Family-friendly SUVs often mean three rows of seats, lots of cargo space, and tech features for the kids, but they can also mean an engaging driving experience. The Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer are two of the top contenders in the mid-size SUV market, and whether you’re shopping for a used SUV or something brand new, these will probably come up in your search.
How Much Space Do You Need?
Both the Telluride and the Explorer have three rows of seats. The Telluride feels a little more spacious in the cabin with 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, compared to the Explorer’s 16.3 cubic feet. You can expand the areas in both SUVs by folding down seats. But the Telluride still beats the Explorer with 87 cubic feet for your stuff if you fold down both back rows. The Explorer – comes up just short with 85.5 cubic feet.
It’s A Power Play
When you compare the amount of power you’ll get with these SUVs, the Explorer clearly wins. The entry-level models get a four-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower abut a turbo V-6 is available if you want to bump this up to 400 horsepower.
The Telluride’s standard 3.8-liter V-6 delivers 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty for everyday driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps contribute to the smooth ride, but if when it’s next to the Explorer at a red light, the Explorer will beat it to the punch.
Two Technology Superstars
Whether you’re considering the Ford or the Kia, you’ll have all kinds of technology at your fingertips. The Telluride’s 12.3-inch touchscreen comes with integrated navigation, even at the entry-level. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to sync your phone. If the six-speaker stereo isn’t loud enough for you and your passengers, the SX has a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system.
The latest Explorer is just as well equipped with tech features. A 13.2-inch touchscreen sits in the front dash and comes loaded with Google Built-in. This puts Google Maps and your Google, voice based assistant right with you whenever you’re on the road. You’ll also have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a six speaker stereo in the base trim, but the upgraded stereo in the ST and Platinum is a 14-speaker system.
Safety, Safety, Safety
Advanced safety systems are a must in new vehicles. You’ll have all kinds of help while you drive whether you’re in the Telluride or Explorer and even if you’re looking at a used SUV, you can get most advanced safety systems.
Features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-centering assist, and intersection collision mitigation are all standard in the Explorer as part of the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite.
The Telluride also has a comprehensive bundle of safety aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision mitigation with automatic braking. The lane-keep assist system is also helpful.
