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| Specification | Kia Telluride | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | About $39,190 | About $38,465 |
| Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 7 |
| Base engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.3L turbo I4 (300 hp) |
| Hybrid | Yes (2.5L turbo, 300-plus hp target) | No (gas only) |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available | RWD standard, AWD available |
| Max towing | Up to 5,000 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs (properly equipped) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 10 yr / 100,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Assembly | West Point, Georgia (USA) | Chicago, Illinois (USA) |
| Specification | Kia Telluride | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| J.D. Power initial quality | Upper Midsize SUV segment winner | Not a segment winner |
| Hybrid option | Yes (300-plus hp target) | No (gas only) |
| Kelley Blue Book | Multi-year 3-Row Best Buy | Not the class Best Buy |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
The Explorer starts a little lower, around $38,465 versus about $39,190 for the Telluride, so on the window sticker they are close. Where the Telluride pulls ahead is long-term value: at ALM Kia South a new Telluride adds ALM VIP Club benefits and, on qualifying new vehicles, our Included Lifetime Warranty on top of the longer factory coverage.
The Telluride seats up to eight, while the Explorer tops out at seven. Both offer real three-row room and generous cargo space, so families that need the eighth seat will lean Telluride, while those fine with seven have more flexibility.
This is the biggest personality difference. The Explorer rides on a rear-wheel-drive-based platform with a standard 300-horsepower turbo four and an available 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 in the sporty ST, but it is gas only. The Telluride uses a front-wheel-drive-based layout with a new turbo four and, for the first time, an available hybrid. Choose the Explorer for a sportier rear-drive feel, the Telluride for hybrid efficiency and the eighth seat.
Both are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Explorer’s rear-drive-based platform gives it a stout towing feel, while the Telluride matches the number and adds available all-wheel drive.
The Telluride carries the longer warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain, versus the Explorer’s 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain. The Explorer is one of America’s longest-running SUV nameplates, and the Telluride has ranked near the top of the segment for owner satisfaction since it launched.
Choose the Explorer for a rear-drive-based SUV, a strong available V6, and a slightly lower starting price. Choose the Telluride for the eighth seat, an available hybrid, the longer warranty, and the added ownership perks at ALM Kia South. Browse our Telluride inventory or contact our team to compare them in person.
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