The Kia Telluride is the hottest new SUV to hit the market. However, one dealership in Montana thinks that the demand is worth a huge price increase. This particular Telluride is all-wheel-drive with a black exterior and black copper interior, but does that make it worth the price?

A Kia Telluride for double the price

Motor1 reported (through a Reddit post) that Rimrock Auto Group out in Montana is taking an aggressive sales strategy. On a note posted on the window of a 2021 Kia Telluride SX SUV, the dealership noted it was the “most sought after vehicle in the world.”

The hand-written note goes on to explain that the Telluride is the most highly-rated SUV on the market. “But you already know that. That’s why you’re here today.” Due to that, the Rimrock Auto Group plans on adding $15,000 to $18,000 over the original MSRP to take advantage of that.

“We cannot order you one, nor can we dealer trade for one. The colors and options that we currently have in stock are what are available for you to purchase today. If what we have in stock is something that you can see yourself owning at our market adjusted price, then we would be happy to take you on a test drive. If the foretasted conditions are not agreeable, then we appreciate you stopping buy however we are not going to be offering a test drive at this time. “

Motor 1

The final nail in the coffin is that the dealership will not allow for test drives if those stipulations don’t work. Rimrock appreciates people “stopping buy” but isn’t in a rush to sell.

Is this a good move to get rid of the Telluride? Probably not. If nothing else, that could send buyers to a different brand entirely.

A myriad of markups for the 2021 Kia Telluride

The Kia in question is currently listed on the Rimrock Auto Group website for a final price of $78,995. The retail price is listed at $53,505. That’s a markup of over $25,490 without any of the tax or other fees included.

It isn’t the markup that is the issue. Many in-demand cars are marked up to weed out the less passionate buyers. Additionally, the high demand for cars, in general, this year means that prices are often driven higher. However, the tone of the note is what really sets this apart.

By not allowing test drives, declining to order a new one, and not allowing trades, this note has the potential to leave a bad taste in one’s mouth.

The 2021 Kia Telluride has a few trim options. The LX starts at $32,190. The S model starts at $34,590. The EX starts at $37,590. Finally, the SX trim starts at $42,490.

So even at the starting price of $53,505, that is already marked up $11,015. That includes some extra features (like all-wheel-drive) and added bits. If we add $25,490, this particular Telluride is priced at $36,505 over the MSRP with added options.

What other cars are available under $78K?

A 2021 BMW M3 Sedan has a starting MSRP of $69,900. A Mercedes 2021 GLS 450 SUV starts at $76,000. Buyers could get a 2021 Audi Q7 for 54,950.

Basically, buyers can get a lot of cars for under the asking price of this 2021 Telluride. Perhaps a few very cool used Honda Accords would work. Even a top-level trim 2021 Hyundai Palisade or 2021 Toyota Highlander are in the budget. Both of these ranked just below the Telluride on Consumer Reports Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row list.

That isn’t to say the Kia Telluride isn’t worth the price, but it might not be worth almost $80,000.