2025 Ford Explorer vs. Kia Telluride Competitive Comparison

The 2025 Ford Explorer boasts a bold and commanding presence, with muscular styling and updated design elements that enhance its modern appeal. The refreshed front fascia includes a redesigned grille, sharper headlights, and refined air inlets, while the rear features new taillights for a sleek and cohesive look. For a touch of flair, trims like the Platinum, ST, and ST-Line offer an optional black-painted roof, adding sophistication and contrast. Inside, the Explorer balances practicality with refinement, introducing soft-touch materials, updated color schemes, and a reimagined dashboard for a more upscale, family-friendly experience.

The 2025 Kia Telluride combines bold exterior styling with a premium interior, featuring high-quality materials and thoughtful details. Its spacious cabin provides comfort for all three rows, with luxury-oriented trims offering nappa leather and advanced features like a head-up display. While the Telluride emphasizes interior elegance, its rugged design cues hint at its adventurous side. However, its focus on refinement occasionally overshadows utility, where the Explorer finds a strong balance between rugged functionality and urban sophistication.

The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers robust performance with versatile powertrain options. Its standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration. For those seeking even greater capability, the ST trim’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer achieves a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds with the 2.3-liter engine and 5.1 seconds with the V6. Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive for tailored performance.

The Explorer also offers competitive EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined in rear-wheel drive (RWD) configurations. With four-wheel drive (4WD), it achieves 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 provides 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined in both RWD and 4WD, with the ST trim rated slightly lower at 20 mpg combined.

The 2025 Kia Telluride is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While smooth and refined, it falls short of the Explorer’s turbocharged responsiveness. In Car and Driver testing, the Telluride X-Line accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds.

Fuel economy for the Telluride is rated by the EPA at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, with all-wheel-drive versions achieving 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. In Car and Driver’s 75-mph highway test, the all-wheel-drive Telluride returned 26 mpg, slightly exceeding its EPA highway rating.

With quicker acceleration, turbocharged engine options, and competitive fuel efficiency, the Explorer delivers a more dynamic and versatile driving experience. The Telluride offers steady performance and good fuel economy but lacks the sporty edge and powertrain diversity of its Ford rival.

Performance and Powertrain Comparison

Modern SUVs must balance practicality, comfort, and cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of today’s drivers and families. Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride deliver on these fronts, but each takes a unique approach to interior design and connectivity.

Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer blends thoughtful design and advanced technology to create a family-friendly SUV. Updates include new color schemes and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin for a more premium feel. A redesigned dashboard improves passenger ergonomics and comfort. The Explorer seats up to seven, with third-row access made simple by a button-operated second-row seat. The Explorer offers competitive cargo capacity: room for four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and up to 31 carry-ons with the second and third rows folded flat (Car and Driver).

Technology in the Explorer is anchored by a 13.2-inch touchscreen featuring Ford’s Digital Experience software, providing seamless integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and apps from Google and Amazon. Up to a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is available depending on the trim, and eight USB ports ensure all passengers stay connected.

Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride emphasizes upscale comfort, especially in higher trims. With high-quality materials, available nappa leather, and a premium headliner, its cabin exudes luxury. Heated and ventilated rear seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and a head-up display enhance comfort in the SX trim. The Telluride seats seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration and offers generous space in all three rows. Cargo capacity is robust, accommodating four carry-ons behind the third row and up to 35 with the seats folded flat (Car and Driver).

The Telluride features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional upgrades like a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon system and wireless smartphone charging. Unique to the Telluride is the Driver Talk feature, which amplifies the driver’s voice to rear passengers.

Both SUVs provide comfortable, tech-filled interiors, but the Explorer’s innovative software and versatile cargo space cater to active families, while the Telluride leans into luxury and spaciousness.

Comfort and Technology Comparison

Safety remains a crucial factor for SUV buyers, and both the 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride are equipped with a suite of safety and driver-assistance features designed to protect drivers and passengers.

Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer provides an array of standard safety features to ensure peace of mind:

• Advanced Airbags: Dual-stage front, front-seat side, and front knee airbags, along with a Safety Canopy® system featuring side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors.
• Crash Response: SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ automatically alerts emergency responders if an accident occurs.
• Stability Control: AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ helps maintain control in challenging conditions.
• Child Safety: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) system ensures secure child seat installation.
• Tire Monitoring: Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (ITPMS) keeps drivers informed of tire conditions.

The Explorer also includes a Perimeter Alarm and SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System for enhanced security, as well as Power Door Locks with child-safety rear locks for added protection.

Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride offers a comprehensive set of standard safety technologies:

• Driver Assistance: Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are standard across all trims.
• Advanced Features: Higher trims include a 360-degree camera system, automatic high beams, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor that projects a live camera feed of the blind spot into the digital gauge cluster.

Warranty Coverage

• Ford Explorer: A three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are included, though Ford does not offer complimentary maintenance.
• Kia Telluride: Kia leads with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and an industry-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, though it too lacks complimentary maintenance.

Both vehicles deliver robust safety features and security systems, but the Explorer’s child-focused LATCH system, comprehensive airbags, and post-crash alert system cater to families. Meanwhile, the Telluride shines with advanced driver-assistance upgrades and extended warranty coverage for long-term ownership confidence.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance Comparison

The 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride offer diverse trim levels designed to meet a range of needs, from practical family functionality to high-end luxury and performance.

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer starts in the high $30K range with the Active trim, featuring a 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The ST-Line adds sporty styling and a premium B&O® audio system in the mid-$40K range, while the Platinum focuses on luxury with leather seats, a panoramic Vista Roof, and massaging front seats starting in the low $50K range. Performance enthusiasts will find the ST trim appealing, with its 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, sport-tuned suspension, and bold design, priced in the mid-$50K range.

2025 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride begins in the low $30K range with the LX trim, offering 8-passenger seating, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and essential safety features. The S trim, priced in the high $30K range, adds heated front seats, captain’s chairs, and a power sunroof. The EX, starting in the low $40K range, brings premium touches like leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The off-road-focused EX X-Line and X-Pro trims include increased towing capacity and unique styling in the mid-$40K range. For luxury buyers, the SX and SX Prestige trims in the high $40K to low $50K range feature upgrades like dual sunroofs, a Harman Kardon audio system, and Nappa leather upholstery.

The Explorer emphasizes performance and versatility with powerful engine options and practical features, while the Telluride focuses on upscale comfort and off-road capability.

Pricing and Trim Levels Comparison

The 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride cater to distinct needs, making each SUV an excellent option for different types of buyers. The Explorer shines with its robust performance, versatile powertrains, and innovative technology, making it a great choice for families seeking a dynamic driving experience and practical utility. With its turbocharged engines, advanced connectivity, and balanced design, the Explorer suits those who prioritize power and adaptability in a three-row SUV.

The Kia Telluride, on the other hand, emphasizes luxury, spaciousness, and family-friendly comfort. Its upscale interior materials, advanced safety features, and off-road-capable trims make it an excellent option for larger families or those who prioritize refinement and roominess. The Telluride’s extended warranty coverage also provides added peace of mind for long-term ownership.

For drivers seeking sporty performance and cutting-edge tech, the 2025 Ford Explorer delivers a compelling package. For those prioritizing interior comfort and elegant design, the Kia Telluride stands out. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal needs, but the Explorer’s versatility and power make it a strong contender for a wide range of buyers.

Visit Dorian Ford today to test drive the 2025 Ford Explorer and discover how it fits your lifestyle.