Kia Custom Order Guide: How to Factory Order an EV9 or Telluride Without Dealer Markups
You’ve finally decided on your dream Kia — maybe it’s the three-row Telluride for family adventures or the futuristic EV9 to go electric — but every dealer lot you visit has the wrong color, the wrong trim, or a five-figure markup that makes your stomach turn.
Factory ordering is your way out. Instead of settling for whatever’s on the lot, you can build your Kia exactly the way you want it and often avoid those nasty dealer markups. Here’s exactly how to do it.
TL;DR
You can’t order a Kia directly from the factory online — you must work through an authorized dealer. Some dealers charge “market adjustments” of $3,000–$10,000+ on popular models like Telluride and EV6. To avoid markups, find a dealer that sells at MSRP for custom orders, get your pricing in writing, and consider out-of-state dealers if your local ones are gouging. Kia has politely asked dealers not to mark up the EV9, but they can’t enforce it. The process takes about 6–10 weeks, and you’ll need a refundable deposit of around $500–$1,000.
Key Takeaways
- Factory ordering means customizing your exact Kia — trim, color, packages, and accessories
- Not all Kia dealers accept custom orders; some only sell from allocation
- Some Kia models (especially Telluride and EV6) can be factory ordered, but options may be limited to package bundles
- Dealer markups on orders vary widely — some dealers charge MSRP, others add $3,000–$20,000
- Kia asked dealers not to mark up the EV9, but it’s a request, not a rule
- Delivery timeline is typically 6–10 weeks for most custom orders
- Join online forums to find no-markup dealers — communities track which dealers sell at MSRP
What Is a Kia Factory Order?
When you factory order a Kia, you’re not buying a car that already exists on a dealer’s lot or is in transit. You’re essentially placing a request for Kia’s factory to build a vehicle specifically for you, with the exact trim, color, options, and accessories you choose.
Here’s the catch: Kia doesn’t actually let you order individual options à la carte like some luxury brands. Instead, you’re typically choosing from pre-set packages and combinations. For example, if you want the Nappa leather interior, you might need to order the SX Prestige trim that includes it.
The process works like this:
- You build your Kia using the online configurator
- You find a Kia dealer willing to place a factory order
- The dealer submits your build to Kia’s allocation system
- Kia builds your car and ships it to the dealer
- You take delivery and pay the agreed price
A Kia dealer on a forum confirmed: “You can order from the factory for a customer. The vehicle invoice will have the customer’s name on it and all of the options will be on the window sticker. We can only order what is posted on the Kia Website though.”
Step 1: Build Your Dream Kia
Start at Kia’s official website and use the “Build & Price” tool for your chosen model — EV9, Telluride, or whatever you’re eyeing.
What you’ll choose:
- Model and trim (LX, EX, SX, GT-Line, etc.)
- Exterior and interior colors
- Engine and drivetrain (FWD, AWD, hybrid, EV)
- Option packages (like Premium Package or sunroof)
- Standalone accessories (floor mats, roof racks, cargo organizers)
The configurator updates pricing in real time, giving you a clear MSRP breakdown before any dealer fees.
Pro tip: Screenshot or save your build configuration. You’ll need it when talking to dealers.
Step 2: Find a Dealer That Accepts Orders
This is the most important step. Not every Kia dealer accepts factory orders — some prefer to sell only what’s on their lots or in their allocation. And even among dealers that do take orders, their pricing policies vary wildly.
The no-markup dealers exist. Forum members have identified Kia dealers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Texas that sell custom orders at MSRP with only standard doc fees ($389–$499). One forum user shared: “Huffines McKinney does not charge any market adjustment, just MSRP. I bought a limited edition from there with 0 market adjustment.”
How to find the good ones:
- Join Kia owner forums — communities track which dealers are transparent
- Check crowd-sourced databases — the EV Dealer Markup database tracks no-markup dealers
- Call multiple dealers — ask directly: “Do you charge market adjustments on custom orders?”
- Look for dealers advertising MSRP — some proudly state it on their websites
Watch out: Some dealers will tell you they don’t charge markups on orders, only to add fees when the car arrives. One EV6 reservation holder reported their dealer wanted $3,000 over MSRP despite Kia asking dealers not to mark up the car.
Step 3: Lock in the Pricing Before Ordering
Once you find a cooperative dealer, get everything in writing. This protects you from surprises when your car finally arrives.
What you need in writing:
- The total MSRP of your build
- The destination and delivery fee (mandatory, around $1,300–$1,500)
- The dealer’s doc fee
- Any applicable taxes and registration fees
- A clear statement that there is no market adjustment or forced add-ons
- The deposit amount and refund policy
“We sell at MSRP with no mark-up or added fees etc. MSRP plus tax, tags, reg and $394 doc fee. DO NOT OVERPAY ELSEWHERE, NO REASON TO WASTE YOUR MONEY! Other local dealers are adding warranties, adjusted market pricing and other assorted fees to raise the price on you. DO NOT PAY! Buy here without the nonsense!”
Step 4: Place Your Order and Pay the Deposit
With pricing locked in, your dealer submits the order to Kia. You’ll typically need to pay a refundable deposit — usually $500 to $1,000 — to secure your build slot.
Deposit rules vary by dealer:
- Some deposits are fully refundable if you cancel before production starts
- Others may be non-refundable, especially for high-demand models or custom colors
Get the deposit terms in writing. Verbal promises aren’t enough.
Step 5: Track Your Order
You’ll receive a confirmation number and estimated delivery timeline. Most factory-ordered Kias take 6 to 10 weeks to build and ship. Some models may take longer depending on demand and production capacity.
Kia’s online portal lets you track your vehicle’s production and shipping status. Stay in touch with your sales rep for updates.
One important note from forum members: Some dealers don’t actually place “custom orders” — instead, they search their allocation for a vehicle that matches your specifications and claim it for you. This means you might not get 100% of your exact build, and delivery timing can vary.
The Dealer Markup Problem (and How to Beat It)
Dealer markups — officially called “market adjustments” — have been a headache for Kia buyers, especially on popular models like Telluride, EV6, and now the EV9.
The EV6 markup situation: When the EV6 launched, some dealers added as much as $20,000 over MSRP. Forum members reported markups of $3,000–$10,000 on their EV6 orders. One frustrated buyer said: “I have a First Edition that will be coming in Mid May, my dealer in St Petersburg Florida is charging me $3000 over MSRP.”
The Telluride markup situation: The Telluride has been in high demand since its launch, with dealers adding “market adjustments” for years. In some areas, buyers couldn’t find a Telluride without facing markups that sometimes amounted to an additional $10,000 or more.
Kia’s response: Kia sent a letter to dealers asking them not to mark up the EV9, saying “the EV9 customer is an important new owner to the Kia brand, and price transparency will be paramount as part of their purchase experience.” Kia also offered dealers a $2,000 delivery bonus for each EV9 sold to a reservation holder, encouraging them to prioritize orders over markups.
But here’s the hard truth: Kia can’t legally force dealers to sell at MSRP. Under U.S. law, dealers are independent businesses that set their own prices. The automaker can “ask” nicely, offer incentives, and threaten reputational damage, but they can’t mandate pricing.
“Kia asked nicely, but it doesn’t have a ton of options to force dealers to sell the SUV at MSRP.”
How to avoid markups:
| Strategy | How It Works | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Find a no-markup dealer | Call around, check forums | High — they exist, just harder to find |
| Order from out of state | Some dealers restrict to local buyers | Medium — check residency requirements |
| Negotiate the markup | Push back, show competitor pricing | Low — high-demand models sell anyway |
| Wait for supply to catch up | Delays purchase | High — but requires patience |
| Use reservation holder leverage | Remind dealer of Kia’s request | Low — dealers aren’t obligated |
Watch out for residency restrictions: Some no-markup dealers require you to live within a certain radius (like 50 miles) to place an order. One forum member shared: “They said for sure they don’t charge any markups BUT! you have to live within 50 miles to make a pre-order or reservation of the car.”
Real-World Example: Ordering an EV9
The EV9 is a great case study because Kia’s request to dealers not to mark it up gave buyers some leverage.
If you order an EV9:
- Build your EV9 online — trim levels range from Light RWD ($54,900) to GT-Line e-AWD ($73,900)
- Find a dealer that honors Kia’s request and sells at MSRP
- If your dealer tries to mark it up, mention Kia’s letter
- Remind them of the $2,000 delivery bonus they get for selling to a reservation holder
One forum member reported success: “I put in an order at MSRP + TTL + 150 doc fee with a dealer in McKinney TX”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I order a Kia directly from the factory online?
A: No — you must work through an authorized Kia dealership to place a factory order.
Q: Does Kia actually do custom orders, or do dealers just find allocations?
A: It varies by model and dealer. For some models like Telluride, you can place a proper order. For others, dealers may just search their allocation for a match.
Q: How long does a Kia factory order take?
A: Typically 6–10 weeks, depending on the model, options, and demand.
Q: Can I avoid dealer markups with a factory order?
A: Yes — find a dealer that commits to MSRP on custom orders. But not all dealers will do this, so shop around.
Q: Is the deposit refundable if I change my mind?
A: Usually yes, but policies vary by dealer. Get it in writing before you pay.
Q: Does Kia force dealers not to mark up the EV9?
A: No, Kia only “asked” dealers not to mark up the EV9. They can’t legally enforce it.
Q: What’s the best way to find a no-markup Kia dealer?
A: Join Kia owner forums and check crowd-sourced dealership databases. Communities track which dealers sell at MSRP.
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