2027 Kia Telluride Vs. 2026 Ford Explorer: Space, Style, and Safety Compared
2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Ford Explorer: Key Takeaways
- Our Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer comparison shows the Kia SUV has more seating than the Ford, allowing space for eight passengers while providing more cargo space and class-leading1 second-row legroom.
- While both SUVs have competitive fuel-efficiency ratings, the Telluride stands out with more advanced safety features and an available hybrid variant.
- The Telluride comes with industry-leading1 Powertrain Limited and New Vehicle Limited warranties for added peace of mind.
- Use our resources to learn more about the 2027 Kia Telluride, leasing and financing, and other Kia models.
See Who Takes the Crown in Our Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Showdown
If you're scouting for your next three-row SUV, you'll undoubtedly want to compare the Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer differences. We think the completely redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride is the clear winner, but don't just take our word for it - we'll walk you through specs, features, size, and more for these sport-utes so you can see for yourself what makes the eight-seat Telluride a standout in its segment.
By the time you finish reading our comprehensive guide, we're confident you'll be calling our Gunther Motor Company team to schedule your road test and apply for our current Telluride lease or finance deals if you're in the area.
New Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Safety Features
The Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer is a popular comparison because both vehicles are three-row SUVs loaded with tech and performance features. However, you are likely wondering: Does the Telluride or Explorer give you better value, options, and versatility? Let's find out.
The 2027 Kia Telluride is available in 10 trims that build off each other to give you a clear path to your ideal sport utility vehicle. If you're shopping for a three-row SUV with up to eight seats, it's likely because you have precious cargo to transport and need a second and third row to accommodate child safety seats and additional passengers. In that case, safety is paramount. The 2027 Telluride comes standard with a host of advanced safety features, including the following:
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning w/ Parallel Exit
- Forward Collision Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
- Highway Driving Assist
- In-Cabin Camera Monitoring System
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist 2
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Curve
- Front and Rear Park Distance Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
While the base model 2026 Ford Explorer comes with a Lane Keeping System and Rear Parking Sensors, you won't find many of the advanced safety features that are standard on the Telluride. For example, you won't get Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, and other driver-support systems as standard technology.
New Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Specs, Engine Info & MPG Ratings
Under the hood, the 2027 Telluride LX features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 274 horsepower and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.2 The Ford Explorer has a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. The Explorer engine boasts 300 horsepower, but you'll get the same towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.3
In terms of fuel consumption, the Kia Telluride provides an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)4 with front-wheel drive. The smaller engine in the Ford Explorer gets up to an EPA-estimated 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).5 However, when it comes to real-world driving, you likely won't even notice such a marginal difference.
For those seeking the ultimate blend of power and efficiency, the Kia SUV is not done. The 2027 Telluride introduces its first-ever Turbo-Hybrid variant, delivering a robust 329 horsepower, an impressive maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds,2 and up to an EPA-estimated 34/36/35 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 In contrast, the Ford Explorer currently doesn't offer a hybrid variant, leaving Kia with a notable advantage for buyers prioritizing fuel economy without sacrificing capability.
2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2027 Kia Telluride Exterior Size
The new Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer size comparison matters to drivers who want plenty of passenger room and cargo space in a vehicle that isn't unwieldy in traffic. The three-row 2027 Telluride measures 199.2 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 69.5 inches in height without roof rails or between 69.9 and 71.5 inches with them. The vehicle sits on a 116.9-inch wheelbase and has between 7.4 and 9.1 inches of ground clearance.
The 2026 Ford Explorer measures 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 69.6-70.2 inches tall, making it slightly different than the Kia Telluride on the outside. The story continues on the inside, where the Telluride also stands out with generous interior dimensions that enhance passenger comfort and cargo versatility for all South Florida outings.
2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Interior Room
One major difference in the 2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Ford Explorer interior review is that the Ford SUV only comes with seven seats, while the Kia model has up to eight. The Telluride also offers more cargo space behind the third and first rows while maintaining comparable passenger measurements, as evidenced by the chart below.
Most SUVs boast ample space for the driver and co-pilot, but this can come at the cost of second-row room. The 2027 Kia Telluride doesn't fall into that box; this SUV has class-leading1 43 inches of second-row legroom. In comparison, the Ford Explorer provides up to 37.5 inches in its second row, meaning the Telluride's middle-row passengers enjoy as much legroom as the Explorer's front-seat occupants. That difference speaks volumes about where each SUV places its priorities.
When you opt for a model with a sunroof, your headroom will decrease by about two inches in the first and second rows of the Ford Explorer. In comparison, you'll only lose about one inch of front headroom in a Kia Telluride with a sunroof - you won't lose any second-row height. Finally, you'll find much more hip room and shoulder room in the third row of the Kia SUV.
If the Kia Telluride interior specifications are more impressive than your car, trade in your current vehicle. Our team in South Florida may be able to help you save on a spacious 2027 Kia Telluride.
2027 Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Dimensions Chart
| 2026 Kia Telluride LX | 2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.2 in | 198.7 in |
| Body Width | 78.3 in | 78.9 in |
| Height | 69.5 in | 69.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.9 in | 119.1 in |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Cargo Capacity Behind Third Row | 22.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Cargo Capacity Behind Second Row | 48.7 cu ft | 46 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 89.3 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft |
| Headroom (First Row / Second Row / Third Row) | 41.2 / 40.4 / 37.4 in | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in |
| Legroom (First Row / Second Row / Third Row) | 41.4 / 43 / 32.1 in | 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in |
| Shoulder Room (First Row / Second Row / Third Row) | 61.6 / 61.2 / 55.3 in | 62.1 / 61.9 / 54.6 in |
| Hip Room (First Row / Second Row / Third Row) | 58.3 / 56.5 / 44.5 in | 59.2 / 59.1 / 40.9 in |
Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer: Warranties & Upscale Interior Amenities
When it comes to amenities and protections, you simply get more from the 2027 Kia Telluride than you do from the 2026 Ford Explorer. That's not a slight against the Explorer - it has some great inclusions, both in terms of standard and available features and warranty coverage. However, the Telluride toes the line for luxury appointments while remaining competitively priced, like boasting dual panoramic displays and a heated and ventilated second row.
Plus, the Kia sport-ute comes with industry-leading1 Powertrain Limited and New Vehicle Limited warranties. Compare some of the advanced amenities and warranty coverages for these three-row SUVs below.
2027 Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer: Features & Warranties Chart
| 2026 Kia Telluride | 2026 Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Upholstery |
|
|
| Dual Panoramic Displays | Available | Not Available |
| 2nd-Row Heated Seats | Available | Available |
| 2nd Row Ventilated Seats | Available | Not Available |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 5 yrs / 60,000 miles6 | 3 yrs / 36,000 miles8 |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty | 10 yrs / 100,000 miles6 | 5 yrs / 60,000 miles8 |
| Limited Anti-Perforation Warranty | 5 yrs / 100,000 miles6 | 5 yrs / unlimited miles8 |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yrs / 60,000 miles7 | 5 yrs / 60,000 miles8 |
So, Who Wins: Kia Telluride or Ford Explorer?
As we come to the end of our Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer comparison, we find the Kia model to be the more impressive midsize SUV. With more space, robust driver-assistance technology, longer warranties, and an available turbo-hybrid, the Telluride is an ideal choice for your next three-row sport-ute. For more information on how the Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer reliability compares, call our experts at Gunther Motor Company. If you're in the area, we invite you to visit our dealership - we'll help you view all new vehicles for sale in South Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more cargo space: the Kia Telluride or Ford Explorer?
The 2027 Kia Telluride has 22.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, beating out the 2026 Ford Explorer at 16.3 cubic feet. These three-row SUVs also have the ability to fold their third- and second-row seats down for increased cargo volume. In this, the Kia Telluride still wins with 89.3 cubic feet, while the Ford model offers 85.8 cubic feet.
Which has more passenger room: the Kia Telluride or Ford Explorer?
You'll find similar passenger space when it comes to the Kia Telluride versus Ford Explorer, but the Kia SUV wins out. The Telluride shines with greater second- and third-row legroom, plus more shoulder and hip room in the third row, with a total interior volume of 180.6 cubic feet. The Telluride also has seating for up to eight, while the Explorer has a maximum occupancy of seven people.
What Kia is comparable to the Ford Explorer?
The Kia Telluride is a comparable vehicle to the Ford Explorer. Both SUVs have three-row seating, ample passenger space, and extensive interior technologies. However, the Kia Telluride wins out in several key areas, such as cargo space, number of seats, warranty length, and more. Schedule an appointment with our advisors in South Florida to experience the award-winning Kia Telluride firsthand.
Why is the Telluride so popular?
The Telluride is an excellent SUV that is agile for its segment. This vehicle can handle trips into the city, the weekly grocery haul, and soccer practice pick-up. Plus, with its all-new standard turbocharged engine, you can rest assured this vehicle will rise to the occasion. Its robust selection of safety technologies, like Safe Exit Alert and Lane Keeping Assist, is also especially appealing for families.
How big is the cargo space in a Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride offers 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Fold that third row, and you'll have access to 48.7 cubic feet of load room. With the second and third rows down, you're met with a maximum of 89.3 cubic feet of available cargo volume. This is plenty of room for all of your beach gear or grocery bags.
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1Based on latest available competitive data.
2Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
3When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
4Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
5EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
6Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
7Whichever time/mileage designation comes first. Roadside Assistance services provided by third-party providers for vehicles with an eligible service plan, subject to limitations and restrictions. Roadside Assistance is not a warranty; refer to the vehicle's Owner's Handbook for warranty details. Excludes costs for repairs, parts, labor, property loss, and expenses from accidents, abuse, racing, vandalism, and certain other conditions. Contact our dealership for details.
8Whichever time/mileage designation comes first. Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
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