{"id":4043,"date":"2025-07-30T18:54:47","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T18:54:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automarketwatch.com\/?p=4043"},"modified":"2025-07-30T18:54:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T18:54:47","slug":"the-kia-telluride-vs-ford-explorer-a-midsize-suv-showdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automarketwatch.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/30\/the-kia-telluride-vs-ford-explorer-a-midsize-suv-showdown\/","title":{"rendered":"The Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer A Midsize SUV Showdown"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019re shopping for a used SUV<\/a> or something brand new, these will probably come up in your search.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

How Much Space Do You Need?<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s 16.3 cubic feet. You can expand the areas in both SUVs by folding down seats. But the Telluride still beats the Explorer<\/a><\/strong> with 87 cubic feet for your stuff if you fold down both back rows. The Explorer \u2013 comes up just short with 85.5 cubic feet.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s A Power Play<\/h3>\n

When you compare the amount of power you\u2019ll 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.
\nThe Telluride\u2019s 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\u2019s next to the Explorer at a red light, the Explorer will beat it to the punch.<\/p>\n

Two Technology Superstars<\/h3>\n

Whether you\u2019re considering the Ford<\/a><\/strong> or the Kia, you\u2019ll have all kinds of technology at your fingertips. The Telluride\u2019s 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\u2019t loud enough for you and your passengers, the SX has a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system.
\nThe 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\u2019re on the road. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

Safety, Safety, Safety<\/h3>\n

Advanced safety systems are a must in new vehicles. You\u2019ll have all kinds of help while you drive whether you\u2019re in the Telluride or Explorer and even if you\u2019re looking at a used SUV, you can get most advanced safety systems.
\nFeatures 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.
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n