80 looks sexy. AWD is a must for me and it's getting pretty expensive - probably around $60K out the door with taxes.

Each of these 2.5T models offers all-wheel drive for between $5750 and $6350 extra, and the AWD models also come with extra equipment to justify those prices

 

[bigi]

Simple. Nothing in 40-45K price range can touch it.

 

[ondma]

GV80 looks sexy. AWD is a must for me and it's getting pretty expensive - probably around $60K out the door with taxes.

Each of these 2.5T models offers all-wheel drive for between $5750 and $6350 extra, and the AWD models also come with extra equipment to justify those prices

"The face of Young Luxury" Who wrote that ad copy?? I guess if you are old you cant buy one.
Seriously though, the interior looks beautiful in the pictures on the Genesis Page. But for 50k, AWD should be standard. Also, arent you the guy who was criticizing the CX-9 for having a four banger? Guess what the standard engine is at 50K for the Genesis?

 

[Zeze]

"The face of Young Luxury" Who wrote that ad copy?? I guess if you are old you cant buy one.
Seriously though, the interior looks beautiful in the pictures on the Genesis Page. But for 50k, AWD should be standard. Also, arent you the guy who was criticizing the CX-9 for having a four banger? Guess what the standard engine is at 50K for the Genesis?

I don't think 'young luxury' meant only young people buy it. It's more like 'new luxury' against old school.

Yea GV80 is too expensive for me with AWD.

I like CX-9. Just too small. Inline4 turbo is fine by me.

Why are you combative, we're all chatting it up here regarding these exciting SUVs.

 

[ondma]

I don't think 'young luxury' meant only young people buy it. It's more like 'new luxury' against old school.

Yea GV80 is too expensive for me with AWD.

I like CX-9. Just too small. Inline4 turbo is fine by me.

Why are you combative, we're all chatting it up here regarding these exciting SUVs.

Seems more like you are trying desperately to convince everyone that the only choice is the Telluride or GV80. Just trying to say that there *are* viable alternatives. This is a forum for open discussion, not trying to drive your point of view down other people's throats.