Comparing the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride

When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride are two of the most popular and compelling options on the market. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of features, performance, and value, making it challenging for consumers to decide which best suits their needs. Let’s get into a detailed comparison of these two SUVs, focusing on their price and value and a range of other key factors to help you make an informed decision.

Price and Value Comparison

The Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride are competitive in price in the midsize SUV segment. Still, their value proposition can vary depending on the specific features and trim levels you’re considering. The Explorer’s starting MSRP ranges from $34,870 for the base model to $71,430 for the high-end ST trim, while the Telluride’s base price starts at $53,427 and can reach up to $63,345 for the top-of-the-line X-Pro trim.

Regarding value, the Telluride generally offers more standard features and a more comprehensive list of amenities at lower price points than the Explorer. For instance, the base Telluride EX has a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and advanced safety features. In contrast, the base Explorer XLT requires upgrading to higher trims to access similar features.

However, the Explorer’s higher-end trims, such as the ST, do offer a more premium and luxurious experience, with features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a panoramic moonroof, which may justify the higher price tag for some buyers.

Ultimately, the decision between these sport utility vehicles will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the importance you place on various features and amenities. It’s essential to carefully consider your priorities and test drive both models to determine the best value for your money.

Fuel Economy Comparison

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many crossover buyers, and both the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride offer respectable, though not class-leading, fuel economy numbers.

The Explorer base 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.7 L/100 km on the highway. Upgrading to the available 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine slightly reduces the fuel economy to 13.1 L/100 km city and 9.0 L/100 km highway.

The Kia Telluride, with its standard 3.8-liter V6 engine, boasts an EPA-estimated 11.8 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 L/100 km on the highway. This places the Telluride’s fuel efficiency on par with the Explorer’s V6 option, though the Explorer’s four-cylinder engine does have a slight edge in highway driving.

It’s worth noting that real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions, driving style, off-road and 4×4 vehicle use, and other factors. The Explorer and Telluride offer decent fuel efficiency for their size and power. Still, buyers prioritizing maximum fuel economy may want to consider other options in the midsize SUV segment.

Cargo and Interior Space Comparison

Regarding cargo and interior space, the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride offer similar, though not identical, dimensions and capabilities.

The Explorer boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 2431 liters with the second and third rows folded down, while the Telluride offers a slightly larger 2455 liters of maximum cargo space. Both SUVs provide ample room for hauling large items, with the Telluride edging out the Explorer regarding overall cargo volume.

Regarding passenger space, the Telluride has a slight advantage, offering more legroom and headroom in the second and third rows than the Explorer. The Telluride can seat up to eight passengers, while the Explorer can accommodate up to seven.

However, the Explorer’s available power-folding third-row seats and hands-free liftgate can provide a more convenient user experience for loading and unloading cargo, which may be a consideration for some buyers.

Ultimately, the Explorer and Telluride offer spacious and versatile interiors, with the Telluride slightly ahead in terms of overall passenger and cargo capacity.

Safety Features and Ratings Comparison

Safety is a paramount concern for many compact SUV buyers, and both the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride have earned impressive safety ratings and offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.

In government crash testing, the Explorer received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Telluride also earned a 5-star overall rating. Both SUVs also received top “Good” ratings in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Regarding standard safety features, the Telluride has a robust set of driver-assist technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. On the other hand, the Explorer offers these features as optional extras on lower trim levels, requiring buyers to upgrade to higher trims to access the full suite of advanced safety technologies.

However, the Explorer does offer some unique safety features, such as an available 360-degree camera system and evasive steering assist, which can provide additional peace of mind for some drivers.

Overall, both the Explorer and Telluride are exceptionally safe vehicles, with he Explorer providing some additional advanced safety technologies as optional upgrades.

Performance and Engine Options Comparison

When it comes to performance and all-terrain vehicle engine options, the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride offer different approaches to power and capability.

The Explorer provides a range of engine choices, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, and a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain. These engines deliver a broad spectrum of power, from 300 horsepower in the base four-cylinder to 400 horsepower in the high-end V6. The Explorer also offers an available all-wheel-drive system, which can enhance its off-road and inclement weather capabilities.

The Kia Telluride comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing a respectable 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While the Telluride doesn’t offer the same range of engine choices as the Explorer, its single V6 option provides a balanced blend of power and efficiency, which may be sufficient for many buyers.

Both SUVs offer ample power and acceleration for everyday driving, with the Explorer’s available turbocharged engines providing a noticeable performance edge, especially in higher trim levels. 

Ultimately, the choice between the Explorer’s diverse engine lineup and the Telluride’s single V6 option will depend on the individual buyer’s specific performance requirements and driving preferences.

Technology and Infotainment Systems Comparison

The Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride both offer sophisticated and feature-rich infotainment systems, though their approaches and capabilities may differ.

The Explorer’s standard infotainment system features a 12-3-inch touchscreen display. The system runs Ford’s latest SYNC 3 software, providing intuitive controls, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a range of connectivity features.

The Telluride, on the other hand, comes standard with an 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Kia’s UVO infotainment interface is user-friendly and offers similar smartphone integration capabilities, as well as additional features like in-vehicle Wi-Fi, and remote vehicle controls through a mobile app.

Both SUVs offer available premium audio systems, with the Explorer’s 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen setup and the Telluride’s 10-speaker Harman Kardon system providing high-quality sound experiences for music enthusiasts.

Overall, both the Explorer and Telluride provide advanced and feature-rich infotainment systems, catering to a wide range of user preferences and technological needs. The choice between the two may come down to personal preferences and the specific features most important to the buyer.

Which SUV Suits You? 

The Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride are both excellent midsize SUV options, each offering a unique blend of capabilities, features, and value. When it comes to price 

and value, the Explorer’s higher-end trims provide a more premium and luxurious experience. Both SUVs deliver impressive capabilities regarding fuel economy, cargo and interior space, safety, performance, and technology.

Ultimately, the decision between the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride will come down to the individual buyer’s specific needs, priorities, and preferences. It’s essential to consider factors like budget, feature requirements, and driving dynamics carefully to determine which SUV best aligns with your unique needs.

To help you make an informed decision, we recommend scheduling test drives with the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride at your local dealerships, allowing you to experience the vehicles firsthand and determine which offers the best combination of price, value, and features for your lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule your test drives and start your journey toward finding the perfect midsize SUV for you.