2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Kia Telluride
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial differentiator between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Kia Telluride is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), where the Telluride undercuts the Explorer by $3,660, starting at $36,390 versus the Explorer's $40,050. Performance metrics favor the Explorer, which delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Telluride's 291 hp and 262 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency shows the Explorer leading slightly, achieving 24 combined MPG against the Telluride's 22 combined MPG. Dimensionally, the Explorer is longer at 198.8 inches versus 196.9 inches, but the Telluride offers superior utility with 21.0 cubic feet of standard cargo capacity, significantly more than the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet. The powertrain architectures also diverge, with the Explorer utilizing rear-wheel drive standard, contrasting with the Telluride's front-wheel drive base setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its slightly better 24 combined MPG rating compared to the Telluride's 22.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride offers families 21.0 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer appeals more to enthusiasts with a higher output of 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride provides superior value by starting $3,660 below the Ford Explorer's MSRP.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize maximum engine output, as the Explorer generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the inherent handling characteristics or towing potential associated with a standard rear-wheel drive configuration.
- You need the marginally better fuel economy rated at 29 MPG on the highway.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- Budget is a primary concern, given the $36,390 MSRP is $3,660 less than the competitor.
- Maximum usable storage space is required, with the Telluride offering 21.0 cubic feet versus 18.2 cubic feet.
- You prefer the standard front-wheel drive layout for typical driving conditions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 196.9" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.3" |
| Height | 69.9" | 68.9" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 114.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 3.8 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 376.0/488.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 18.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 12.3 in |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 61.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 58.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 61.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | P245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Kia Telluride.
Which crossover offers better daily driving efficiency?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Kia Telluride’s 22 combined MPG. This difference translates to approximately two more highway miles per gallon for the Explorer (29 MPG vs. 26 MPG).
How do the drivetrains differ between these two models?
The vehicles utilize different base architectures; the Ford Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while the Kia Telluride's base model features a front-wheel drive setup. Both utilize automatic transmissions, though the Explorer employs a 10-speed unit compared to the Telluride's 8-speed.
Is the power gap significant enough to matter in acceleration?
The Explorer generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Telluride's 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This 48 lb-ft torque advantage suggests the Explorer will have a more robust pull during merging or passing maneuvers.
What is the key difference in overall size and utility?
While the Explorer is slightly longer by almost two inches (198.8 vs. 196.9 inches), the Telluride maximizes its footprint for utility. The Telluride offers 21.0 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet.
How large is the difference in initial purchase price?
There is a substantial $3,660 difference in the starting MSRPs provided. The 2025 Kia Telluride is priced significantly lower at $36,390 compared to the 2025 Ford Explorer's entry price of $40,050.
Do either vehicle require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Kia Telluride are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying long-term running costs.
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