2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Telluride bursts onto the scene emphasizing robust capability with 291 horsepower and a lower starting price of $36,390. Conversely, the 2026 Ford Explorer counters with superior performance metrics, boasting 300 horsepower and a commanding 310 lb-ft of torque, all while achieving a better combined MPG of 24. While the Telluride offers more practicality with 21 cu ft of cargo space versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, the Ford's RWD platform and 10-speed automatic transmission promise a more engaging drive. The Telluride provides a slightly narrower profile at 78.3 inches, while the Explorer leans into its power advantage, making this a classic showdown between value-focused space and performance pedigree in the three-row crossover segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers better highway efficiency at 29 MPG and a more modern 10-speed automatic transmission for smoother city travel.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride provides significantly more usable utility with 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cubic feet.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer wins on raw power thanks to its 300 hp and higher 310 lb-ft of torque, supported by a standard rear-wheel-drive layout.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride undercuts the competition with an MSRP of $36,390 while still delivering 291 horsepower.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You prioritize maximizing cargo space, as the Telluride offers 21 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
- You want the lower entry cost, with an MSRP of $36,390 compared to the Explorer's $38,330.
- You prefer the known dynamics of a front-wheel-drive platform for predictable handling in adverse conditions.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You crave superior performance credentials, highlighted by 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You value fuel economy improvements, netting 29 highway MPG and 24 combined MPG.
- You desire the inherently balanced driving dynamics offered by the standard rear-wheel-drive architecture and 10-speed transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.9" | 198.8" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.9" |
| Height | 68.9" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.9 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.6 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.9 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.0 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/60R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2026 Ford Explorer.
Which crossover is more powerful: the 2025 Telluride or the 2026 Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer takes the outright power advantage, producing 300 horsepower and a substantial 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Kia Telluride is close behind with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
How do the fuel economy ratings compare for daily commuting?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is slightly more efficient, achieving a 24 combined MPG rating (20 city/29 highway). The 2025 Kia Telluride rates slightly lower at 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway).
Is the Kia Telluride a better option for large families needing luggage space?
Yes, based purely on stated cargo dimensions, the Telluride is the clear winner for hauling gear. It provides 21 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row, significantly more than the Explorer's 16.3 cubic feet.
What is the key mechanical difference in how these two vehicles drive?
The Telluride is standard Front Wheel Drive, whereas the Explorer features a Rear Wheel Drive layout, which enthusiasts generally prefer for better handling balance. Additionally, the Explorer uses a more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission over the Telluride's 8-speed unit.
How significant is the MSRP difference between the two models?
The 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $36,390, offering a $1,940 price advantage over the 2026 Ford Explorer's starting MSRP of $38,330.
Are both vehicles designed to use the same type of gasoline?
Both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Ford Explorer specify the use of regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for optimal performance.
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