Explorer vs Telluride
Ford versus Kia: the Explorer and the Telluride go after the same three-row suv buyer. Taken area by area, the Explorer wins 3 of 5. That doesn’t make the Telluride a bad choice, but it does set the baseline.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Explorer wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Explorer wins
- Space & Practicality Telluride wins
- Off-road & Towing Explorer wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Off-road & Towing6.0
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Explorer has 48 lb-ft more torque
If torque is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Explorer leads clearly with 310 lb-ft to the Telluride’s 262 lb-ft. The Explorer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Explorer has better fuel economy
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Explorer leads with 24 mpg to 22 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Telluride has room for 8 seats
Only a little separates them: 8 seats on the Telluride, 7 seats on the Explorer. The Telluride has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The Explorer has 600 lb more towing capacity
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Explorer (5,600 lb versus 5,000 lb). If you tow regularly, the Explorer’s higher rating gives you more margin.
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The Explorer has better highway fuel economy
The Explorer gets a small bonus on fuel economy (highway), with 29 mpg against the Telluride’s 26 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | 78.3 in |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 114.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Explorer leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Explorer. Choose the Explorer and you get 48 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. If engine & performance is your priority, the Explorer is the car to pick.
Torque
Explorer: 310 lb-ft Telluride: 262 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Explorer leads
Look at the fuel economy & range table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Explorer. The Explorer scores with better fuel economy. The Explorer uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the Explorer comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
Explorer: 24 mpg Telluride: 22 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Explorer: 29 mpg Telluride: 26 mpg The Explorer uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Telluride leads
The space & practicality numbers lean toward the Telluride, not dramatically but consistently. The Telluride stands out with room for 8 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Telluride is the safer choice.
Seats
Explorer: 7 seats Telluride: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Explorer leads
The Explorer squeezes out a win in the off-road & towing section. The Explorer takes this one with 600 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. In short, the Explorer is the better-equipped car for off-road & towing.
Max towing
Explorer: 5,600 lb Telluride: 5,000 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
If safety & tech matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. So safety & tech is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Explorer | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) | 3.8L V6 |
| Total system output | 300 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (winner) | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Explorer | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Explorer | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 21 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 87 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Explorer | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,600 lb (winner) | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Explorer | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.2 in | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | 78.3 in |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 114.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Explorer | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,050 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Explorer if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (310 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (24 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you want the higher towing capacity (5,600 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you want better highway fuel economy (29 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Choose the Telluride if…
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you already know your way around Kia’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Explorer or the Telluride?
The Explorer wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you value room for 8 seats above everything else.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Explorer and the Telluride are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. It’s hard to argue with 48 lb-ft more torque, which is exactly what the Explorer brings. A second point goes to the Explorer for better fuel economy. The Telluride isn’t without merit: room for 8 seats is a real advantage.
Who should get which? The Explorer for engine & performance, the Telluride for space & practicality.
My pick: the Explorer gets my vote, but the Telluride is the right call if you’d trade the rest for room for 8 seats.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.