It seems like every time dealerships get a hot new model there is a premium tacked onto the price. In the environment we’re in now, where there are shortages of new and used vehicles, some dealers are up to their old tricks. One such dealer adds a markup on Kia Telluride SUVs $18,000 over sticker because it can.

This dealer won’t let you test-drive a Telluride unless you agree to the markup

We expect nothing less from dealers. With availability being hampered and popularity at an all-time high, this dealer is going to make some extra cha-cha. It will not let you test-drive a Telluride unless you agree to pay a $15,000-18,000 markup.

Signs in the windows of the remaining Telluride SUVs at this dealership inform you that the Telluride is “the most sought after vehicle in the world.” This is according to Motor1. Because of this, the dealer sells the Telluride for “a market-adjusted price.” It goes on to say it can’t order one for you right now. And dealers aren’t trading at the moment.

But if you don’t want the particular Telluride it has on its lot, and don’t want to pay the Kia markup, then, basically, hit the road. It isn’t that mean, but you get what we mean, right? So how much would a Kia Telluride from this shyster cost?

These mark-up Tellurides come in at $71,000

We know the Telluride SX has a base price of just over $44,000. With all of the options available that price jumps to almost $53,000. Adding $18,000 to that brings the Telluride in at $71,000. 

Once you are past $55,000 you enter another segment of the SUV market. Here you can get vehicles like the Genesis GV80, Mercedes GLE, and Audi Q7. With an extra $9,000 you could slip into a BMW X7. We doubt this dealer thought that through. And if it did then why go through with your crazy Kia markup?

Once the Telluride hits $71,000 other models shine brighter

We think the Kia Telluride is a great SUV. But this is within the context of its price. Once it hits these other prices then it starts to get a little more pedestrian. And other models start shining brighter. 

Look, we know it is hard on dealers right now because they can’t get enough vehicles to make for a normal inventory. And especially, when demand is so high it must be really frustrating. But gouging customers because you can doesn’t mean you should. We applaud those dealers-both Kia stores but also the rest, that keep it between the white lines and doesn’t start marking up hot models.