The Chevy Spark has (Officially) Lost Its Spark - 2022 Marks the End

The Chevrolet Spark is one of the smallest and cheapest new cars sold in America. Its also one of the few remaining small cars available with a manual transmission.

The least expensive vehicle in America, the Chevrolet Spark, will end production this summer. It first debuted back for the 2013 model year and even had an EV variant at one point. The base price of the Spark is $14,595 after destination and that will get you a 1.4L engine with 98 HP and one of the last remaining vehicles on the market with a manual transmission (a 5-speed manual to be exact) AND manual roll-down windows as well. Opting for the CVT adds $1,100 to the base price. I’ve played with the Build Your Own tool and I see the Spark comes in some interesting color combinations. But with 98 HP on tap, I’m sure this won’t get you anywhere super fast.

This is how I'd get my Spark (if I had to get one) - in the Activ trim with Blue Glow or Crimson paint, a manual transmission and a few options, like the Summer/Winter floor mats and sport pedals. It really looks like this Activ trim should've had AWD, however... That would've made the Spark more unique among subcompact cars.

Until we see if Chevrolet introduces any other sedans (likely electric on the Ultium platform), the Malibu will be Chevy’s last 4-door car standing. I doubt it’ll last longer than another year or two. Beginning with the 2023 model year, the Trax will be the cheapest Chevy on offer, and as you can imagine, it sells in greater numbers because it’s a crossover and that’s what’s popular with buyers right now. I’m honestly surprised the Trax still exists too, given the newer Trailblazer is now on sale.

Well, perhaps we’ll see another EV model in GM’s electric future revive the Spark name.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

The Kia Cadenza and K900 say Adios to the U.S. for 2021

Top: Cadenza
Bottom: K900

Kia has officially dropped its two most luxurious sedans in the United States for 2021, the K900 and Cadenza. Both sedans sought to be alternatives to vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES, Cadillac XTS/CT6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and BMW 5 and even 7 Series. Tall ambitions! 

This decision by Kia comes as no big surprise if you've followed sales figures for both of these models. They sell in very, very, very low numbers, and at least from my observations/travels, I've noticed that most of them seem to be sold in the southern United States. If you want some sales figures, the K900 sold a mere 305 units in the U.S. in 2020 while the Cadenza sold 1,265 units. For comparison sake, the Kia Stinger sold 12,556 units in 2020 - down from 13,884 in 2019. This would make both the Cadenza and K900 two of the most RARE new cars in North America with those sales numbers - even more rare than a Stinger, Genesis or Alfa Romeo product, which you already hardly ever see! I have a hunch that the K900 may even become a collector's item someday... You never know.

This is all not to say that the Kia K900 and Cadenza are bad cars. In fact, its the opposite - they were quite nice! But that's the problem too: outside of their home market of South Korea, they were too nice for their brand. People just don't hear "Kia" and associate "luxury" or "$50,000-$60,000+ executive sedan" with the brand. That's partially why Kia is updating their logo and other branding after all of these years. And of course, part of the blame can be attributed to the popularity of SUVs like the Kia Telluride, overlap with Genesis in the Hyundai-Kia-Genesis portfolio, plus the industry push towards electrification to a degree, too. When pressed with the question "do I want a $50,000 car or SUV", we now clearly see that consumers are far more likely to take the SUV or truck route these days - hey, they may even jump for an EV at that price if they're really bold! And that's before you even get to the whole Kia brand image issue I just mentioned... 

For those very same reasons, I speculate the Stinger may not be long for the U.S. market either. I mean, it faces all the same issues theoretically as the K900 and Cadenza in terms of being the "right car paired with the wrong brand". We'll revisit this topic in roughly five years and see where we stand. Until then, have you ever seen a K900 or Cadenza on the road? See below for how I'd buy my ideal Kia K900 and Cadenza while the build tool is still active on Kia's website for them. 

Farewell Kia luxury sedans. Perhaps we'll see a couple more of you on the road post-new car depreciation hit.

If you want to check out sales figures for these models and others, go to GoodCarBadCar.net. Lots of useful info there. Here's a link to the Cadenza's sales numbers: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/kia-cadenza-sales-figures-usa-canada/

Here's how I'd get my K900 and Cadenza before they're all gone - top of the line and every option. Brown leather is a must.
I imagine there's serious incentives on these to bring the price down given their bad sales numbers.

__________________________________________________

Update 3/3/21: Images of the 2022 Kia K8 sedan have leaked on the internet! It features Kia's new logo and design language seen on vehicles such as the new Carnival MPV. While this is essentially the replacement for the Cadenza, and personally I like it, I wouldn't hold my breath about it coming to the U.S... Especially given the Cadenza's astoundingly low sales numbers for 2020 and the fact that when Hyundai pulled the Azera (their large 4-door sedan) out of the U.S. market, it never came back.

2022 Kia K8

Copyright © 2021 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Here’s the 2021 Buick Envision, On Sale Now

The 2021 Buick Envision is out! The vehicle was shown last year, but wasn't released until this year. Overall I think this is a great improvement over the outgoing Envision at first glance. I looked inside these vehicles at Garber Buick and the interior looks more upscale as well. These appear to be Essence trim level Envisions with AWD. The Build Your Own tool is live on Buick's website if you want to envision your dream 2021 Envision. 

Speaking of trim levels and whatnot, pricing for the 2021 Buick Envision starts at $31,800. Trim levels for the Envision are Preferred, Essence and Avenir. Standard is a 2.0-liter turbo with 228 HP with 258 lb.-ft. of torque paired to a 9-speed automatic.

This is how I'd build my 2021 Envision: got to have it blacked out of course! This is the Preferred trim with AWD and the Sport Touring package. I also threw in the panoramic sunroof for $1,450.

 

Copyright © 2021 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

How I'd Buy It: 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S

Porsche throws its hat into the growing EV field with the all new Taycan.

Today, I’m going to do something I never do – build a car that’s totally unrealistic! Here’s a 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S, Porsche’s new EV sedan. It has a top speed of 161 MPH and can run 0-60 in 2.6 seconds! Overboost HP tops out at 750 HP but note that max range is just 201 miles in the Taycan Turbo S model. I see many people complaining about how expensive Teslas are, which isn’t an invalid complaint for some Teslas. But you haven’t seen anything until you price out a Taycan! Normally, I’m not one for super cars or even sports cars, honestly. But if I were to hit the lotto or something I guess, here’s how I’d buy my dream Taycan.

I won’t list out every feature I added, but rather my personal top 5. Because Porsche’s are infinitely customizable pretty much and get ridiculously expensive – I added $56,000+ worth of options, which is as much as another whole car costs… Just let that sink in.

2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S

Exterior Color: Neptune Blue (+$3,150)

Interior Color: Truffle Brown Leather (+$2,450)

Base Price: $185,000

Price: $242,520

My Top 5 Favorite Options: 21’ Taycan Exclusive Rims w/Carbon Fiber (+$4,510), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport - +$3,590), 19.2 kW AC On-Board Charger (+$1,680), Passenger Touchscreen Display (+$1,130), Seat Belts in Bordeaux Red (+$660)

You can’t have a car of this level without the adaptive suspension in my opinion, so I’d spring for PDDC Sport even though it costs $3,500. May as well have the best driving experience possible! I’d also want a more efficient charging experience, which is why I’d opt for the 19.2 kW AC On-Board Charger. The other features I feel are just part of the “Porsche experience” – the passenger touchscreen, which is unique, the carbon fiber rims, and red accents throughout the brown leather interior would add character to an already stunning vehicle.

Like I said, I’d probably never purchase one of these in real life! But would you? As configured, my monthly payments would be $4,500 per month… YIKES!!! Curiously, you’d actually pay less per month to finance the Taycan, not lease it I noticed. Personally - I’m good, man.

Copyright © 2021 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport/How I Would Buy It: 2021 Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport are looking to shake up the off-roading scene and rekindle some nostalgia.

Ford has taken the wraps off its highly anticipated Bronco and Bronco Sport SUVs, so let’s talk about each briefly and then I’ll show you which one I’d consider for myself.

Bronco:

The revived Ford Bronco is aimed at the Jeep Wrangler and is built on a high-strength steel platform. There will be two and four-door models and engines offered will be a 2.3L turbo inline four-cylinder making 270 HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque and a 2.7L turbo V6 making 310 HP and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. While the 2.7L V6 will have a 10-speed automatic, the 2.3L I4 will have a 10-speed automatic or an optional 7-speed manual transmission. Broncos will only have 4 wheel-drive with an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. The advanced 4WD setup has a two-speed electric transfer case with a heavy-duty Dana rear axle and available front and rear locking differentials. The roof and doors on both the two and four-door Broncos can be removed for a “drop top style” ride. Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment will be standard and includes several preloaded trails and allows users to share their off-road journeys as well. Of course, many skid plates, rock rails and other accessories will be offered through Ford (and I’m sure aftermarket as well as time passes).

Bronco Sport:

The Bronco Sport is aimed at the Jeep Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee among other “rugged” compact crossovers, such as the Toyota RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Unlike its big brother Bronco, the Bronco Sport is only offered as a four-door model. Trim levels are shared with the larger Bronco and are called Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and the limited run First Edition. Lower trims will have Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine making 181 HP and 190 lb.-ft. of torque. Badlands and First Edition models get a 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I4 making 245 HP and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines have an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco Sport will have an independent front and rear suspension, and on the Badlands and First Edition models you will get an advanced 4x4 system with a twin-clutch rear-drive unit and differential-lock. Drive modes are called “G.O.A.T.” (which means ‘goes over any type of terrain’ - this is also found in the bigger Bronco) and include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. Mud/Ruts, Trail Control, and Rock Crawl drive modes are included in the Badlands and First Edition models. Ford Co-Pilot360, which is Ford’s active safety package and ADAS, is standard across the Bronco Sport lineup. 

Ford seems to be turning the Bronco into its own family within the Ford lineup. Reservations for the Bronco and Bronco Sport can be made for $100 on Ford’s website. You can build your dream Bronco Sport now. Speaking of which…

How I Would Buy It: 2021 Bronco Sport

The bigger Bronco isn’t quite my style, but here’s how I’d get a Bronco Sport.

-Trim: Outer Banks

-Exterior Color: Alto Blue ($395)

-Interior Color: Ebony/Brown Leather Seats

-Features: 4WD, power passenger seat, reverse sensing system, heated seats, heated steering wheel, cargo mat, Sync 3, SiriusXM Radio, front and rear floor liners, class II trailer tow package ($495)

-Price: $35,095

Verdict: To me, this trim strikes the best value in the Bronco Sport lineup, since it has everything I’d personally want. 4WD, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and rugged looks make for a compelling package, along with sharp blue paint. Jeep would be smart to offer larger engine choices in the Compass, specifically.

Will you be reserving and buying a Bronco, and are you excited for its return? The off-roading game is about to get interesting!

Bonus: Here are some photos of the Bronco Sport and Transit Connect I saw testing on the highway! Could this mean a hybrid Transit is coming? And it looks like Jeep is planning a future HEMI V8 Wrangler as a response to the 2021 Bronco as well.

SPOTTED: Ford Transit Connect and Bronco Sport prototypes

It looks like a HEMI Wrangler (and maybe Gladiator) could be coming...

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

How I Would Buy It: 2020 Kia Stinger

The Stinger GT was released for the 2018 model year by Kia and features a liftback similar to an Audi A7.

Let’s flashback: The year is 2018 and the Kia Stinger has taken the world by storm, with its 365 HP TTV6 and successfully beating competitors such as the BMW 4-Series in 0-60 contests. To this day, the Stinger is still a sharp sedan, although the hype around it has seemingly cooled off. Sales are trending down, and this was BEFORE the coronavirus pandemic. A refreshed/restyled Stinger is due in 2021 with more power, but word is it’ll use the same 2.0T 4-cylinder and 3.3TT V6 engines.

Honestly, I won’t lie - I haven’t been the biggest fan of the Kia Stinger... I was hoping it’d grow on me, but it hasn’t. I like its sibling, the Genesis G70 better and would get a 2.0T version of that car ultimately. For me, the Stinger’s styling is somewhat overdone (fake vents, the long red taillight accent, etc.) and for such a large car, it feels like you get less room inside than you’d expect, especially in headroom w/the available sunroof and in cargo space. To top it off, I drove the twin-turbo V6 Stinger around a track Kia set up at SEMA in 2017 and it just didn’t blow me away… It felt too heavy in turns to be “sporty”, but it was definitely very powerful with strong brakes in a straight line. The Stinger drift competition that was held at SEMA was very cool. In contrast, the G70, which rides on the same platform, drives and handles more like a “true sports car” in my opinion. Plus, you have the added benefit of owning a “luxury branded vehicle” and all associated dealer benefits (for those of you that care). 

To the Stinger’s credit however, it’s meant to be a “GT car” - a smooth driving, stylish, long-haul cruiser type of sedan that also just so happens to handle relatively decently. Not a full-blown "sports car" per se. It’s possible I wasn’t fully aware of that definition and that has caused me to be biased against the Stinger some. When considered under the definition of a GT car, Stinger largely succeeds at its intended mission.

…But you didn’t come here to hear me talk about why I don’t care for the Stinger. You came to hear about why I WOULD get one. Its on my shopping list for 2021-2022. There’s really only a few reasons: Overall, I DO like the Kia brand, you can get Stingers for a decent deal now, it has optional AWD and it’s the “coolest Kia”. So, given that, and assuming I have a change of heart about the Stinger vs. G70, here’s how’d I’d personally buy a Stinger:

My Build

I added a few extra accessories on Kia's build tool, such as "paint protection" to equal $600, which would roughly be the price of getting my rims painted black on the Stinger GT-Line I'm guessing. Its interesting, because there are many competitive incentives available that make the Stinger a good deal now. This was NOT the case when the car came out in 2018.

-2020 Kia Stinger GT-Line AWD, 2.0T I4 255 HP 8-speed automatic

-Color: Panthera Metal (Grey), no charge; Black Leather, no charge

-Features: AWD ($2,200), wheel locks ($60), mudguards ($115), cargo tray seat back ($130), alloy door sill plate ($130), carpet floor mats ($150), remote start push ($495), black rims (~$600? - I added extra accessories for this since it's not listed on the Kia website)

Price: $38,005

I spec’d the car this way for a few reasons. I don’t normally like cars with black leather, but the only way you can get red leather on this car is to add the Sun & Sound Package for $2,900. This package also includes Harman/Kardon premium speakers and navigation among other features. However, you can only get red leather with three paint colors on three trim levels – grey, white or black paint on the GT-Line, GT or GT2 trims for 2020. Thus, you literally cannot get a Stinger with red paint and red leather (not since the 2018 model year). You also get a sunroof if you add this package, and that reduces your headroom in an already cramped feeling interior. I say skip this package, settle for black leather. You may save some weight too, allowing the Stinger to handle better - ya never know. We'll see if Kia changes this configuration up for 2021.

You don’t have to pay extra for Panthera Metal paint, and to me it’s the most interesting color between the black, white and grey hues. Snow White Pearl paint costs an extra $495. I’d black out the rims, which from what I can tell will cost about $600. I also would add a black spoiler to the car, yellow brake calipers, and would consider blacking out the roof and tinting the windows. I’m not sure what it would cost to add all these things.

One of my pet peeves with Kias is how they limit you to certain colors or packages based on trim level, even more so than other automakers. This limits the amount of customization you can really do with your Kia. But this allows Kia to keep build complexity and inventory down, especially on a low volume product like the Stinger. That’s better for dealers/profits in an era where SUVs and trucks rule supreme.

Verdict

Between the two cars, I say the G70 is the sportier pick (bottom).

The Kia Stinger remains a unique car for a unique few. The idea of a “$40,000 to nearly-$60,000 high-performance Kia that competes with BMWs, Audis and Dodge Chargers” may still make some people chuckle and roll their eyes. But Kia truly makes a variety of solid cars these days, Stinger included. If you’re craving something “different” with a moderate dash of sporty, the Stinger might be for you. Keep the price in the high $30,000 to low $40,000 range, and I think you have a nice deal. But any more than that, I say you should consider other options as well, including its sibling vehicle – the Genesis G70.

Pros: Eye-catching styling (but looks are subjective…), available AWD, price undercuts some competition, 10-year/100,000 mile Kia warranty, powerful twin-turbo V6 engine and Brembo brakes, hatchback and SUV versatility in a sedan bodystyle, you bought the “coolest and fastest Kia”

Cons: Cramped feeling interior, gets expensive, lack of color/feature customization options, competes with other luxury and sports cars with more “badge credibility” than Kia has, doesn’t drive quite as sporty as its been hyped up to be (in my humble opinion), declining sales means this car may not survive much longer… get one while you can!

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

New Car Reveal/How I Would Buy It - 2021 Tesla Model Y

Tesla's Model Y seeks to broaden the brand's appeal even more to the masses in a SUV body style that's proven to be irresistible to buyers nowadays.

Here it is! The 2021 Model Y, Tesla’s new crossover based on the Model 3. It honestly looks exactly how I figured it would – a Model 3 and Model X mashup. The long-range Model Y will have range of 300 miles, and a Performance version will do 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds. As with the Model 3, the Model Y’s long-range model will come out first, and start at $47,000. A dual-motor AWD version will start at $51,000 and the Performance version at $60,000. A standard range Model Y with 230 miles of range won’t be available until 2021, but will have a starting price of $39,000.   

Elon Musk expects that the Model Y will achieve top safety marks across the board, just like the Model 3. What’s more notable is that the Model Y will offer optional third row seating for $3,000, bringing max seating capacity to seven passengers. This will be Tesla’s second mass market vehicle, and is a key entry in a market crazy over crossovers. Naturally, it offers more room and utility than the $35,000 Model 3. Going off of past Tesla production trends, I’d expect we won’t see the $39,000 Model Y until nearly 2022 realistically. Perhaps this realization and the Model Y’s derivative CUV styling is what contributed to Tesla’s stock dropping the day after the crossover’s reveal... Despite this, I do like it quite a bit.   

For My Money...

The only models that can be configured right now on Tesla's site are Long-Range and Performance Model Ys.

You can already build your Model Y on Tesla’s site and deposit $2,500 to reserve one. For my money, I’d get a Long-Range Dual Motor AWD Model Y with Solid Black paint (the only color you don’t have to pay for – just like on the Model 3), 18-inch Aero wheels, premium Black/White Interior, five-passenger seating, and Autopilot. The total estimated price after savings is $50,700, and incentives vary by state. But remember: Tesla’s federal rebate is now halved and will continue to decline.   

God willing, I get my Master’s degree in Marketing in late 2020 and my lease on my Compass is ending in 2021, so hmmm... Let’s see where Tesla and the market stand at that point and the Model Y may be an option. Are you excited for Tesla’s new model? Are you tired of SUVs, electric or not? I get a feeling the game is only going to get more ‘shocking’ as time goes on.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

How I Would Buy It – 2019 Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 is the most important Tesla vehicle to date - and now finally available for $35,000. However, we will see what impact the upcoming Model Y CUV will have in a market that's crazy over crossovers.

I interrupt your regularly scheduled day for a special “How I Would Buy It” segment – Tesla has announced that the Model 3 Standard Range is now available. This is the $35,000 version of the Model 3 that has long been promised. Elon Musk’s vision was for cars to one day be charged by solar panels and powered by electricity alone. Being the smallest of the current Teslas, the Model 3 is a very key model for the company in accomplishing that goal, but its price has still been outside the range of “affordable” for many shoppers. So, what do you sacrifice when you get a “base model” Model 3?

What Do You Get?

Shown: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Mid or Long Range; Standard Range Interior w/Cloth Seats

A Standard Range Tesla Model 3 comes in two flavors: Standard Range and Standard Range Plus. The regular Standard Range model officially starts at $36,200 with destination and has a range of 220 miles. Standard features vs. other Model 3s are a manual adjusting steering wheel, cloth seats, and a more basic dashboard – though you still get the giant touch screen. The Standard Range Plus version costs an extra $2,000 and adds 20 miles of range for a total of 240 miles, an extra 10 MPH to the top speed for a total of 140 MPH and cuts the 0-60 time by 0.3 seconds for a time of 5.3 seconds. You also get an upgraded interior with heated front seats, leatherette seats, upgraded audio, and LED fog lights. All Standard Range models are Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). The Plus version is a worthwhile upgrade, I say.

For My Money…

If my money were on the line, I’d get the Model 3 Standard Range Plus version with Solid Black paint, 18-inch Aero Wheels, the Black and White partial premium interior, and Autopilot.

Note that any color besides black on the Model 3 will cost you extra – between $1,500 and $2,500 extra to be exact. There’s also only a few colors to choose from – black, grey, blue, white, and red. The black/white interior adds $1,000 vs. all-black, and 19-inch sport rims are available for an extra $1,500.

Adding Autopilot or Full-Self Driving Capability after delivery jacks up the cost of those options significantly, but I feel Autopilot alone for $3,000 will be enough for most people. Ditto the 240-mile range. My drive to work every day is 6 miles, 12 miles round trip. I could charge up once, maybe twice a week basically before going any long-distance places or back home to see family. Given this, a Standard Range Plus Model 3 might be in my future… The federal rebate is now $3,750 for Teslas, and other EV rebates vary by state. This likely won’t increase or be renewed soon, as Congress is currently fighting over the boarder wall and not EV credits. The estimated price for the one I built was $41,000 before rebates, with a two week delivery time (I would take that last part with a BOTTLE of salt given Tesla's history and the fact that Model 3 is officially the best-selling luxury car in the U.S. now).

In the Pipeline

The Model Y will cost slightly more than a Model 3. You could say 

Tesla's lineup will officially be "S3XY" once the Model Y releases.

Tesla says that the Model Y crossover, based on the Model 3, will be revealed March 14^th, 2019. Are you excited for the next vehicle in Tesla’s lineup? I’m quite interested myself in seeing where its pricing and performance falls, especially since the Standard Range Model 3 is a rather decent value with rebates and when comparing its range with some other EVs. Tesla is continuing to redefine the auto industry.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

How I Would Buy It: 2020 Kia Telluride

So, I'm starting another new segment: How I Would Buy It! I'll discuss various new cars in these posts and how I would equip them if I were personally in the market. The 2020 Toyota Corolla and Lincoln Aviator will come next. Let's dive in!

The 2020 Kia Telluride is Kia's largest SUV ever.

Revealed at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the 2020 Kia Telluride is a large crossover and the spiritual follow-up to the Kia Borrego from a decade ago. Kia’s marketing for the vehicle so far has positioned it as a more “rugged” alternative to other three-row family SUVs. It’s largely related to the also-new Hyundai Palisade, and will use the same 3.8-liter V6 engine good for 291 HP and 262 lb.-ft. of torque.

Trim levels according to Kia for the Telluride begin with the LX for $31,690, S for $33,990, EX for $37,090, and SX for $41,490. Eight-passenger seating, push button start, and Smart Cruise Control w/Stop and Go is standard. Fuel economy is rated at 20 city/26 highway/23 combined for FWD models, and 19/24/21 for AWD models - on par with key rivals like the Chevy Traverse.

For My Money...

SX Trim shown.

If my money were on the line, I’d get an S trim Telluride with Ebony Black paint, the Grey or Brown leather interior, and AWD. AWD adds $2,000 to the price of any Telluride and is always a worthwhile add on if available I say. Ebony Black paint is a $395 upcharge. Additionally, this trim adds heated front seats, second row captain’s seats, a power sunroof, and 20-inch black alloy wheels. That combination of features is all I need personally to be happy! This would bring the base price to $35,990 before any options or accessories, making Telluride a solid value play at under $40k, in classic Kia fashion.

For those who want additional features such as heated/ventilated 1st and 2nd row seats, Harman/Kardon audio, dual sunroofs, a towing package, wireless phone charging and more, I suggest you check out the EX and SX trims above the S trim. Kia’s Telluride is arriving at dealers now, as production in Georgia has already begun.

Looking forward to driving one of these myself at some point!

UPDATE 3/4/2019:

Top: 2020 Kia Telluride S; Bottom: 2019 Chevrolet Traverse RS

You can now build the Telluride on Kia's website! This is what my personal Telluride S with accessories would look like - final price is $40,140. This isn't as steep as some rivals, such as the Chevrolet Traverse, which in its blacked-out RS trim, offers leather seats, but stickers for roughly $6,000 more.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.