Yes but at 50k, the Telluride gives you everything. At that price the MDX doesn’t have ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, pano roof etc. I’d probably still prefer the MDX but it’s important to note.
dude kias are for people with piss poor credit, worse resale value EVER, and just questionable overall quality. korea makes great TV's and phones, but not something id want to drive.
@@nalong55 Nissan finances anyone with a pulse. Kia/Hyundai not so much. There was a time I'd crap all over the Korean brands but they are great cars that, thankfully, offer a lot for the money. Even paying over sticker for one comes in cheaper than a Toyota Highlander.
Levels of 3 row SUV sadness: "See honey, we don't need a minivan!" "Hey, at least it's not a minivan." "Look, it was this or a minivan." "Should've just gotten the minivan."
No one should be paying over sticker for any vehicle,let the damn things rot on the lots for a while and then this ridiculous practice will end.It is the idiots willing to pay over sticker that are screwing the people that don't have the fund to pay over sticker.Wake up people and stop buying from dealers that are screwing customers.Good review guy's
The problem is a lot of people are dumb and only focused on monthly payments. So they have no problem paying over sticker because they sign up for 84 month payment plans and are happy their monthly payment is affordable SMH.
@@braetonwilson4296 I think the way to go now is leasing, unfortunately. With inflation the way it is you can essentially drive for free for the length of the lease.
A friend of mine bought one of these for his wife when they first came out. A loaded up model with all the bells and whistles and they love it, great value for dollar compared to competitors. He lives in a very rural part of western Canada quite a few miles from paved roads and it's been proven to be quite durable/reliable.
@@_chipchip He traded in a Sante Fe on it that stood up well. He's been impressed with the Korean's price point and quality/warranty. His daily is a Chev 3500 Duramax.
These cars come with 5 or 10 year warranties and Kiss/Hyundai's are not known to be unreliable or unsafe these days so I don't think there's too much to worry about.
@@iSOBigD The Theta recall was really recent. I know every beans has recalls but the fact that they tried to cover it up gives me pause for considering Kia and Hyundai.
How the turntable...KIA dealerships cleaned out all of their road signs, cheesy billboards, and their dancing fan man, and STILL absolutely inundated with buyers. I regularly drove by one giant KIA dealership by the interstate (think of Walmart sized parking lot, not the classic buy-here-pay-here 2000s KIA lots) and only see pre-owned Serentos and some K5? sedans on the lot.
The guys summed it up perfectly, it's an all-round winner in the non-luxury 3 row category. Not perfect but ticks most of the boxes people care about. Such as front and foremost it's looks. The fact that it looks "Range Rovery" stately with commanding road presence is a huge win for Kia. You buy with your eyes first and in my opinion, this looks so much better than the current Highlander, Pilot, Accent, Atlas, even the new Pathfinder. The CX-9 looks good in a sporty MDX way but again doesn't have the commanding road presence of the Kia. I'm interested to see where Honda go with their next gen Pilot and Mazda with the all new CX-90.
The Telluride is a very good looking CUV/SUV (especially in dark paint), but I don’t find it particularly commanding on the road. The GMC Acadia, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Acura MDX have a lot more presence (in my humble opinion). I also find the Palisade more attractive than it’s Telluride sibling (because of its beefy C pillar).
The dealer mark up alone would remove any consideration for this vehicle. It is the coolest looking minivan I've ever seen though -- Kia did a good job.
I did a short stint in Kia sales between jobs last year, and we never had a single one in stock. Every one we got was a customer order with a $5k markup and 1-4 month wait. Consumers have spoken, and they love this thing. I personally felt it was a good vehicle, but overrated and not worth spending a $5k markup on. The Sorento is a much better value vehicle and drives much nicer.
@@aono335 We have 9 Kia dealers in our metro area. Combined, there are 6 SX-Prestige models available, each with a mark-up. The real funny one is a Wolf Grey model that the dealer wants $65K for. It is a great product, but not nearly worth a mark-up, especially given its less premium construction and chassis.
"mechanical impressions" might be my favorite car review segment. watching a bunch of your videos today and really enjoying that segment the most. good work, guys
I prefer the look of the 4Runner, I would rather buy that. Especially with this Telluride getting below 20 mpg according to Jack, and the 15K Telluride markup, no thanks.
Bought a 2020 Stinger GT2. It's a well put together car and we love it. When the wife wanted an SUV we took a look at the Telluride. It is not the same build quality as the Stinger. It's not terrible but it's not ras good as the Stinger. The dealership had a $10K markup. Wouldn't let us take it for a test ride. Tried to hose me on the trade in. Ended up with a 2022 MDX Advanced for less, got a great trade-in value, was in and out in about 2 hours time. The SH-AWD and double wishbone suspension is no joke. The only thing that Kia does much better is the infotainment has a touch screen. The MDX stereo is better. I'm still a fan of what Kia is doing, but the dealerships are really aggravating...at least in our area. If you can get one fo r MSRP it's probably decent value, but for what they are going for it misses the mark for me. I love the exterior....the wife is not a fan.
We looked at the MDX, Telluride, Sorento, XC90, X5. The Tellruide felt like an airport boarding/waiting area (usb charge ports, comfortable seats but forgettable, spacious almost cavernous head room and utilitarian) and the Sorento not much better - like a VW product. The MDX felt quality but was the same on cargo space as Sorento and so wouldn’t work for our needs. I’d have picked the MDX if I wasn’t getting a Volvo (our final choice) or BMW.
I’m 6’ tall and found the third row to be quite comfortable. When you compare it to the competition (mdx, Toyota, grand Cherokee L) , the telluride is even better.
I just went with a loaded 2021 Pacifica Hybrid, $2K under MSRP sticker, $7500 back from Uncle Sam next year, and 6 adults are very comfortable riding. Plus, haven’t been to the gas station in over 30 days and still have half a tank by plugging in each night. When the Goose, Jack, and Alex agree that a minivan is just more practical than most 3 row mid sized suv, it’s definitely pointing to a winner.
@@fcg243 totally agreed on the optics, but in my case I’m old enough not to care anymore and the minivan sure is more roomy. And at the $50k price point, they’re just the same to me.
The Telluride wasn't made for hustling through back roads! It is meant to be a versatile transportation conveyance that just happens to look cool, holds lots of cargo and has easy to use tech that works. This Telluride makes long road trips easy and that is why it can't be kept in stock
@@Striker50_ my wife has a Crosstour which is basically a pilot. It has been the most amazing reliable vehicle we have ever owned and that V6 is a beast. If Honda would have made the passport with some decent tech in it and a pano roof it would be a no-brainer to buy one of them but for $47,000 with nothing in it I will give it a hard pass
@@hamerplayer1229 Those alien moon cars are pretty cool. Agreed. Honda is in a weird stage right now lagging on their redesigns. I had my hands on a Mazda for a week and loved the jump in refinement compared to Honda. Personally, I'm in the market for a roomy 5 seater Hybrid (ex: Passport or new CX-50) or a Midsize truck, but Honda and others are moving like Turtles. A hybrid for me is the perfect filler between now and electric, these gas prices won't get better anytime in the foreseeable future
@@Striker50_ that doesn’t matter right now. Telluride and Palisade came out not too long ago, and is doing very well. They can’t stay on the lots and in such demand.
Dealer pricing chased us away from the Telluride and availability meant no Palisade. We wanted a usable third-row for adults and considered a minivan again, but went with the Atlas. It checked all of our boxes. I know these guys focus on performance but we wanted a soft and quiet ride. We don't stop and stomp on the pedal EVER.
You guys are the first reviewers that I’ve seen say anything negative about this bus. Everyone else acts like it is built by the hand of God himself (queue the thunder and lightning). I will come back to you again and again for real, honest reviews. Thank you!
I think it speaks volumes on how far the Korean brands have come how in both your reviews on the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, you compare them to each other and other non-premium products such as the Atlas and Explorer. But your Hyundai Palisade and this Telluride review you guys compare them multiple times to the Grand Cherokee, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X7, Volvo XC90, etc... All cars that are premium brands and/or have a starting MSRP of $5,000 - $50,000 (X7) more than the Palisade/Telluride.
@@limitedreach4446 Yup, wait for Mazda and Honda to release their redesigns this year. If they both offer hybrid power trains (Mazda may get Toyota's) it's game over with sales numbers 📈
@@Striker50_ that’s becuase Kia just released this products back in early 2020. It’s not known enough, and people like you can’t accept the fact that Kia is getting better.
A real minivan still completely blows things like this away in terms of cargo capacity. This thing has 87 CF? Big whoop. Kia's own Carnival has 145 CF. Just saying.
My 2008 Acura MDX has 84 and Ive been shopping for something with more... hard to do without going Tahoe class. VW atlas does but that reliabilty blows and that thing is underpowered IMO.
No kidding. I see dudes all the time loading drywall and plywood in the back of honda odysseys. Our family doesn't need one, but I totally get people having them. Can't beat there practically and function.
So it's built on a minivan platform with less kid space and a higher cost. Soccer mom's love it. They look so much cooler driving one of these versus a van.
Soccer moms completely ruined the new car market. It just can't be said any more simpler or accurate. They don't need the space nor the seat capacity they think they desperately need. It has become a totally ludicrous status symbol. They put a station wagon on stilts, and suddenly soccer moms thought they found their nirvana. Pathetic. As long as I live, being a gay man, I will never be able to understand heterosexual culture. Just when I think I've heard or seen it all with them, they outdo themselves...again. The Telluride might be the one of the most shining examples of a culture run a muck with its own self-importance.
@@RedNekLvr22 As a fellow gay man, I agree with you 100%. These soccer moms and women in general with their obsession over huge SUVs is pathetic! It's like women are compensating for their small stature by driving huge gas guzzling SUVs.
Last spring my buddy and his family bought a 2021 Pacifica Touring S AWD after watching your review on the Pacifica AWD. They only lost $3k from the original purchase of their 2018 Pacifica which had 36K miles on it when they traded it. Their new Touring S is completely loaded with the tech package, heated second row buckets. No air ride, and I am not a fan of minivans but it is a very nice ride.
Boy that last sentence says it all. My local KIA dealer wanted about 9% markup and treated me like I was lucky they had one in stock and I'd be stupid not to buy it. NOOooope!
A family friend went to buy a Telluride and the dealership marked it up 15k. So she went and got a Highlander. She loves it. We're looking at a Highlander also. We won't pay any markup.
Good, enjoyable, honest review. I’ve gotta say though, I think the Telluride/MDX is an apples/oranges comparison UNLESS you’re paying over MSRP for the Telluride. I’m paying MSRP for the Telluride we have on order. It’s fully loaded at around $52K. A comparably equipped MDX, when I build it on Acura’s website, comes in at over $67K. Also, can’t really be compared to a Q7 or X7. Way more expensive to buy and maintain than a Telluride. Those vehicles better have better handling and interiors!
Agreed. But what you get for the extra cash isn't features, but materials and execution. More and nicer leather, increased soundproofing, a better audio system, and better handling (advantages noted by Mark and Jack) do cost money. The buyer beeds to figure out whether the higher price is warranted. The real bargains on these are in the lower trim levels. They lack various tech and comfort features, but nothing that vital. The basics are still the same, which makes them a real bargain.
A base MDX is 10x the car the telluride is. Anyone who understands mechanics, suspension arcthecture , ride quality and refinement , NHV materials and quietness would understand paying for a base model MDX is still WAY better than a fully loaded telluride. A fully loaded telluride doesn't have different suspension , more nhv materials, nor better refinement compared to a base model telluride. The base model mdx has a way better chassis , a WAY more advanced AWD system thats standard, a better V6 , WAY better sound deadening , and way better ride quality due to its more advanced suspension . Why sacrifice a way more premium vehicle for some extra options ? Sure the telluride will have a 360 cameras , and ventilated seats vs the base mdx but other than that your not missing much ... The mdx comes with leather as standard. Optioning it fully loaded gives you extras you dont even need , like air suspension , massaging seats, 360 camera, Upgraded sound system , etc etc .
@@doubledown8229 The manufacturers are completely against mark-ups. Honda recently put out a warning against a few of their dealerships for marking up products.
Anyone in Utah hit up Jerry Seiner Kia, they treated me pretty well. No markups and even gave me a student and military discount. Nothing else though, really wanted that maintenance package thrown in.
@@ASM31237 all depends on how much inventory they got. Thats awesome , thank you for your service ! Nowadays because of the stupid chip shortages , basically everything is getting MSRP or OVER. Before , only great sellers would hit msrp while regular vehicles would sell a few grand under msrp .
If you have more than 2 kids, get a second row bench, put the car seats 3 across and keep the 3rd row down. Then you will have plenty of room in the back for stroller, bags, groceries, etc. Thats the big mistake we made when we got captains chairs in the 2nd row.
Useful advice that. I think most people worry too much about cargo space with the third row up. That only matters if your family is too big to fit in two rows, and then you need an Expedition or similar. For most people the third row is for occasional use, when they're carrying the kids' friends or sports teammates. Then the cargo room has almost nothing in it and can be small without any problem. The rest of the time the seats are folded and there is plenty of cargo space.
My wife and I ordered a 2022 EX Premium in Dark Moss Green with the Nightfall package in January. Hopefully it will be here before August cause we are stoked to get it. It might be boring but its hella practical and will be an excellent people hauler for the next 10-15 years. Also because we ordered and waited and made a deal with out dealership for no ADM.
We are picking up our Telluride tomorrow. 22 SX with the prestige and nightfall package. I am a German car guy at heart but honestly I am super impressed from what I've seen with the KIA. Building other cars the Acura seems the closest in terms of price but even then 10k+ more with options. Feel like if you are stepping up to the next level with similar size and features you are spending at least $70k. Even maxed out around $52k I will deal with the 'faux' luxury and spend my money elsewhere.
Got a CX-9 for a family car, I only drive on pavement, don’t go to the snow, and it hauls my kids just fine. Guess I’m a soccer mom, but it’s okay, I’ll get a daddy wagon once the RS6 Avant decreases in the used market. I would have looked at the Telluride, but the dealer markups and network didn’t do it for me. I like my local Mazda dealer.
I have the telluride and i cant wait what kia will come up with for the redesign. Before the telluride came out, i told myself that i would never get a kia. But when it did and i saw one on the road, i fell in love with it that i decided to get it. Im happy with it. Im close to 30k miles and have not come across any issues with it
@Keyser Soze my parents have owned kia for a looong ass time. They never encountered any issues. Ever. Their old sorento had 200k and no issues whatsoever. They traded that in for the new one. 🙄🙄🙄
Thanks for "going back in time" to re-check this car. Its important to learn from the past, and your review covers the important details for a new purchase and for the used car buyer.
I really liked the short segment/Segway of Mark and Jack talking about like "their perfect car" - interesting to hear their highlights from the different competitors - transmission, engine, etc
The Telluride has the styling that draws you in at first. And yes, it has its shortcomings. But every single wish that Jack had for this would've added to the cost, which is why almost every other SUV mentioned on that list costs more than the Telluride SX (assuming no markups). And this is where I believe the MDX falls as the next best alternative. It won't be as fully-equipped but most of your complaints will be addressed. But when it comes to packaging, the Telluride does it best. You're not going to find anything else out there unless you get a minivan. There's a new Telluride coming with design updates for 2023. Whether the ride (no pun) and underpinnings will be addressed is unknown.
Cross-shopped Honda Pilot Elite and Telluride SX in the summer of 2019. Liked the Telluride better, but it was selling above MSRP and the Pilot was $6500 below MSRP. 2 1/2 years later, the differences between them that were important at the time are meaningless now. The Pilot does everything that I need, comfortably and reliably.
@@texasyank48 Kia and Hyundai were also facing severe shortages in supply.Tellurides are booked months in advance in a lot of places. Regardless, Honda needs to make better cars.
Looked at a 2023 Telluride at the San Diego Auto Show today. The dashboard has been completely redesigned and is much better than the previous year. Unfortunately, none were available for a test drive.
No more mark ups on any vehicle. Why reward a stealership that their order came in? They are taking advantage of people in a bad situation. Imagine having bad luck with an accident and you have to replace it and have to downsize or get a lesser vehicle because stealerships are marking up stuff because "fuck you that's why."
If you drive one of these in EU you are seen as hot playboy or manager bigboy and datin' girls find you as cool marriage material bragging when gettin' your number....Europeans have this size and shape matched with Escalade status...If you take it that army green and add bronze wheels...you become heads-turner...the streets are yours.... everybody asks who is that newking of the block....
@@WhiteMouse77 If you drive one of these in the West Coast city I live in, you’re seen as trying too hard to look rich, but actually just drive a Kia. People who pull up to the Country Clubs and golf courses around here drive Ferrari, McClaren, Porsche. BMW, Mercedes and Lexus are like poor man’s cars with Kia/Hyundai really cheaping out. People with real money don’t buy these brands because it makes you look like you need to find a good bargain.
I own a Telluride and tested an MDX, low 50s range MDXs do not have the same quality of interior materials and features. If you want a better interior than a Telluride you're looking at an A-spec at about 59k at least if not an Advanced at 64k. I'll confess MDX was a more engaging drive. For me it was the Tellurides greater interior room and predicted reliability that clinched it for me.
Funny you mention the MDX...we cross-shopped the new MDX and the Telluride (we replaced a 2016 MDX last year). The MDX handles a bit better...but we liked the Telluride for pretty much everything else. Utilization of space, overall ride comfort, dashboard design (don't care for the dash layout in the new MDX), a third row you can actually put humans with legs in...and the materials in the Telluride SX are pretty nice. Not quite up to the MDX, but it's also like $10-$12k less comparably equipped. The Telluride is just really good at what it's trying to be, and I think it's a good value too even decked out at $50k.
Great post. If the cost is that much more it would take a helluva good MDX to favour it over the Tell. Even with its cache. (does Acura even have that going for them any more??)
I took the 3rd row out; now it has real room. Our mountain bikes can be carried upright on a custom rack inside. I just wish the Telluride would muscle up to where it could pull our 8000 lb sailboat . Some day our 1996 Isuzu Trooper might retire from that job.
I waited 4 mo for my Wolf Gray Telly and I'm so happy with it. I luckily didn't pay any markup and for a new growing family, this is just what we needed. I agree with the handling statement but the space and comfort PLUS looks and features is what sold me on the Telly
The answer is usually minivan instead of one of these but unfortunately there aren’t many AWD choices for minivans. We have a new Odyssey and on snow days it stays in the garage because even on snow tires it won’t make it back home.
MDX seems like a perfect car, i think the design of the car is something you can get to like, but the way the car drives, feels and the audio system is just a knock out, also their reliability is a plus. I have been hearing bad things about Kia and Hyundai recently, but who knows if that is true.
The MDX is huge on the outside (larger than the Telluride) and much smaller on the inside. It completely misses the point for those seeking a large people and stuff hauler with its compromised space. Yes it handles better. But parking it in an urban setting is maddening when you then realize just how poorly the vehicle was designed.
i like the way the teleride looks and the turn signals etc... its different, the auto industry has changed so much the past 5 years, 4 years, 3 years, 2 years and last year.
And people in these comments are still trying to say that these have poor resale value, they’ve been selling for more used before the chip shortage was even a thing lol
It's a compromised car, but in Canada it's priced very competitively, and it legally can not be marked up in most parts here. They definitely fly off the shelves in Canada. I recommend it to anyone i know who just wants a big car, but doesn't care about handling characteristics.
Thanks for this video and comparing this with luxury cars. It has to be compared with MDX because the EX telluride MSRP is close to MDX base and SX prestige plus all package MSRP is very close to MDX tech package. Telluride is marked up like hell but I am able to get quotes from Acura dealers with very minimal or no markup. If telluride has markup and MDX has no markup then hands down it’s MDX. If both has markup then Telly. I personally like Telluride and it’s smoothness whereas MDX tries to be sporty with great handling but a underpowered engine. It’s confusing to the hell. Maybe buy MDX at sticker price and prebook a telluride. With new 2023 Telly we can get usb c and wireless CarPlay.
" EX telluride is close to MDX base and SX prestige plus all package is very close to MDX" - until you go to trade it in and get 10% of what MDX will return. Or that first dealership service experience.
I test drove the 2020 Telluride and the Honda Passport two years ago. My reactions were the same: they did not feel like $40k+ vehicles. I saved a few grand and went with the 4runner which is far less luxurious, but is an absolute pleasure to drive. It feels like I am in control rather than the electronics.
The 4runner is in a different league in that it's a real SUV, body on frame truck chassis with real off road capability, real RWD based 4WD system. Also it's made in Japan which to me is a big deal.
It's simple economics unfortunately. Massive demand and low supply. People are literally trying to outbid each other at dealers especially for the SX models. Many can't or don't want to order one and wait so they don't stay on lots very long.
Not every dealer puts markups, you just have to shop around, it’s just the market rn. At least tellurides are selling for more used than new even before the chip shortage occurred so if people play their cards right they can get it for msrp or 5k more by looking around and still not be underwater on it for a few years
The biggest pitfall with this is what it's compared to in reviews. Every single reviewer (not just you guys) makes awful comparisons to the telluride/palisade twins which is why reviews always seem out of place when comparing this to other vehicles. The only competitors to the the telluride/palisade twins are the Traverse/Enclave twins and the Atlas. These are minivan replacements. Everything else falls into a different category. The issue is is that most people don't want to cross shop this with the traverse/enclave or the atlas, which makes it either stand out for its size or look like shit for not being luxurious enough. The only other segment this can legitimately be cross shopped with are literal minivans. Kia's biggest competitor to the telluride is the carnival, and no one wants to buy a minivan so the telluride wins by default The Durango, Grand Cherokee L and Explorer trade interior space for rwd, fat tires and big hoods with tons of room for big engines. They are incredibly compromised and their third rows are a joke, their cargo area's suck, and their load floors are super high. The Highlander, Pilot, Pathfinder, and Acadia all compete in a size class below these, like the old 3 row santa fe. They are shorter, the third row is compromised in size, the cargo area behind the second row is smaller, they are literally just a smaller class of vehicle. It's like saying a ford edge and a ford escape are the same thing because they're 2 row crossovers. Luxury offerings from any company just simply don't stack up, either they're near the same price and are significantly smaller, or are the same size class and are 30k more. The MDX for example, not only starts at around 50k, but is closer to the smaller 3 row's (like the pilot and highlander) in size with 20 less cubic feet of cargo space.
THIS COMMENT-- THANK YOU. Not a single car reviewer discusses the fact that this segment has 3 distinct branches. The RWD based ones, the big boys, and the smaller ones.
This is actually the first sort of negative review that I’ve seen. I just bought one and didn’t pay mark up price. I ordered mine in December and went with the EX Premium Nightfall Edition and stayed under 50,000. And have drove several and for me you are wrong I went with the AWD and it’s great. And in sport mode this thing flys
Let’s be honest, who else has a small man crush on Jack? I didn’t expect that at all lol I was pissed when Mark bright someone else on board. And I told mark I was bummed that I only wanted him! Hahaha a year in and I’m saying I was wrong! Mark was right. Love the Mark & Jack car show. Sincerely it’s a good match! Love you too Mister Mark! You guys have a little magic in a bottle.
It's a shame that dealers are getting really greedy with their markups. That, coupled with the 'sit back and take it' arrogance really chaps me. Keeping our paid for 2016 Ford Edge Titanium with a V-6, AWD, and only 23500 miles. Extended warranty for a year that equals one trade-in car monthly payment works for us.
Cool. 2018 I hear? Doesn’t matter now, it’s 2022, get over it, Hyundai/Kia are doing much better now, bringing out new engines that don’t have issues like the 2012-2018 Kia/Hyundai’s.
What do you mean you "see" them driving them like they're status symbols? Are they going around openly bragging about them or is that just the impression you have in your head when you see them?
I had a good nap when Jack Singapore started listing all the 3 row SUVs. Clicked the like button in my sleep and woke up to to a ultra premium CUV that my wife purchased without consulting me. I was upset, so we compromised. I am now paying $800/month for a Kona while "Pizza Hut" texts her at 1 AM.
Not sure why you keep mentioning the MDX, that car STARTS at $58,400 bucks. Yes markups can get the two cars to compete to some degree but you'll get markups on an MDX as well. As best I can tell the two cars similarly equipped should still be about $10 grand apart.
You can find Acura dealerships that will sell you an MDX for MSRP. On the other hand, almost every Kia dealership is slapping on a 15K markup on a Telluride.
@@limitedreach4446 a base MDX is not better than this. I would have to go for the Advance which they are marking up 7500 dollars at my two local dealers, and they are marking the type s which is the best at 12500 over.
@@bradleyscarreviews I didn’t ask you whether it was better or not nor did I say which was better, I said that OP was wrong about the starting price of it. However, the MDX does have a better interior (infotainment aside), better quality, better engine choices, better chassis and handling overall, and better looks (personally.)
Interesting review. Kia/Hyundai have obviously figured something out in this segment with looks and performance because dealers cannot keep these in stock and I see these everywhere. It seems like the 3 row SUV to have. I like the more boxy rugged look of this SUV versus say the Honda Pilot which looks more like a mini-van. If it were me, I would spec the second row as a bench seat versus the captains chairs.
I cross-shopped the Q7 3.0T, the SQ8, the GLE53 AMG (LOVED this but shoulder room was lacking), the new MDX and the Highlander. Having had a 2009 Highlander, we were surprised to see the 2021's were smaller and more tall-wagon like. The Telluride was very close to interior size as the 2nd Gen Highlander we had and that's what we went with. I considered another Honda but frankly their SUV's are snooze-fests. Having owned several Mercedes E550's, turbo BMW's, a Tesla....the Telluride SX-Prestige we got was not a step down in any way when it comes to luxury. I traded a 2018 Accord 2.0T Touring in on the SX-P...it was quick, spacious and handled really well so you'd think jumping in the Telluride, it would like driving a brick. Not at all the case. It does understeer slightly at the limit but has very well-controlled body motions and corners very flat. My only regret was not knowing about the Cherokee L when we got the KIA. I would have taken a look at it but it was released a month after we purchased (which was spur of the moment....we gave up looking due to dealer price-gouging and got a call one night about a canceled order and no markup, so drove straight to do the deal).
Never drove one. Did not know it was a minivan under. I am not a kia fan at all. I do have a lot of time in a highlander and they drive well. The camry platform is reasonable and comfy. The rear seats do destroy the storage room.
Yes but at 50k, the Telluride gives you everything. At that price the MDX doesn’t have ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, pano roof etc. I’d probably still prefer the MDX but it’s important to note.
dude kias are for people with piss poor credit, worse resale value EVER, and just questionable overall quality. korea makes great TV's and phones, but not something id want to drive.
@@nalong55 These two comments sum up Kias brand perceptions.
@@nalong55 Nissan finances anyone with a pulse. Kia/Hyundai not so much. There was a time I'd crap all over the Korean brands but they are great cars that, thankfully, offer a lot for the money. Even paying over sticker for one comes in cheaper than a Toyota Highlander.
@@IKhanNot and you get a better overall car with high levels of quality in the kia
@@nalong55 I guess you haven't seen the resale value for the telluride
Levels of 3 row SUV sadness:
"See honey, we don't need a minivan!"
"Hey, at least it's not a minivan."
"Look, it was this or a minivan."
"Should've just gotten the minivan."
"My Tellurides built on Carnival minivan platform?!?!' 🤦🏻♂️
Most people should just be buying minivans, not compromised "SUVs". But people like to cosplay.
There is a level 4 when SUV owners realize they bought a minivan without sliding doors
@Keyser Soze carnival > sienna
@Keyser Soze aside from hybrid fuel economy the Carnival beats the Sienna
No one should be paying over sticker for any vehicle,let the damn things rot on the lots for a while and then this ridiculous practice will end.It is the idiots willing to pay over sticker that are screwing the people that don't have the fund to pay over sticker.Wake up people and stop buying from dealers that are screwing customers.Good review guy's
Society eats itself on chasing status
The problem is a lot of people are dumb and only focused on monthly payments. So they have no problem paying over sticker because they sign up for 84 month payment plans and are happy their monthly payment is affordable SMH.
@@braetonwilson4296 I heard ford will be offering 10 year loans soon on trucks. Newer vehicles won't make 10 years without serious/expensive issues.
@@wigletron2846 It's ridiculous and will lead to a lot of people buying vehicles they can't afford. Lot more repos and defaulting on auto loans.
@@braetonwilson4296 I think the way to go now is leasing, unfortunately. With inflation the way it is you can essentially drive for free for the length of the lease.
Seeing Mark drop the sun visor for Jack is just a daily dose of wholesome.
He dropped it for himself based on the sun angle.
The sun was probably in his eyes, I do that all the time even when there’s no one in the passenger seat… it’s nothing special lol
i keep telling Jack to get sun glasses, that glare while driving will destroy his eyes
Bought my telluride loaded in June at MSRP. Love it without a doubt, coming from a Hellcat Grand Cherokee
A friend of mine bought one of these for his wife when they first came out. A loaded up model with all the bells and whistles and they love it, great value for dollar compared to competitors. He lives in a very rural part of western Canada quite a few miles from paved roads and it's been proven to be quite durable/reliable.
@@_chipchip He traded in a Sante Fe on it that stood up well. He's been impressed with the Korean's price point and quality/warranty. His daily is a Chev 3500 Duramax.
These cars come with 5 or 10 year warranties and Kiss/Hyundai's are not known to be unreliable or unsafe these days so I don't think there's too much to worry about.
@@iSOBigD The Theta recall was really recent. I know every beans has recalls but the fact that they tried to cover it up gives me pause for considering Kia and Hyundai.
“Hey what’s the markup on that?”
“You can’t afford it pal. KIA.”
😂😂
"Smoke 'em'.
How the turntable...KIA dealerships cleaned out all of their road signs, cheesy billboards, and their dancing fan man, and STILL absolutely inundated with buyers.
I regularly drove by one giant KIA dealership by the interstate (think of Walmart sized parking lot, not the classic buy-here-pay-here 2000s KIA lots) and only see pre-owned Serentos and some K5? sedans on the lot.
The guys summed it up perfectly, it's an all-round winner in the non-luxury 3 row category. Not perfect but ticks most of the boxes people care about. Such as front and foremost it's looks. The fact that it looks "Range Rovery" stately with commanding road presence is a huge win for Kia. You buy with your eyes first and in my opinion, this looks so much better than the current Highlander, Pilot, Accent, Atlas, even the new Pathfinder. The CX-9 looks good in a sporty MDX way but again doesn't have the commanding road presence of the Kia.
I'm interested to see where Honda go with their next gen Pilot and Mazda with the all new CX-90.
What is this "commanding road presence" you're talking about?
@@ericnyberg5883 the "i paid over 50k for a Kia" presence
The Telluride is a very good looking CUV/SUV (especially in dark paint), but I don’t find it particularly commanding on the road. The GMC Acadia, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Acura MDX have a lot more presence (in my humble opinion). I also find the Palisade more attractive than it’s Telluride sibling (because of its beefy C pillar).
none of this matters you're still driving and ugly suv lmao
@@FabienTeulieres93 when I see palisades I get a regal air with telluride it's like meh
The dealer mark up alone would remove any consideration for this vehicle. It is the coolest looking minivan I've ever seen though -- Kia did a good job.
I did a short stint in Kia sales between jobs last year, and we never had a single one in stock. Every one we got was a customer order with a $5k markup and 1-4 month wait. Consumers have spoken, and they love this thing. I personally felt it was a good vehicle, but overrated and not worth spending a $5k markup on. The Sorento is a much better value vehicle and drives much nicer.
I just got mine at msrp
Imagine being upside down on a Kia product...where you could've actually gotten an MDX or GV80..
Kia is selling these faster than any car in its segment. The dealer mark ups arent that common but this still sells like crazy.
@@aono335 We have 9 Kia dealers in our metro area. Combined, there are 6 SX-Prestige models available, each with a mark-up. The real funny one is a Wolf Grey model that the dealer wants $65K for. It is a great product, but not nearly worth a mark-up, especially given its less premium construction and chassis.
"mechanical impressions" might be my favorite car review segment. watching a bunch of your videos today and really enjoying that segment the most. good work, guys
I think the exterior looks incredible.
Yeah, they are striking vehicles. Kia has really come around.
Lots of people have horrible taste
@@povertyspec9651 I bet you drive a 2012 Altima and tell people that drive older Mercedes’ that they drive shitboxes
I prefer the look of the 4Runner, I would rather buy that. Especially with this Telluride getting below 20 mpg according to Jack, and the 15K Telluride markup, no thanks.
It looks rugged but drives nothing like it, I love the look of it but it’s a ripoff.
I love that you guys show the underneath of vehicles on a car lift. Please continue offering great reviews 👍
Bought a 2020 Stinger GT2. It's a well put together car and we love it. When the wife wanted an SUV we took a look at the Telluride. It is not the same build quality as the Stinger. It's not terrible but it's not ras good as the Stinger. The dealership had a $10K markup. Wouldn't let us take it for a test ride. Tried to hose me on the trade in. Ended up with a 2022 MDX Advanced for less, got a great trade-in value, was in and out in about 2 hours time. The SH-AWD and double wishbone suspension is no joke. The only thing that Kia does much better is the infotainment has a touch screen. The MDX stereo is better.
I'm still a fan of what Kia is doing, but the dealerships are really aggravating...at least in our area. If you can get one fo r MSRP it's probably decent value, but for what they are going for it misses the mark for me. I love the exterior....the wife is not a fan.
Enjoy your MDX! That SH-AWD is amazing 🤤
We looked at the MDX, Telluride, Sorento, XC90, X5. The Tellruide felt like an airport boarding/waiting area (usb charge ports, comfortable seats but forgettable, spacious almost cavernous head room and utilitarian) and the Sorento not much better - like a VW product. The MDX felt quality but was the same on cargo space as Sorento and so wouldn’t work for our needs. I’d have picked the MDX if I wasn’t getting a Volvo (our final choice) or BMW.
I’m looking seriously at the Telluride but I think given current market trends Acura MDX is better.
I’m 6’ tall and found the third row to be quite comfortable. When you compare it to the competition (mdx, Toyota, grand Cherokee L) , the telluride is even better.
I absolutely love these guys. I respect the hustle and grind and I love that they're having success. Quality stuff, man.
I just went with a loaded 2021 Pacifica Hybrid, $2K under MSRP sticker, $7500 back from Uncle Sam next year, and 6 adults are very comfortable riding. Plus, haven’t been to the gas station in over 30 days and still have half a tank by plugging in each night. When the Goose, Jack, and Alex agree that a minivan is just more practical than most 3 row mid sized suv, it’s definitely pointing to a winner.
A minivan makes you look like a soccer dad and an SUV makes you look cooler which is why most SUV buyers don’t want to buy minivans.
@@fcg243 totally agreed on the optics, but in my case I’m old enough not to care anymore and the minivan sure is more roomy. And at the $50k price point, they’re just the same to me.
@@fcg243 yeah but it’s a fake SUV
@@TH-camuser1aa is still an SUV, just not a body on frame with off-road capabilities
@@fcg243 that is what an suv is
Great review and "coaching" moments for someone considering this segment and this product. Looking forward to the next review.
Much appreciated!
The Telluride wasn't made for hustling through back roads! It is meant to be a versatile transportation conveyance that just happens to look cool, holds lots of cargo and has easy to use tech that works. This Telluride makes long road trips easy and that is why it can't be kept in stock
I mean, the 6 year old Pilot has ≈50% more sales than this still, and the Highlander mops it with almost 3x sales for every Telluride
Still isn't worth paying a 15K markup like many Kia dealerships insist on adding.
@@Striker50_ my wife has a Crosstour which is basically a pilot. It has been the most amazing reliable vehicle we have ever owned and that V6 is a beast. If Honda would have made the passport with some decent tech in it and a pano roof it would be a no-brainer to buy one of them but for $47,000 with nothing in it I will give it a hard pass
@@hamerplayer1229 Those alien moon cars are pretty cool. Agreed. Honda is in a weird stage right now lagging on their redesigns. I had my hands on a Mazda for a week and loved the jump in refinement compared to Honda. Personally, I'm in the market for a roomy 5 seater Hybrid (ex: Passport or new CX-50) or a Midsize truck, but Honda and others are moving like Turtles.
A hybrid for me is the perfect filler between now and electric, these gas prices won't get better anytime in the foreseeable future
@@Striker50_ that doesn’t matter right now. Telluride and Palisade came out not too long ago, and is doing very well. They can’t stay on the lots and in such demand.
Dealer pricing chased us away from the Telluride and availability meant no Palisade. We wanted a usable third-row for adults and considered a minivan again, but went with the Atlas. It checked all of our boxes. I know these guys focus on performance but we wanted a soft and quiet ride. We don't stop and stomp on the pedal EVER.
You guys are the first reviewers that I’ve seen say anything negative about this bus. Everyone else acts like it is built by the hand of God himself (queue the thunder and lightning). I will come back to you again and again for real, honest reviews. Thank you!
I think it speaks volumes on how far the Korean brands have come how in both your reviews on the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, you compare them to each other and other non-premium products such as the Atlas and Explorer. But your Hyundai Palisade and this Telluride review you guys compare them multiple times to the Grand Cherokee, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X7, Volvo XC90, etc... All cars that are premium brands and/or have a starting MSRP of $5,000 - $50,000 (X7) more than the Palisade/Telluride.
Regardless, it is a Kia at the end of the day, and in terms of reliability reputations and resale values, Toyota and Honda are miles ahead.
They say that Kia refers to it as the Selluride because they can’t make enough of them.
They only sold 91,000 on their best year in 2021, the Highlander is at 264,000, that's basically 3:1
I laugh at the suckers paying 15K over MSRP for a Telluride that has an outdated econobox platform.
@@Striker50_ Yeah, it basically gets outsold by every single one of its competitors, the Pilot even outsold it & it’s ANCIENT!
@@limitedreach4446 Yup, wait for Mazda and Honda to release their redesigns this year. If they both offer hybrid power trains (Mazda may get Toyota's) it's game over with sales numbers 📈
@@Striker50_ that’s becuase Kia just released this products back in early 2020. It’s not known enough, and people like you can’t accept the fact that Kia is getting better.
Kia Telluride: for single moms with ONE child. Actual huge families are driving actual shortbusses and 90s land yachts now.
Single moms should not be single
@@didafm why?
@@timo5229 not good for society.
@@didafm single moms are single for a reason
@@intensifier2182 yeah and 95% of the time its not a good reason. Its horrible for kids to grow up without a father
A real minivan still completely blows things like this away in terms of cargo capacity. This thing has 87 CF? Big whoop. Kia's own Carnival has 145 CF. Just saying.
My 2008 Acura MDX has 84 and Ive been shopping for something with more... hard to do without going Tahoe class. VW atlas does but that reliabilty blows and that thing is underpowered IMO.
No kidding. I see dudes all the time loading drywall and plywood in the back of honda odysseys. Our family doesn't need one, but I totally get people having them. Can't beat there practically and function.
Different segments dude. Of course a minivan is going to carry more....
Wait, the telluride isn’t a minivan?
@@tomjoad8272 yup, i've put 4x8s in my odyssey ha ha. it's getting old though; i'm going to be sad when it's gone in a few years...
So it's built on a minivan platform with less kid space and a higher cost. Soccer mom's love it. They look so much cooler driving one of these versus a van.
Families in general love it. Not everybody wants a van.
Soccer moms completely ruined the new car market. It just can't be said any more simpler or accurate. They don't need the space nor the seat capacity they think they desperately need. It has become a totally ludicrous status symbol. They put a station wagon on stilts, and suddenly soccer moms thought they found their nirvana. Pathetic.
As long as I live, being a gay man, I will never be able to understand heterosexual culture. Just when I think I've heard or seen it all with them, they outdo themselves...again. The Telluride might be the one of the most shining examples of a culture run a muck with its own self-importance.
@@RedNekLvr22 As a fellow gay man, I agree with you 100%. These soccer moms and women in general with their obsession over huge SUVs is pathetic! It's like women are compensating for their small stature by driving huge gas guzzling SUVs.
@@braetonwilson4296 SUVs are the epitome of "penis envy".
@@RedNekLvr22 not sure if the crossover craze is solely due to straight soccer moms lmao
Last spring my buddy and his family bought a 2021 Pacifica Touring S AWD after watching your review on the Pacifica AWD. They only lost $3k from the original purchase of their 2018 Pacifica which had 36K miles on it when they traded it. Their new Touring S is completely loaded with the tech package, heated second row buckets. No air ride, and I am not a fan of minivans but it is a very nice ride.
We’ve rented several Pacificas and the ride is probably the best in the segment. Also the stereo sound quality and quietness.
Boy that last sentence says it all. My local KIA dealer wanted about 9% markup and treated me like I was lucky they had one in stock and I'd be stupid not to buy it. NOOooope!
A family friend went to buy a Telluride and the dealership marked it up 15k. So she went and got a Highlander. She loves it. We're looking at a Highlander also. We won't pay any markup.
Good, enjoyable, honest review. I’ve gotta say though, I think the Telluride/MDX is an apples/oranges comparison UNLESS you’re paying over MSRP for the Telluride. I’m paying MSRP for the Telluride we have on order. It’s fully loaded at around $52K. A comparably equipped MDX, when I build it on Acura’s website, comes in at over $67K. Also, can’t really be compared to a Q7 or X7. Way more expensive to buy and maintain than a Telluride. Those vehicles better have better handling and interiors!
Agreed. But what you get for the extra cash isn't features, but materials and execution. More and nicer leather, increased soundproofing, a better audio system, and better handling (advantages noted by Mark and Jack) do cost money. The buyer beeds to figure out whether the higher price is warranted.
The real bargains on these are in the lower trim levels. They lack various tech and comfort features, but nothing that vital. The basics are still the same, which makes them a real bargain.
A base MDX is 10x the car the telluride is. Anyone who understands mechanics, suspension arcthecture , ride quality and refinement , NHV materials and quietness would understand paying for a base model MDX is still WAY better than a fully loaded telluride. A fully loaded telluride doesn't have different suspension , more nhv materials, nor better refinement compared to a base model telluride. The base model mdx has a way better chassis , a WAY more advanced AWD system thats standard, a better V6 , WAY better sound deadening , and way better ride quality due to its more advanced suspension . Why sacrifice a way more premium vehicle for some extra options ? Sure the telluride will have a 360 cameras , and ventilated seats vs the base mdx but other than that your not missing much ... The mdx comes with leather as standard. Optioning it fully loaded gives you extras you dont even need , like air suspension , massaging seats, 360 camera, Upgraded sound system , etc etc .
@@Seanhs1103 problem is the GV80 is 10k more while the telluride is selling at base price mdx. also with dealer mark-ups , theyre goin for over.
@@georgehugeabutt9947 Pointless blather. Acura's competition is Genesis. Kia/Hyundai's is Honda in this case.
If Kia can fix their dealership over charging issue, then this is absolutely close perfect SUV you can buy for true value
Not just KIA, every darn dealerships are over charging. Not the best time to buy cars.
@@whyallthefuss201
Yep, Honda guilty as well. Atleast the ones in my area.
@@doubledown8229 The manufacturers are completely against mark-ups. Honda recently put out a warning against a few of their dealerships for marking up products.
Anyone in Utah hit up Jerry Seiner Kia, they treated me pretty well. No markups and even gave me a student and military discount. Nothing else though, really wanted that maintenance package thrown in.
@@ASM31237 all depends on how much inventory they got. Thats awesome , thank you for your service !
Nowadays because of the stupid chip shortages , basically everything is getting MSRP or OVER. Before , only great sellers would hit msrp while regular vehicles would sell a few grand under msrp .
If you have more than 2 kids, get a second row bench, put the car seats 3 across and keep the 3rd row down. Then you will have plenty of room in the back for stroller, bags, groceries, etc. Thats the big mistake we made when we got captains chairs in the 2nd row.
Useful advice that. I think most people worry too much about cargo space with the third row up. That only matters if your family is too big to fit in two rows, and then you need an Expedition or similar. For most people the third row is for occasional use, when they're carrying the kids' friends or sports teammates. Then the cargo room has almost nothing in it and can be small without any problem. The rest of the time the seats are folded and there is plenty of cargo space.
My wife and I ordered a 2022 EX Premium in Dark Moss Green with the Nightfall package in January. Hopefully it will be here before August cause we are stoked to get it. It might be boring but its hella practical and will be an excellent people hauler for the next 10-15 years. Also because we ordered and waited and made a deal with out dealership for no ADM.
We are picking up our Telluride tomorrow. 22 SX with the prestige and nightfall package. I am a German car guy at heart but honestly I am super impressed from what I've seen with the KIA. Building other cars the Acura seems the closest in terms of price but even then 10k+ more with options. Feel like if you are stepping up to the next level with similar size and features you are spending at least $70k. Even maxed out around $52k I will deal with the 'faux' luxury and spend my money elsewhere.
Thanks again for the high-quality content!
Got a CX-9 for a family car, I only drive on pavement, don’t go to the snow, and it hauls my kids just fine. Guess I’m a soccer mom, but it’s okay, I’ll get a daddy wagon once the RS6 Avant decreases in the used market.
I would have looked at the Telluride, but the dealer markups and network didn’t do it for me. I like my local Mazda dealer.
What's funny is Everyday Driver just bought a blue GR86, just like Jack did. Time for a joint video GR86 mashup!!!
I have the telluride and i cant wait what kia will come up with for the redesign. Before the telluride came out, i told myself that i would never get a kia. But when it did and i saw one on the road, i fell in love with it that i decided to get it. Im happy with it. Im close to 30k miles and have not come across any issues with it
@Keyser Soze Kia came in at #1 in JD Powers 2022 dependability study.
@Keyser Soze my parents have owned kia for a looong ass time. They never encountered any issues. Ever. Their old sorento had 200k and no issues whatsoever. They traded that in for the new one. 🙄🙄🙄
You'd be happier with a Highlander after 100k miles.
@@grahamstefaan well I won't own the Telluride past 100k miles so that doesn't really matter to me.
Thanks for "going back in time" to re-check this car. Its important to learn from the past, and your review covers the important details for a new purchase and for the used car buyer.
Why no mention of the Kia-Hyundai engine fires on my local news once a week?
Cannot help resale demand.
I really liked the short segment/Segway of Mark and Jack talking about like "their perfect car" - interesting to hear their highlights from the different competitors - transmission, engine, etc
The Telluride has the styling that draws you in at first. And yes, it has its shortcomings. But every single wish that Jack had for this would've added to the cost, which is why almost every other SUV mentioned on that list costs more than the Telluride SX (assuming no markups). And this is where I believe the MDX falls as the next best alternative. It won't be as fully-equipped but most of your complaints will be addressed.
But when it comes to packaging, the Telluride does it best. You're not going to find anything else out there unless you get a minivan. There's a new Telluride coming with design updates for 2023. Whether the ride (no pun) and underpinnings will be addressed is unknown.
I like how you touched the info screen three times as you were saying “ it’s fast to react “.
Cross-shopped Honda Pilot Elite and Telluride SX in the summer of 2019. Liked the Telluride better, but it was selling above MSRP and the Pilot was $6500 below MSRP. 2 1/2 years later, the differences between them that were important at the time are meaningless now. The Pilot does everything that I need, comfortably and reliably.
I hate how Pilot looks. It just oozes cheap.
@@aono335 It'll get modernized for the 2023 all-new model.
@@chiemekaa I hope it looks atleast as good as telluride otherwise it wont get any attention
@@aono335 Honda sold 143,000 Pilots in 2021. Kia sold 97,000 Tellurides.
@@texasyank48 Kia and Hyundai were also facing severe shortages in supply.Tellurides are booked months in advance in a lot of places. Regardless, Honda needs to make better cars.
Looked at a 2023 Telluride at the San Diego Auto Show today. The dashboard has been completely redesigned and is much better than the previous year. Unfortunately, none were available for a test drive.
No more mark ups on any vehicle. Why reward a stealership that their order came in? They are taking advantage of people in a bad situation. Imagine having bad luck with an accident and you have to replace it and have to downsize or get a lesser vehicle because stealerships are marking up stuff because "fuck you that's why."
Anymore, I just watch these videos to see what music SG chooses for the intro video... (best intros in the biz...)
The official car of "middle class fancy." Boy if you live in the 'burbs and own one of these, you are the bee's knees.
Definitely the middle-class Mom-mobile.
Flexing in the Applebees parking lot.
So true. Mugato from Zoolander: “That damn Hansel. He’s so hot right now.”
If you drive one of these in EU you are seen as hot playboy or manager bigboy and datin' girls find you as cool marriage material bragging when gettin' your number....Europeans have this size and shape matched with Escalade status...If you take it that army green and add bronze wheels...you become heads-turner...the streets are yours.... everybody asks who is that newking of the block....
@@WhiteMouse77 If you drive one of these in the West Coast city I live in, you’re seen as trying too hard to look rich, but actually just drive a Kia. People who pull up to the Country Clubs and golf courses around here drive Ferrari, McClaren, Porsche. BMW, Mercedes and Lexus are like poor man’s cars with Kia/Hyundai really cheaping out. People with real money don’t buy these brands because it makes you look like you need to find a good bargain.
I own a Telluride and tested an MDX, low 50s range MDXs do not have the same quality of interior materials and features. If you want a better interior than a Telluride you're looking at an A-spec at about 59k at least if not an Advanced at 64k. I'll confess MDX was a more engaging drive. For me it was the Tellurides greater interior room and predicted reliability that clinched it for me.
Funny you mention the MDX...we cross-shopped the new MDX and the Telluride (we replaced a 2016 MDX last year). The MDX handles a bit better...but we liked the Telluride for pretty much everything else. Utilization of space, overall ride comfort, dashboard design (don't care for the dash layout in the new MDX), a third row you can actually put humans with legs in...and the materials in the Telluride SX are pretty nice. Not quite up to the MDX, but it's also like $10-$12k less comparably equipped. The Telluride is just really good at what it's trying to be, and I think it's a good value too even decked out at $50k.
Great post. If the cost is that much more it would take a helluva good MDX to favour it over the Tell. Even with its cache. (does Acura even have that going for them any more??)
Thats my exact feeling. While I do like the feel and drivability of the Acura, the space thing and layout of Telluride makes more sense.
Couldn't have said it better
I want the 30 minute DOCUMENTARY LIKE videos, that is why a I subscribed in the first place.
Could you guys do a review on the new stinger gt2?? I'd love to see your thoughts VS the tlx type s!
love your frank and pertinent comparisons and commentary. Thanks!!!
@1:37…how’s the rest of the interior space?
I took the 3rd row out; now it has real room. Our mountain bikes can be carried upright on a custom rack inside. I just wish the Telluride would muscle up to where it could pull our 8000 lb sailboat . Some day our 1996 Isuzu Trooper might retire from that job.
I waited 4 mo for my Wolf Gray Telly and I'm so happy with it. I luckily didn't pay any markup and for a new growing family, this is just what we needed. I agree with the handling statement but the space and comfort PLUS looks and features is what sold me on the Telly
Congrats, Savalas would've been proud
The answer is usually minivan instead of one of these but unfortunately there aren’t many AWD choices for minivans. We have a new Odyssey and on snow days it stays in the garage because even on snow tires it won’t make it back home.
MDX seems like a perfect car, i think the design of the car is something you can get to like, but the way the car drives, feels and the audio system is just a knock out, also their reliability is a plus. I have been hearing bad things about Kia and Hyundai recently, but who knows if that is true.
As a hybrid
The MDX is huge on the outside (larger than the Telluride) and much smaller on the inside. It completely misses the point for those seeking a large people and stuff hauler with its compromised space. Yes it handles better. But parking it in an urban setting is maddening when you then realize just how poorly the vehicle was designed.
Acura infotainment is a dealbreaker.
Yeah but no touch screen on the MDX is a killer for me.
My next vehicle will be the MDX
i like the way the teleride looks and the turn signals etc... its different, the auto industry has changed so much the past 5 years, 4 years, 3 years, 2 years and last year.
1:31 Certified dejavu moment: 'When it comes to the rest of the interior space'
Did they ditch the halogen lights with the LED running lights?
I paid $51,010 for my telluride last July. Carvana will buy it today for $58,000.
And people in these comments are still trying to say that these have poor resale value, they’ve been selling for more used before the chip shortage was even a thing lol
Dude sell it. 7K profit is insane.
It's a compromised car, but in Canada it's priced very competitively, and it legally can not be marked up in most parts here. They definitely fly off the shelves in Canada. I recommend it to anyone i know who just wants a big car, but doesn't care about handling characteristics.
13:24 - I love how you call the Ford product "exploder"
A podcast disguised as a review, sounds good !!
Thanks for this video and comparing this with luxury cars. It has to be compared with MDX because the EX telluride MSRP is close to MDX base and SX prestige plus all package MSRP is very close to MDX tech package. Telluride is marked up like hell but I am able to get quotes from Acura dealers with very minimal or no markup. If telluride has markup and MDX has no markup then hands down it’s MDX. If both has markup then Telly. I personally like Telluride and it’s smoothness whereas MDX tries to be sporty with great handling but a underpowered engine. It’s confusing to the hell. Maybe buy MDX at sticker price and prebook a telluride. With new 2023 Telly we can get usb c and wireless CarPlay.
" EX telluride is close to MDX base and SX prestige plus all package is very close to MDX" - until you go to trade it in and get 10% of what MDX will return. Or that first dealership service experience.
LOL. Not even comparable, the MDX is better all around hence why it’s in an entirely different segment than this.
Lmao the engine is better and faster than the one in this helluride..
isn't the MDX as smaller vehicle? or if not significantly smaller--what about visibility? For me, windows matter.
@@theflyingkaramazovbrothers6 you might be thinking about the RDX. The MDX is around the same size as this kia
I test drove the 2020 Telluride and the Honda Passport two years ago. My reactions were the same: they did not feel like $40k+ vehicles. I saved a few grand and went with the 4runner which is far less luxurious, but is an absolute pleasure to drive. It feels like I am in control rather than the electronics.
The 4runner is in a different league in that it's a real SUV, body on frame truck chassis with real off road capability, real RWD based 4WD system. Also it's made in Japan which to me is a big deal.
Another great review but should give us the options they think are good. An X7 at $80,000 is really not a comparison.
They basically mention at least 4/5 other options(Pathfinder/explorer/cherokee/MDX/Highlander) go to 10:10 min mark.🙄😬🙄
is Mark sitting as low as possible or is the window really that high? side visibility like a sports car 👀
How there’s not a million or 2 million subscribers on this channel is pure criminal 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
My dad just got this over a Genesis GV90 because he wanted 3rd row seats, even though he has no kids at home anymore. I hope he enjoys it.
There is no gv90 yet, you probably mean gv80.
He prob wants Grand kids
@@WaheedKhan-ly9xh you're right.
Greedy dealers kept me from buying one.So I bought a Lexus.
It's simple economics unfortunately. Massive demand and low supply. People are literally trying to outbid each other at dealers especially for the SX models. Many can't or don't want to order one and wait so they don't stay on lots very long.
Not every dealer puts markups, you just have to shop around, it’s just the market rn. At least tellurides are selling for more used than new even before the chip shortage occurred so if people play their cards right they can get it for msrp or 5k more by looking around and still not be underwater on it for a few years
you will enjoy Lexus every single day instead of biting elbows from kia depreciation
As always, great video!
The biggest pitfall with this is what it's compared to in reviews. Every single reviewer (not just you guys) makes awful comparisons to the telluride/palisade twins which is why reviews always seem out of place when comparing this to other vehicles. The only competitors to the the telluride/palisade twins are the Traverse/Enclave twins and the Atlas. These are minivan replacements. Everything else falls into a different category. The issue is is that most people don't want to cross shop this with the traverse/enclave or the atlas, which makes it either stand out for its size or look like shit for not being luxurious enough. The only other segment this can legitimately be cross shopped with are literal minivans. Kia's biggest competitor to the telluride is the carnival, and no one wants to buy a minivan so the telluride wins by default
The Durango, Grand Cherokee L and Explorer trade interior space for rwd, fat tires and big hoods with tons of room for big engines. They are incredibly compromised and their third rows are a joke, their cargo area's suck, and their load floors are super high.
The Highlander, Pilot, Pathfinder, and Acadia all compete in a size class below these, like the old 3 row santa fe. They are shorter, the third row is compromised in size, the cargo area behind the second row is smaller, they are literally just a smaller class of vehicle. It's like saying a ford edge and a ford escape are the same thing because they're 2 row crossovers.
Luxury offerings from any company just simply don't stack up, either they're near the same price and are significantly smaller, or are the same size class and are 30k more. The MDX for example, not only starts at around 50k, but is closer to the smaller 3 row's (like the pilot and highlander) in size with 20 less cubic feet of cargo space.
Exactly this!
THIS COMMENT-- THANK YOU. Not a single car reviewer discusses the fact that this segment has 3 distinct branches. The RWD based ones, the big boys, and the smaller ones.
I paid over MSRP for EX model. I drive it for Uber XL, I my passengers love it.
This is actually the first sort of negative review that I’ve seen. I just bought one and didn’t pay mark up price. I ordered mine in December and went with the EX Premium Nightfall Edition and stayed under 50,000. And have drove several and for me you are wrong I went with the AWD and it’s great. And in sport mode this thing flys
Let’s be honest, who else has a small man crush on Jack? I didn’t expect that at all lol I was pissed when Mark bright someone else on board. And I told mark I was bummed that I only wanted him! Hahaha a year in and I’m saying I was wrong! Mark was right. Love the Mark & Jack car show. Sincerely it’s a good match! Love you too Mister Mark! You guys have a little magic in a bottle.
We all know Mark would rather buy a Pacific Hi-Bird if offered with AWD.
Very well described ! How does it compare to the Atlas ?
Damn Girl, is you name Kia, 'cus I can Telluride!
What would you guys get this Vs a Tahoe Rst or GMC Yukon SLT?
It's a shame that dealers are getting really greedy with their markups. That, coupled with the 'sit back and take it' arrogance really chaps me. Keeping our paid for 2016 Ford Edge Titanium with a V-6, AWD, and only 23500 miles. Extended warranty for a year that equals one trade-in car monthly payment works for us.
Calling out the Telluride as a minivan while ignoring the Pilot/MDX connection to the Odyssey. 🤨
Different platforms. Telluride on its minivan platform
So what do you recommend at the 50k price point
My brothers Kia engine on his 2018 failed. Kia fixed it and they immediately got rid of it.
Lmao my sister's 2017 got an entire engine recall 😂
Cool. 2018 I hear? Doesn’t matter now, it’s 2022, get over it, Hyundai/Kia are doing much better now, bringing out new engines that don’t have issues like the 2012-2018 Kia/Hyundai’s.
@@Striker50_ don’t you understand those were the engines under the recall? That’s the past buddy.
@@bradleyscarreviews Wow, you Kia/Hyundai bots are out in force on this video. You’re trying too hard to change brand perception dude.
@@moloono1 bots? Just because I like the brand doesn’t mean I’m a bot. I own a 2022 Pathfinder
I live in Atlanta and I see A TON of these on the road on a daily basis
Editing mistake at 1:33 , send Jack to be serviced at a male strip house immediately.
Guy is mr. 50 takes. Always trying to make every word perfect.
In my opinion the Telluride is an nice SUV, but fell short in overall ride and performance. This was a very informative and honest review! Thanks 👍👍
I've seen soccer moms drive these like theyre status symbols. Almost like they think they're driving a Land rover or a Macan.
I completely agree, where I live people act like they are riding g-wagons.
That's Kansas for you 😂
They are great. That’s why you see these so much.
These are like 50k now plus markups. Not too long ago land rovers and porsche suvs were that price.
What do you mean you "see" them driving them like they're status symbols? Are they going around openly bragging about them or is that just the impression you have in your head when you see them?
I had a good nap when Jack Singapore started listing all the 3 row SUVs. Clicked the like button in my sleep and woke up to to a ultra premium CUV that my wife purchased without consulting me. I was upset, so we compromised. I am now paying $800/month for a Kona while "Pizza Hut" texts her at 1 AM.
Not sure why you keep mentioning the MDX, that car STARTS at $58,400 bucks. Yes markups can get the two cars to compete to some degree but you'll get markups on an MDX as well. As best I can tell the two cars similarly equipped should still be about $10 grand apart.
The MDX doesn’t start at $58k, it starts at $48k.
You can find Acura dealerships that will sell you an MDX for MSRP. On the other hand, almost every Kia dealership is slapping on a 15K markup on a Telluride.
@@limitedreach4446 a base MDX is not better than this. I would have to go for the Advance which they are marking up 7500 dollars at my two local dealers, and they are marking the type s which is the best at 12500 over.
@@braetonwilson4296 eh, all dealers nowadays are marking up. And my local Kia dealer isn’t marking up tellruide’s.
@@bradleyscarreviews I didn’t ask you whether it was better or not nor did I say which was better, I said that OP was wrong about the starting price of it. However, the MDX does have a better interior (infotainment aside), better quality, better engine choices, better chassis and handling overall, and better looks (personally.)
Excellent review. It will be good to see Mark and Jack review the 2022 Subaru Ascent.
You see these all over NJ 🤦♂️
Interesting review. Kia/Hyundai have obviously figured something out in this segment with looks and performance because dealers cannot keep these in stock and I see these everywhere. It seems like the 3 row SUV to have. I like the more boxy rugged look of this SUV versus say the Honda Pilot which looks more like a mini-van. If it were me, I would spec the second row as a bench seat versus the captains chairs.
I cross-shopped the Q7 3.0T, the SQ8, the GLE53 AMG (LOVED this but shoulder room was lacking), the new MDX and the Highlander. Having had a 2009 Highlander, we were surprised to see the 2021's were smaller and more tall-wagon like. The Telluride was very close to interior size as the 2nd Gen Highlander we had and that's what we went with. I considered another Honda but frankly their SUV's are snooze-fests.
Having owned several Mercedes E550's, turbo BMW's, a Tesla....the Telluride SX-Prestige we got was not a step down in any way when it comes to luxury. I traded a 2018 Accord 2.0T Touring in on the SX-P...it was quick, spacious and handled really well so you'd think jumping in the Telluride, it would like driving a brick. Not at all the case. It does understeer slightly at the limit but has very well-controlled body motions and corners very flat.
My only regret was not knowing about the Cherokee L when we got the KIA. I would have taken a look at it but it was released a month after we purchased (which was spur of the moment....we gave up looking due to dealer price-gouging and got a call one night about a canceled order and no markup, so drove straight to do the deal).
So minivan but with less practical doors?
Are people comparing the Telluride to the MDX? Seems like they're comparing it to the Pilot. In that contrast, the Pilot seems like the lesser choice.
I mean, with those markups, it's basically in MDX price point
Telluride > Pilot
GV80 > MDX
@@kristians2704 may be brand new , definitely not after 5 years
@@levlevov4901 how do you know what’s after 5 years? Most people that buy/lease new cars don’t keep them for more than 5 years anyway.
@@kristians2704 I would rather buy a moped before renting a car
Never drove one. Did not know it was a minivan under. I am not a kia fan at all.
I do have a lot of time in a highlander and they drive well. The camry platform is reasonable and comfy. The rear seats do destroy the storage room.
It’s not a minivan platform, idk why they insist on saying that, it’s based on the Sorento
If you need more than two rows in a car, you ought to buy a bus.
And Contraceptives 🤣👨👩👦👨👨👦👦👦👧👦
Or, you know, buy a vehicle with a third row...
@@alexk3352 a sienna at least
"you brought up the exploder"...... cracked me up :-)
I recently looked at this buy even at mrsp and at least Kia financing really gets you, at those monthly payments bmw offers a far better deal