The Kia Telluride has been making waves in the automotive market, with sales doubling in recent years compared to its initial release. While Kia's electric vehicles have been drawing attention, many potential EV9 buyers are finding themselves gravitating towards the Telluride instead. Let's dive into why this is happening and what you need to know if you're considering a Kia Telluride.

The EV9 Sticker Shock

Many shoppers drawn to Kia dealerships by the promise of EV rebates are experiencing a bit of sticker shock when they see the EV9's price tag. With some models reaching the $70,000 range, it's no wonder that the Telluride, starting at a more modest $36,000, is catching buyers' eyes.

Four Key Factors for Telluride Buyers

Let's break down the most important aspects to consider when looking at the Kia Telluride:

1. Sales and Inventory Data

2. Target Discount off MSRP

3. Current Incentives and Lease Programs

4. Used vs. New Considerations

1. Sales and Inventory Data

The Telluride's sales have been consistently strong since its 2019 debut:

• 2019: 60,000 units sold

• 2022: 110,000 units sold

• 2023: On track to meet or exceed last year's numbers

Kia currently has about 14,000 Tellurides in inventory, with the majority being AWD models. This healthy inventory suggests good availability for buyers.

2. Target Discount off MSRP

While discounts aren't as common as they once were, it's still possible to negotiate. A realistic target is 5-7% off MSRP. For example, on a Telluride S AWD with an MSRP of $41,205, a 6% discount would bring the price down to $38,732.

3. Current Incentives and Lease Programs

Kia is offering some attractive incentives:

• 4.25% promotional financing for 60 months

• 4.99% for 72 months

• $1,000 rebate if financing through an outside bank

• $500 bonus for loyal Kia customers

The lease program is particularly appealing:

• 71% residual at 36 months and 12,000 miles per year

• 0.00255 money factor

• $500 lease cash

With these terms and a 6% discount, you could be looking at a monthly lease payment of around $419 (excluding state sales tax).

4. Used vs. New Considerations

The Telluride holds its value exceptionally well, which makes buying a used model less attractive. For most buyers, purchasing a new Telluride is likely the better option.

Conclusion: Buy New and Pay Down Quickly

Given the Telluride's strong resale value and attractive purchase incentives, buying new and paying down the loan quickly seems to be the smartest approach. Take advantage of the $1,000 rebate and focus on rapid loan repayment to maximize your investment.

Remember, the Kia Telluride offers an excellent blend of value, features, and reliability. It's no wonder that even potential EV9 buyers are finding themselves drawn to this impressive SUV.

If you found this information helpful, don't hesitate to share your thoughts or experiences with the Kia Telluride in the comments below!