2025 Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride: SUV Showdown
Nov 19, 2024 - 5 minute read
Looking for a spacious and reliable family vehicle? The market offers many choices, making it hard to pick the right SUV. The 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride are two top contenders.
Both SUVs combine comfort, performance, and modern features for families on the go. But which one wins in a direct comparison?
In this detailed comparison, we'll examine what makes these SUVs different. We'll look at interior features, comfort, performance, and efficiency. This will help you decide between a 2025 Ford Explorer or a Kia Telluride.
So, get ready to find out which SUV is best for your family's needs.
Interior Features and Comfort
When we look at the 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride, we see two SUVs with spacious cabins. They are designed for family comfort. Both offer plenty of room, advanced tech, and flexible storage for today's families.
Seating Capacity and Configurations
The 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride can seat up to seven or eight people. They both have three rows of seats. Here's how they compare:
SUV | Seating Capacity | 2nd Row Options | 3rd Row Access |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 Ford Explorer | 7 | Captain's chairs or bench | Easy-entry 2nd row |
Kia Telluride | 7 or 8 | Captain's chairs or bench | One-touch slide and fold 2nd row |
Infotainment Systems and Connectivity
Both SUVs have top-notch infotainment systems. They come with large touchscreens, smartphone integration, and premium audio. Here are the key features:
2025 Ford Explorer: SYNC 4 system with 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
Kia Telluride: UVO infotainment with 10.25-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, available 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio
Cargo Space and Versatility
Families need lots of space for luggage and gear. The 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride offer plenty of room. They also have flexible storage solutions:
SUV | Cargo Volume Behind 3rd Row | Max Cargo Volume | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 Ford Explorer | 18.2 cubic feet | 87.8 cubic feet | PowerFold 3rd row, cargo management system |
Kia Telluride | 21.0 cubic feet | 87.0 cubic feet | Smart Power Liftgate, under-floor storage |
In the comparison of the 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride, both SUVs stand out. They offer comfortable seating, advanced tech, and versatile cargo areas. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
2025 Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride: Performance and Efficiency
When comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride, we should also look at their performance and fuel efficiency. Both SUVs have strong engines for daily driving and family trips. Let's compare their horsepower, fuel economy, towing capacity, handling, and ride quality.
Engine Options and Horsepower
The 2025 Ford Explorer has three engine options: a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, a 3.0L EcoBoost V6, and a 3.3L hybrid. The base 2.3L engine has 300 horsepower. The 3.0L V6 engine has 365 horsepower. The hybrid option has a 3.3L V6 and an electric motor, making 318 horsepower.
The Kia Telluride only has one engine choice: a 3.8L V6. This engine has 291 horsepower. Therefore, the 2025 Kia Telluride is less powerful than the Ford Explorer.
Fuel Economy and Range
The 2025 Ford Explorer leads in fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid option. The Explorer Hybrid gets 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The base 2.3L engine gets 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The 3.0L V6 engine gets 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The Kia Telluride is still efficient but falls behind the Explorer. The standard 3.8L V6 engine gets 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. However, the Telluride's larger fuel tank helps it match the Explorer's range.
Towing Capabilities
For families who love outdoor adventures, both SUVs can tow a lot. The Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds with its 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine. It's great for towing boats, campers, or trailers.
The Kia Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds based on its V6 engine, or up to 5,500 pounds with a towing package. It's not as much as the Explorer, but still enough for most family needs.
Handling and Ride Quality
Both SUVs offer a comfortable and confident drive. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive platform and all-wheel drive provide great traction and stability. Its suspension smooths out bumps and rough roads.
The Kia Telluride also impresses with its ride quality. Its suspension and self-leveling rear air suspension make for a smooth ride. The Telluride's steering and minimal body roll make driving enjoyable, whether in the city or on country roads.
Safety is a top priority for both SUVs. They offer advanced driver assistance features and have high safety ratings. The Explorer and Telluride both received 5-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA.
Vehicle | NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | IIHS Top Safety Pick |
|---|---|---|
2025 Ford Explorer | 5 stars | Yes |
2025 Kia Telluride | 5 stars | Yes |
Conclusion
Comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and the Kia Telluride shows both SUVs have great features. The Ford Explorer has a sleek design and strong engines. It also has the latest tech. Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride stands out for its comfort, roominess, and good value. Your choice between them depends on what you need most.
If you want a car that's fast and tech-savvy, the Ford Explorer is a top pick. It has powerful engines and smart safety features. For those who value comfort and space, the Kia Telluride may be what you need. It offers a cozy interior and lots of standard features at a fair price.
To see the 2025 Ford Explorer and decide if it's right for you, visit J.C. Lewis Ford Pooler in Pooler, Georgia. Our team is ready to help you. You're sure to find a reliable, family-friendly SUV.
FAQ
Which SUV offers more seating capacity, the 2025 Ford Explorer or the Kia Telluride?
Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride can seat up to 7 people. They're perfect for big families or groups who often need to carry more people.
How do the infotainment systems and connectivity options compare between the 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has the SYNC 4 system with a big touchscreen. The Kia Telluride uses the UVO system. Both have smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, and USB ports for staying connected and entertained.
Which SUV has more cargo space, the 2025 Ford Explorer or the Kia Telluride?
The 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride both have lots of cargo space. The Explorer has a bit more room behind the third row. But both can be set up to carry more stuff when needed.
How do the engine options and performance compare between the 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has several engine choices, including a hybrid and ST model. The Kia Telluride has a strong V6 engine. Both SUVs perform well, but the Explorer has a bit more power and towing capacity.
Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the 2025 Ford Explorer or the Kia Telluride?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a hybrid option for better fuel economy. The Kia Telluride's V6 engine is still efficient. But the Explorer's hybrid gives it a fuel economy edge.
How do the safety features and ratings compare between the 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride?
Both SUVs focus on safety with advanced features and top crash test scores. You can trust either one to protect you and your family.