2025 Kia Telluride Vs. Ford Explorer: Space, Style, And Safety Compared
Home > Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Comparison
2025 Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer: Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Kia Telluride was named the best midsize SUV by Car and Driver for 2025.1 The Ford Explorer ranks 16th on the same list.1
- Our Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer comparison shows the Kia model has a larger engine.
- The Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride have competitive fuel efficiency ratings, but the Kia SUV offers more extensive safety features.
- The Kia Telluride has more seating than the Ford Explorer, allowing space for eight passengers while providing more standard and maximum cargo space.
- Use our resources to learn more about the Kia Telluride, leasing and financing, and other Kia models.
See Who Takes the Crown in Our Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Comparison
If you're scouting for your next three-row SUV, you'll undoubtedly want to compare the 2025 Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer differences, including features, interior appointments, engines, passenger dimensions, and more. We think the award-winning 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, 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 2025 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 2025 Kia Telluride comes standard with a host of advanced safety features, including the following:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear Occupant Alert with Ultrasonic Sensors
- Safe Exit Assist
- Highway Driving Assist 1.5
- Rear Park Distance Warning
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Curve
While the base model 2025 Ford Explorer offers a Lane Keeping System and Rear Parking Sensors, you won't find as many of the advanced safety features as you see 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 of the 2025 Telluride LX is a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 291 horsepower that can tow up to 5,000 pounds.2 The Ford Explorer has a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. The Explorer engine manages to provide nine more horsepower, but you'll get the same towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.3
In terms of fuel consumption, the Kia Telluride provides an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) with front-wheel drive.4 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.
2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 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 Telluride measures 196.9 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 68.9 inches in height without roof rails or 69.3 inches with them. The vehicle sits on a 114.2-inch wheelbase and has between 8 and 8.4 inches of ground clearance.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and between 69.6 and 70.2 inches tall, making the Explorer slightly bigger than the Telluride on the outside. However, despite the larger, more unwieldy model, a different story unfolds inside. The Telluride makes much better use of its dimensions when you move inside the cabin.
2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2025 Ford Explorer Interior Room
One major difference between the 2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2025 Ford Explorer 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 offer ample space for the driver and co-pilot but can skimp on second-row room. This is not true of the Kia Telluride, which gives those in the middle row 42.4 inches of legroom. By contrast, the second row of the Ford Explorer offers 39 inches of legroom. If you opt for a model with a sunroof, your headroom will decrease by about 2 inches in the first and second rows of the Ford Explorer. In comparison, you'll only lose about 1 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 may be able to help you save on a spacious 2025 Kia Telluride.
Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Dimensions Chart
2025 Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer: Size | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Telluride LX | 2025 Ford Explorer Active | |
| Length | 196.9 in | 198.7 in |
| Body Width | 78.3 in | 78.9 in |
| Height | 68.9 in | 69.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in | 119.1 in |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Cargo Capacity Behind Third Row | 21 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Cargo Capacity Behind Second Row | 46 cu ft | 46 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 87 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft |
| Headroom (First Row / Second Row / Third Row) | 40.9 / 40.2 / 38.1 in | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in |
| Legroom (First Row / Second Row / Third Row) | 41.4 / 42.4 / 31.4 in | 43 / 39 / 32.3 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) | 58.9 / 58.0 / 43.7 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 2025 Kia Telluride than you do from the 2025 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. Plus, the Kia sport-ute comes with industry-leading Powertrain Limited and New Vehicle Limited warranties.6
Compare some of the advanced amenities and warranty coverages for these three-row SUVs below.
Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer: Features & Warranties Chart
2025 Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer: Warranties & Advanced Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Telluride | 2025 Ford Explorer | |
| Seating Upholstery |
|
|
| Dual Panoramic Displays | Available | Not available |
| 2nd-Row Heated Seats | Available | Available |
| 2nd Row Ventilated Seats | Available | Not available |
| Quiet Mode | Standard | Not available |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 5 yrs / 60,000 miles (whichever comes first)7 | 3 yrs / 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)8 |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty | 10 yrs / 100,000 miles (whichever comes first)7 | 5 yrs / 60,000 miles (whichever comes first)8 |
| Limited Anti-Perforation Warranty | 5 yrs / 100,000 miles (whichever comes first)8 | 5 yrs / unlimited miles8 |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yrs / 60,000 miles (whichever comes first)9 | 5 yrs / 60,000 miles (whichever comes first)9 |
So, Who Wins Our Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Comparison?
In the clash between the Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer, we find the Kia model to be the more impressive midsize SUV. With more space, robust driver-assistance technology, and longer warranties, 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.
Before you finance or lease a new vehicle, read some of our resources on Kia vehicles, leasing, and more.
- new Kia lease deals
- new Kia Telluride for sale
- new Kia Telluride vs. EV9
- used Kia Telluride
- Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot
- new Kia Telluride colors
- new Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more cargo space: the Kia Telluride or Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Kia Telluride has 21 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, beating out what is offered in the 2025 Ford Explorer (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 87 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 Kia Telluride provides up to 157.1 cubic feet of total passenger volume, and the Explorer offers up to 152.9 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 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 standard V-6 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 are also especially appealing for families.
How big is the cargo space in a Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Fold that third row, and you'll have access to 46 cubic feet of load room. With the second and third rows down, you're met with a maximum of 87 cubic feet of available cargo volume. This is plenty of room for all of your gear, whether you're heading to the beach or the grocery store.
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1Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-suvs/mid-size
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 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.
6Kia’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic limited warranty. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See your Warranty and Consumer Information Manual or your Kia retailer for warranty details.
7Warranties 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.
8Warranties 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.
9Roadside 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.
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