2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2025 Ford Explorer
2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2025 Ford Explorer
As you explore options for your next three-row SUV, you’ll notice the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer are two of the most popular options. We’ll compare both models, putting some of their best features up against each other, from cargo space to powertrains. Before we get started, we’ll admit our bias. Bob Moore Kia is a Kia dealership in OKC, so naturally, we have a preference. Our job is to be as objective as possible, so we’ll let the critics do the talking for us. The 2025 Kia Telluride earned a perfect 10/10 from review site Car and Driver, earning its way onto their Editors’ Choice List and their 10 Best SUVs, Trucks, and Vans list. The Ford Explorer garnered an 8/10, ranking them 18th in the mid-size segment, while the Telluride took the top prize. With that in mind, let’s start by comparing Ford and Kia’s powertrains.
2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2025 Ford Explorer Performance
The Kia Telluride comes with one engine, while the Explorer comes with your choice of two engines. We’ve broken down the key performance metrics for each engine below:
| Model: | Engine: | Horsepower: | Torque (lb-ft): | City/Highway MPG: |
| 2025 Kia Telluride | 3.8-liter V6 | 291 | 262 | 20/26 |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 2.3-liter turbo V4 | 300 | 310 | 21/28 |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 3.0-liter V6 | 400 | 415 | 18/26 |
If max horsepower is your aim, we won’t deny that the Ford Explorer beats the Telluride with both engines. Both models tow right around 5,000 lbs. The base Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer offer reliably good rides, but the V6 Ford is a legitimately fast engine, able to run from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. The Ford comes standard with RWD, while the Telluride has FWD. Both come with optional AWD. To learn more about the Ford or 2025 Kia Telluride specs, visit our OKC Kia dealership.
2025 Kia Telluride vs. Explorer – Interior & Cargo Space
When comparing the build quality and the interiors of the Explorer and Telluride, we start to see the Kia pull away. The Kia focuses on providing a more premium feeling, adding more standard amenities and better materials throughout the cabin. While the Ford recently underwent a redesign, it still doesn’t match the charm and luxury of the Kia Telluride’s cabin. Both models have three rows, with the Kia seating up to eight and the Ford seating up to seven. Both also offer captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing your seating capacity by one but making the drive more comfortable for passengers in the middle row. In addition to the extra seating capacity, the Kia Telluride also has more cargo space, as broken down below:
| Cargo Space | 2025 Kia Telluride | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| Space Behind 3rd Row (cu-ft): | 21.0 | 18.2 |
| Space Behind 2nd Row (cu-ft): | 46.0 | 47.9 |
| Space Behind 1st Row (cu-ft): | 87.0 | 85.8 |
One of our favorite features about the Telluride is all the interior color options, with 12 different seat trims and colors ranging from standard SynTex to Mahogany Leather and Terracotta Nappa Leather. The Ford has 3 interior packages, with black or white cloth and leather options. Both exteriors are well-styled and largely come down to personal preference. The Kia has eight color options, including Wolf Gray, Midnight Lake Blue, and Jungle Green. The Explorer has five options, including Vapor Blue Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic, and Carbonized Gray Metallic. Test drive the 2025 Telluride for sale with Bob Moore Kia to find your favorite features.
2025 Kia Telluride vs. Explorer – Features & Technology
Most of the Tellurides come equipped with dual panoramic displays, with 12.3-inch screens commanding 2/3rds of the dashboard. The Explorer comes with a single 13.2-inch infotainment system. Both models feature advanced driver assistance suites, but the Kia offers push-button start, remote start, and a smart key with every Telluride. The base Explorer only gets push-button start. The Telluride has a diverse group of Tellurides across its 10 trim levels, but some of our favorite features the Ford doesn’t have include Nappa leather, heated and ventilated 2nd-row seats, and self-leveling rear suspension. The Ford struggles to add features you won’t find on the Telluride but has niceties like a twin-panel moonroof, heated glass, and red-painted brake calipers on top-level models.
2025 Telluride vs. Explorer – Pricing and Warranty
With all the powertrains, features, and technology covered, let’s see how the SUVs compare in price. We’ve pulled the most affordable and most expensive models from each lineup to give you an idea of where they fall.
| Model: | Lowest MSRP: | Highest MSRP: |
| 2025 Kia Telluride | $36,390 | $53,685 |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | $39,755 | $54,260 |
As a rule, the Kia Telluride is more affordable than the Ford Explorer. They are also made with better materials and more features, giving you more customization options. The Telluride has 10 trim levels to choose from. The Ford has 4.
When comparing warranties, Ford offers three years or 36,000 miles of coverage. Kia provides 10 years or 100,000 miles of coverage, the best in the industry. Not only is the Kia more affordable, but it also offers more peace of mind across its lifespan.
Test Drive the 2025 Kia Telluride in OKC
In most situations, the Kia Telluride is the best choice. It’s the rare car we recommend to family and friends, offering everything you want from a mid-size SUV at this price range. Visit Bob Moore Kia OKC to test drive the 2025 Kia Telluride for sale today!
