Need advice - First time KIA buyer + First time SUV buyer

Hello forum,

Background: I am in the market for an SUV as we just became parents 7 weeks ago!! As a long-time loyalist of Honda and Japanese makes, I naturally started looking at CRV, Pilot, also looked at the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, etc. I thought I should just look at KIA/Hyundai website just to see what they've got and I was blown away just looking at the pictures of the Telluride and binge-watched several review videos of the Telluride on YouTube. Here are a few questions I have in my mind before I can pull the trigger on a vehicle like this:

1. About SUV: I was originally thinking of a compact SUV but the value that the Telluride offers for a 3-row SUV is amazing (am looking at the EX FWD trim); Any points of view from you guys on this would be helpful; right now I have a family of 3 with parents visiting often from abroad, but if my family grows, I feel like that extra space would be handy. How do you guys compare this with say a 2019 Rav4 hybrid which is almost $35k msrp for similar features inside?

2. About KIA: I've only owned Honda/Nissan/Toyota cars before; they've given me good value and reliability. I recognize that KIA is bringing a top game in the recent past; any experiences you can share about owning KIA would be great. Also, any comments on depreciation for KIA, how does it compare with other makes?

3. Timing of purchase: I recognize that this vehicle is in high demand right now; should I wait 2-3 months and wait for the rush to ease a bit to get some offers, or do you guys think it may take much longer for the demand/excitement to cool down on this?

4. First year model of a new car: I've also heard some anecdotal evidence of folks talking about never buying a first model of a new car, as car companies usually refine all the kinks and make the cars better in the following years; how worried should I be about this factor?

Thank you very much for your time and advice!!

Welcome breezy and congrats on being a new parent!

#1 I can tell from experience that when you have family visiting often, having the extra room in the rear is wonderful. Not only would it make traveling easier, even picking them up from the airport is less of a hassle.

#2 For the last couple of year Consumer Reports have continuously given Kia top rankings right behind Toyota for reliability. With regards to depreciation, I believe it depends more on the model rather than the brand. Even cars like Camry will have a similar depreciation trend as the Optima.

#3 It is true that in some areas the Telluride is extremely hot right now, even so we were still able to get $2500 off MSRP before incentives. It really depends on the dealer and location.

#4 https://www.kiatelluride.org/threads/anyone-concerned-over-owning-a-first-year-model-car.193/

I've attached some info that may help you.

Thanks a lot, Mary, for the detailed reply!

Congrats @breezydusk!

If you have already done so, go test drive one. I guaranty you'll be a Kia fan after that.