When you’re looking for an SUV that’s got plenty of space for the whole family, two options you’ll run across in your research and on the roads are the Ford Explorer and the Kia Telluride. Both models are known for their strong engines, spacious interiors, and convenient features and have become two of the most popular sports utility vehicles on the market. So, how do these SUVs stack up against each other?
The team at LaFontaine Ford Birch Run is here to help drivers in Birch Run, Clio, and Saginaw, MI, answer this question. Read this in-depth Ford Explorer vs. Kia Telluride comparison to determine which one is the better fit for you.
MAX HORSEPOWER
EPA-ESTIMATED MPG
WI-FI HOTSPOT
Both Ford and Kia are known for building robust SUVs, providing the power and speed you need. Let’s examine what’s under the respective hoods of the Explorer and the Telluride.
When it comes to their standard engines, the Kia Telluride has a 3.8L V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Explorer actually offers a lineup of three impressive engines, including a hybrid.
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4: produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6: produces up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
- 3.3L Hybrid: produces 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque
On the other hand, the Kia Telluride is only available with that one engine, so you won’t have the power of choice.
The ability to keep your travels going without frequently stopping to refuel is a huge benefit. With either SUV, you won’t sacrifice fuel efficiency for horsepower, as they both deliver extremely well in this regard.
However, the Ford does a better job at maximizing your mileage, as it gets an EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPGwith its base trim. Comparatively, the Kia Telluride only gets an EPA-estimated 20 city/26 highway MPG.
When choosing your SUV, space matters. You’ll want to be comfortable and still have enough cargo space to bring along whatever you might need.
The Ford Explorer and the Kia Telluride are similarly sized when it comes to most of their interior measurements among the three rows. However, the Explorer offers 43 inches of legroom in the first rowand 32.2 inches in the third row, as opposed to the 41.4 inches and 31.4 inches in the Telluride’s first and third rows respectively.
Not only that, but the Explorer also offers a bit more cargo volume, providing a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet to store your items behind the first row. The Telluride comes very close to matching this with 87 cubic feet of cargo volume–but when it comes to packing for that next road trip, every little bit counts.
Whether you’re on the road for a few minutes or more than a few hours, you’ll want to stay connected. The Ford Explorer has more than enough technology to keep everyone entertained on long drives. Using a large dashboard monitor, the SYNC® 3 systemenables you to stream music, safely make hands-free calls, and stay in touch wherever you go. Some of the Explorer’s on-board technology includes:
- Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™s
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- Voice-Activated Navigation System
- FordPass Connect™ 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
In addition to these state-of-the-art features, the Explorer lets you enjoy excellent sound quality with an available 14-speaker B&O® Sound System by Bang and Olufsen®. Plus, if you need to double-check directions or find out which song is playing, you can see everything clearly on the instrument cluster with available 12.3-inch Digital Productivity Screen.
The Kia Telluride also comes with smartphone-compatible features and a large touchscreen. While you can add a navigation system, you won’t find a Wi-Fi hotspot, so you may have a tougher time when you’re off the beaten path, hoping for a signal. The Kia also has a smaller instrument cluster and a smaller sound system with just 10 speakers.
Of course, when considering a family vehicle, nothing is more important than the safety of you and your most precious cargo. When it comes to safety, both Ford and Kia take it as seriously as you do.
Each SUV comes standard with safety and driver-assist suites. The Telluride’s is called Kia Drive Wise, and the Explorer’s is Ford Co-Pilot360™. These systems have a few features in common, including brand-specific versions of:
- Lane-Keeping System
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System)
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
The Ford Explorer offers an available Evasive Steering Assist function, which helps steer away from potential collisions to avoid them altogether. The Kia Telluride doesn’t have a comparable feature.
The Ford Explorer also has the option of adding driver-assist parking features under the available Active Park Assist 2.0 umbrella. You can use this system to nail those tight parallel or perpendicular parking spots. Just put your Explorer in Neutral, hold the Active Park Assist button, and your Explorer will handle the rest. Again, the Telluride lacks a similar system.
The Kia Telluride and the Ford Explorer engaged in an impressive competition. However, when you compare their power and efficiency, interior measurements and amenities, and safety features, it’s the Ford Explorer that comes out on top.
It’s time for drivers in Birch Run, Clio, and Saginaw, MI, to take the next step and stop by LaFontaine Ford Birch Run to check out the Ford Explorer for yourself! Feel free to give us a call to schedule your test drive!
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