When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer are two of the top contenders in the market. Both vehicles offer ample space, robust performance, and a suite of advanced features that cater to families and adventurous drivers alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve deep into the key aspects of each vehicle – from performance and fuel efficiency to safety and technology – to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The Kia Telluride boasts a bold and modern exterior design with its signature “tiger-nose” grille, squared-off lines, and upright stance. The Telluride’s LED headlights and taillights, along with its distinct character lines, give it an assertive presence on the road. The base LX trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the higher trims feature larger 20-inch alloy wheels and more premium exterior accents.
The Ford Explorer exhibits a sleek and athletic design, characterized by its dynamic front grille, sculpted body lines, and a wide stance. The Explorer’s LED headlights and taillights provide an upscale appearance, while its various wheel options (ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch) allow for customization based on trim level. The Explorer’s design conveys a perfect balance between rugged capability and refined elegance.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Telluride offers a spacious, comfortable cabin with seating for up to eight passengers. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and there’s ample legroom and headroom for adults in all three rows. With all seats in place, the Telluride provides 21 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 87 cubic feet when the second and third-row seats are folded down.
The Explorer seats up to seven passengers, with a roomy and comfortable interior. The second-row seats offer plenty of space for adults, while the third row is best suited for children. The Explorer has 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and it expands to 87.8 cubic feet with both the second and third-row seats folded down.
Technology and Infotainment
The Telluride’s standard infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Available upgrades include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless charging, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and additional USB ports.
The base Explorer comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system. Upgrades include a 10.1-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation, and wireless charging.
Performance
The Kia Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and responsive gear shifts. The Telluride is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.
The Ford Explorer offers more engine options, with the base model featuring a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer also offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, producing 400 horsepower in the ST trim and 365 horsepower in the Platinum trim. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations are available.
Fuel Efficiency
The Telluride boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive models. The all-wheel drive models deliver 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
The base Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined for the rear-wheel drive models. The all-wheel drive models offer 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Fuel efficiency for the V6 engine models drops slightly, with the ST trim achieving 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Safety Features
The Telluride comes equipped with a wide array of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view parking camera system.
The Ford Explorer also offers a generous suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Available safety options include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Trim Levels
The Kia Telluride is available in four main trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX. Each trim offers a unique combination of features and options:
- LX: The base LX trim comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, seating for eight passengers, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of advanced safety features.
- S: The S trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, second-row captain’s chairs (reducing seating to seven passengers), and heated front seats.
- EX: The EX trim includes leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a wireless phone charger, and additional USB ports.
- SX: The top-of-the-line SX trim features dual sunroofs, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a surround-view parking camera system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Ford Explorer is offered in five main trim levels: Base, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. Each trim provides a distinct set of features and options:
- Base: The entry-level Explorer features 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a suite of advanced safety features, and seating for seven passengers.
- XLT: The XLT trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, rear parking sensors, and upgraded cloth upholstery.
- Limited: The Limited trim includes leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a 10.1-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen, ventilated front seats, and additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
- ST: The performance-oriented ST trim boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, and 21-inch alloy wheels, as well as unique exterior and interior design elements.
- Platinum: The top-of-the-line Platinum trim features premium leather upholstery, a twin-panel moonroof, a 360-degree parking camera system, and additional convenience features such as adaptive headlights and a hands-free liftgate.
Price and Warranty
The 2023 Kia Telluride has a starting price of around $33,000 for the base LX trim, with higher trims like the SX pushing the price to around $44,000. Kia’s warranty is one of the best in the industry, offering a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The 2023 Ford Explorer starts at around $33,000 for the base trim, while higher trims like the Platinum can reach prices close to $55,000. Ford’s warranty covers the vehicle with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Key Differences
Here are the key differences between the Kia Telluride and the Ford Explorer:
- Performance:
- The Kia Telluride offers a single engine choice – a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower.
- The Ford Explorer provides multiple engine options, including a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, offering between 300 and 400 horsepower, depending on the trim level.
- Seating Capacity:
- The Kia Telluride can accommodate up to eight passengers, with ample space in all three rows.
- The Ford Explorer seats up to seven passengers, with slightly less space in the third row compared to the Telluride.
- Cargo Space:
- The Kia Telluride offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded down.
- The Ford Explorer has slightly less cargo space behind the third row (18.2 cubic feet), but it offers marginally more space with the second and third-row seats folded down (87.8 cubic feet).
- Fuel Efficiency:
- The Kia Telluride’s fuel efficiency is slightly lower than that of the Ford Explorer, especially when comparing the base models of each vehicle.
- Trim Levels:
- The Kia Telluride comes in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX.
- The Ford Explorer offers more variety with five trim levels: Base, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum.
- Exterior Design:
- The Kia Telluride sports a bold and modern design with a signature “tiger-nose” grille, giving it an assertive presence on the road.
- The Ford Explorer features a sleek and athletic design, showcasing a dynamic front grille and a perfect balance between ruggedness and refinement.
- Warranty:
- The Kia Telluride offers an industry-leading warranty with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- The Ford Explorer’s warranty is comparatively shorter, with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Kia Telluride and the Ford Explorer are two formidable contenders in the midsize SUV segment, each offering a unique blend of performance, space, features, and design. The Telluride excels in its comfortable, spacious cabin, a suite of standard safety features, and a standout warranty. On the other hand, the Explorer offers more engine options, slightly better fuel efficiency, and a wider variety of technology and infotainment features.
The choice between these two impressive SUVs ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities. Prospective buyers should consider test-driving both vehicles to experience their respective attributes firsthand, and weigh the pros and cons against their specific needs. By doing so, they can make a well-informed decision and select the SUV that best suits their lifestyle and requirements.
Features Breakdown:
Kia Telluride Features Breakdown:
- Performance:
- 3.8-liter V6 engine
- 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel and all-wheel drive options
- Fuel Efficiency:
- FWD: 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
- AWD: 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined
- Interior Space and Comfort:
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- 21 cubic feet of cargo space (87 cubic feet with seats folded)
- Safety Features:
- Standard: Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control
- Available: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view parking camera system
- Technology and Infotainment:
- Standard: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio system
- Available: 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless charging, 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, additional USB ports
- Exterior Design:
- Bold and modern design
- Signature “tiger-nose” grille
- LED headlights and taillights
- Trim Levels:
- LX, S, EX, and SX
- Price and Warranty:
- Starting price: around $33,000
- 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Ford Explorer Features Breakdown:
- Performance:
- 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (base)
- 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine (ST and Platinum trims)
- 300 to 400 horsepower and 310 to 415 lb-ft of torque (depending on engine)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options
- Fuel Efficiency:
- RWD (base engine): 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 24 mpg combined
- AWD (base engine): 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
- ST trim: 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined
- Interior Space and Comfort:
- Seating for up to seven passengers
- 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space (87.8 cubic feet with seats folded)
- Safety Features:
- Standard: Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist
- Available: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control
- Technology and Infotainment:
- Standard: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, six-speaker audio system
- Available: 10.1-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation, wireless charging
- Exterior Design:
- Sleek and athletic design
- Dynamic front grille
- LED headlights and taillights
- Trim Levels:
- Base, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum
- Price and Warranty:
- Starting price: around $33,000
- 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
